With an intuitive weapon switching system, anything you need it easily accessed. Three of the face buttons select the three separate types of weapons (thrown, guns, and tazer). It's a shame there's no way to take health packs, however. The only way to heal is to find a medic in the field and talk to her. If you're deep into a level, this is nothing more than a cheap inconvenience.

The graphics engine is on solid ground, and even when the gangs begin to overwhelm, the frame rate is able to keep up. Surprisingly, the FMV cinematics are not sloppy and cheap. They greatly increase the effectiveness of the story, and their professional quality is definitely above what we're used to seeing.

Xbox Live play is disappointingly limited. This FPS engine is faster-paced than a standard shooter, and feels like its made for multi-player. Sadly, there's only one mode to play, an objective-based team scenario. Even a basic deathmatch would have greatly increased this title's value.

Still, there's more than enough to handle in the single player. The challenge of trying to clear a level using almost nothing but headshots (made easier by superb hit detection) is a real challenge in later levels. The additional firepower is always worth the extra effort.

It's rare to see a FPS with such a strong single player focus anymore, but that allowed the developers to create an experience a few steps above what we're used to. The few innovations don't sound exciting when you're reading about them. It's their execution that will make you feel naked without them when you move on to something else. If you're not that concerned with online multi-player, this is one of the biggest surprises you'll find.  Urban Chaos Riot Response is rated M (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language. This game can also be found on: PS2