Aurally it is also impressive, with a very rich texture to the sounds (no cheap samples here) and nicely detailed positional audio. A good example of what the Xbox can do for game sound.

The control scheme would be fine, if not for two issues. One, the camera and two, the camera. Technically, that is only the one issue but it's such a doozy, it deserved mentioning twice. In fact, the game loses an entire fist right here - this is one serious and bizzare problem. The camera is controlled by the d-pad. So? Well, that means that you cannot move your character and position the camera at the same time - and switching your left thumb between the analogue stick and the d-pad at regular intervals is annoying in the extreme. As your character runs, the camera automatically (and slowly) swings in behind him, maintaining the "over the shoulder" viewpoint. If you have moved in a direction that no longer sees your character looking to where you want to go next, the camera will faithfully move so that you can no longer see to plan your next move. Move your thumb, move the camera, move your thumb, move your character.

Annoying in the extreme.

How this did not show up in playtesting just plain boggles the mind. There is a "controls" option in the menu, but that only allows you to view the controls. Nice, but annoying when you thought you might be able to change them. All the while, the right analogue stick sits their, used only to fire your weapon (!) should you click it.