Cel shading may be rapidly approaching the status of taboo, but games like XIII are helping to keep that title away. This is by far one of the best, if not the best, uses of cel shading. The developers have pulled off a comic book style motif in every visual aspect of this game. Cut scenes are done in blocked off frames with little animation, and the solid colors give the impression that you actually are reading a comic book.

The sound in XIII is a great example of how audio and video can work together to create a truly memorable experience. Not only can you hear things happening, but you can also see them in the form of Batman style 'Biff!'s and 'Pow!'s. The voice acting, as well as the music, also works to convey the sense of comic noir that proliferates throughout the game.

XIII may be the perfect run-of-the-mill First Person Shooter. Everything it does, it does extremely well, and the gameplay is varied to the extent that it keeps things fresh without going overboard trying to make every single mission incredibly different from the last.

There is a good mix of run-and-gun violence, one of the reasons for the mature rating, and also that of stealthy action. Both take an equal amount of skill to pull off, but neither go over the top too often like sending endless waves of mindless goons at you to be mowed down, or making you try to sneak past the same security camera over and over until you find just the right place to hide from it.

The environment around you also plays a crucial role in the action. Guns, grenades, and throwing knives are not your only weapons in this game. Lying around the place will be chairs, shovels, brooms, and even bricks that you can pick up and deliver a single incapacitating blow with. You can also take innocent people hostage whenever the opportunity arises, giving you the option to use non-lethal force to get out of some sticky situations.

The story in XIII, unlike most other FPS's, really helps drive the missions and gives you a clear purpose of why you are embarking on these near suicide runs. The plot is full of political intrigue, sex, humor, unexpected twists, and great characters. Yet it never feels like you're sitting around watching a movie, like in Max Payne or Metal Gear Solid 2. A harmonious balance has been reached between gameplay and story telling. This may be the beginning of interactive graphic novels.

Aside from the Single Player mode, there is also a Multiplayer mode that allows up to six players to go at it online, or you can do a Two Player split screen game with some bots. The Multiplayer aspect isn't all that thrilling, and the unique game type included in the PS2 version of XIII isn't all that great. Stick to the Single Player mode and you'll be all right, just don't look to XIII for its Multiplayer capabilities.

Since the gameplay in XIII is not of the standard shoot-em-up variety, you'll have to employ some crafty tactics and get back into the hang of dealing with very dynamic situations. XIII will be a little harder than other games of its type simply because it keeps the pace up and keeps you on your toes. In most cases it draws the line between challenging and downright hard, but inevitably there are always the times when the challenge becomes almost impossible. Thankfully these are few and far between, and you can be sure the rest of the game will keep you on the edge of your seat without kicking you off of it.

The controls in XIII are kept simple but used to a startling effect. There are plenty of guns, and most have some type of alternate fire that will come in handy at least once during the course of the game. You also have an inventory of items, such as health packs, a lock pick, and my favorite, the grappling hook. This little device will let you play Tarzan from various pieces of hanging scenery.

It's the little things about XIII that make it a pleasure to play. The fact that you cannot only hear, but actually see the noises of footsteps through walls is such an easy trick, yet it is a powerful tool you will use over and over again.

XIII is simply a joy to play. It doesn't do anything revolutionary, but what it does, it does with style, and that's all I've ever asked for. There is little reason not to own this game if you already own a PS2.