FireStarter Hands-On

Most of the AT staff was keen to try out the FireStarter in multiplayer. So, without much ado, we started playing through all the available modes. The game offers four different multiplayer variants: Cooperative, Deathmatch, Hunting, and Slaughter. Deathmatch and Slaughter are always cool, but playing in Cooperative mode was even more fun. Up to 32 players are able to join miscellaneous multiplayer matches via Internet or LAN. Of course, we still weren't able to give this one a proper test online, but from what we experienced throughout several intense and extremely fun LAN matches FireStarter should really hit the spot for those of you craving multiplayer shoot-outs a-la UT 2003.

Although FireStarter doesn't promise an exceptionally lengthy single-player experience, it certainly possesses enough replayability within its multiplayer traits to keep you hooked for a while. Also, the good news is that GSC Game World plans to release the game with an estimated retail price of $20, which definitely sounds like a bargain. The amount of time we spent with this game was enough to considerably raise our expectations. Well, there's only a few weeks left before the final version arrives, and we are truly looking forward to it. Gamers in Europe are already playing this one, but let's hope that Stateside gamers get a more polished up and bug-free product.