While adding collision to the level walls would only add to the difficulty, it would at least raise the game above the level of a generic FMV shooter from the early 90s. It's a shame, too, since Xyanide performs fine in the area of explosions, satisfaction, and weaponry. As a basic update to a classic genre, it has the basic mechanics down, while adding its own twist. With multiple types of weapons, each with their own tendencies against specific enemies, it keeps the players from simply holding down a firing button.

The game creates an interesting visual change in your ship too. Picking up power-ups will slowly turn your fighter into an organic or mechanical firepower source. Your speed is likewise affected depending on the path you take.

There's also the addition of higher power secondary fire, charged on the left trigger and fired at a locked-on target. This is hardly an original idea, though executed nice enough to prove satisfying when these shots land. You're also granted special moves that vary between offensive and defensive advantages on the face buttons.

Only two modes of play are selectable, and sadly, neither one of those are online. Leaderboards are all the Xbox Live banner on the back of the box will bring you. Arcade mode takes you through the entire game in one run (with no way to save), while Level mode lets you take on an individual fight you unlocked by playing the previous game play challenge.

To its credit, Xyanide does a stunning job of creating its world on a budget. The cinematics are worth watching again, and it may keep someone from putting down the controller when they're frustrated. Sadly, the same can't be said for the game play, which not only feels restrictive, but wasted. Xyanide's few new ideas can't keep it together in the long run.

Xyanide is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Animated Blood and Fantasy Violence.