MDK2 Armageddon is the PS2 version of the previously released MDK2 for PC & Dreamcast, following on directly from where the original MDK (masterfully developed by Shiny) left off. This time around though, Bioware (creators of the Baldur's Gate series) were handed the reigns and they've put their considerable talents to good use.

MDK2 has you once again assuming the role of Kurt Hectic, the reluctant hero and employee of Dr. Fluke Hawkins, who donned the experimental coil suit and sniper helmet to rid the earth of evil aliens in the last game. Although Kurt's role is almost identical in MDK2 the game is now made a whole lot more interesting in that you also have to play sections of the game through as Dr. Hawkins and his creation "Max" the robotic, cigar-chompin' 6 legged dog (or should that be 2-legged and 4-armed dog?!). This a really good gameplay move by Bioware and one which takes the game out of the usual sequel scenario of just sticking the original character in all new settings.

The 3 playable characters all offer distinctly different styles of play as well as great comic relief throughout the game. Playing as Kurt you'll be using a bit of stealth here and there as well as the trusty sniper helmet which is capable of taking out enemies and 'lock balls' from a mile away. At the other end of the scale is Max who's more at home charging into the fray with a weapon blazing in each of his 4 hands! If you're looking for all-out action then Max will definitely satisfy your lust as you can equip him with up to four highly-powered handguns including Uzis and Gatling guns and use them all at once! The Doctor though is in a class of his own. Rather than use brute force or ignorance Doctor Hawkins uses his obvious (but often misdirected) intelligence in the puzzle-solving segment of the game. In order to combat enemies he also has to literally create weapons of his own on-the-fly such as the radioactive toaster which spews forth atomic toast at unsuspecting alien foes. This is achieved by combining various items found in the environment and offers a refreshing change in style from the usual run-around-and-shoot action.

MDK2 does offer a few different gameplay styles and there always seems to be something new and challenging to do. It mixes elements of shooting, action, platforming and puzzle-solving remarkably well. Although the game never really gets boring there is however a very linear nature to the levels which becomes quite obvious as you progress. Also some of the puzzles you need to solve with Dr. Hawkins don't appear to have obvious answers and the hunt for endless, hard to find switches can become a little tedious. One of the many little frustrating times in the game is when you have to negotiate precarious small platforms with the less-mobile Doctor Hawkins when one slightly wrong movement spells instant death. Most of the mini-games are also somewhat less than inspiring, often dragging out a pause during which you wish you were back in the action again.