As you can probably imagine, those of us brought up on a staple television diet of TV cartoons like the Transformers will instantly understand the appeal that this package holds. Those of us who were not are in for a treat.

Several multiplayer options are available. 'Co-op', 'Versus', and 'Skirmish' for two-player split-screen mayhem. These modes are surprisingly good, although including an i-Link option would have made it truly stand out. As it stands, the split-screen option is adequate, and with several multiplayer modes, there is plenty to get into. Versus mode is simply a one-on-one deathmatch in several choices of arena. Skirmish sees you operating from a base, on several types of island terrain, with a compliment of allied forces. You join forces with your friend in Co-op mode, and take on the Muspell together. Even in these modes there is little 'slow-down', which is an achievement in itself – it's hardcore. And with a human opponent, it's that much more intense.

As far as the control options go, there's no 'user defined' option, but four preset combinations instead. The loading times are quick, and there is next to no waiting around.

Right. Lets talk replay value. Between the several dozen graded missions that you can almost always improve on, and the considerably more difficult 'Evo' missions, the single player campaign is long, due also to the increasing intensity of each mission. There are also an absolute ton of goodies to unlock – cut-scenes, in-depth technical data on the various military units, concept art, and biographies of the main characters. Combine these with great multiplayer options, and you've got a substantial gaming experience.

If it had even just a two-player i-Link option, it would have been an instant classic. Battle Engine Aquila is nevertheless an enjoyably satisfying game to play, with much life in its multiplayer aspects. All up, a very polished end product, worthy of attention when it makes its New Zealand release later this month (around February 17th if not sooner).