A shoot 'em up just isn't complete without a healthy arsenal at your disposal. Recoil doesn't disappoint, with a huge selection of lasers, napalm, mines, rockets and the ecologically unsound nuclear bomb. These are all collected from the beaches and streets by simply rolling over them, as you'd expect.

Another prerequisite for modern 3D shooters is ingenious AI to make the enemies meaner than any encountered before. Thankfully the machines of the future have evolved with better-than-average intelligence. There's none of this 'blasting an enemy while it blissfully ignores you' rubbish here. Smaller APCs scoot around, hiding behind obstacles to evade the oncoming assault, while the larger heavily armed tanks simply plough into you, taking advantage of superior firepower.

In this world of 3D acceleration there's no doubt that Recoil looks fantastic. Even those without 3D hardware are in for a graphical treat. It's a pity that the sound is a bit of a let down. Instead of a huge roar as your napalm ignites a passing vehicle you are confronted by an odd squirting noise akin to that emitted by a water pistol at 20 paces.

This slight flaw aside, you can't fault Recoil. With all the customary multiplayer options so that you can give your mates a good toasting, there's plenty to hold your attention. If you liked Incoming or Wargasm you'll love Recoil.