Alias PS2

There is something about certain TV series that nudge them towards maintaining a cult status. Although in today's vernacular, cult has replaced the word 'geek' and 'easily persuaded to buy costly DVD box-sets', there is undeniably an X factor at work in such offerings as Alias. And what more demographically-targeted product than a popular videogame to fill the coffers? Acclaim is keen to point out that its PlayStation 2 Alias offering is more than just a franchise cash-in. Indeed, the accompanying press release states that Alias is ...a great game with a license, not just a licensed game. Which is encouraging, though the neighbouring line does read, Strong TV license with an even hotter female star. Hmm... For the uninitiated, Alias is a live action Kim Possible for teenagers starring teen spy Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), the series' lads mag cover lead. As a CIA super spy, she must travel the globe thwarting things, whilst balancing one of the most complex plot twists ever with the rigours of normal life. Bless. Acclaim, in the time-honoured tradition of the licensed game, has opted for third-person action for Alias, augmenting this with a strategy-cum-beat-em-up gameplay model. And to everyone's surprise, the result is far better that might have been expected. Sydney has an impressive amount of moves at her disposal, with perhaps the best thought out combat system in some time coming from the least likely of sources. There is, as you would expect, something of a joint focus throughout the game on both the lead protagonist (you have the ability to dress her in 12 different outfits) and the gadget-chic theme that runs through the TV series. Another surprise comes in the news that there is a well-maintained stealth gameplay element running throughout proceedings, a fact that bodes well for the game as a whole. As you will know, certain licensed games, almost invariably third-person action affairs, have been heavily criticised for offering nothing more than a mindless, time-consuming walkthrough