Players are able to customize their high-tech warrior to suit individual play styles: snipers will go with light armor, extra battery pack, and a laser rifle; fans of less-subtle tactics will grab heavy armor, a mortar, plasma gun, and shield pack to create a walking tank. This level of customization adds an unusual amount of depth for a game in the first-person shooter genre, and it's fun to mix up gear choices in order to react to battlefield conditions.

And oh, what a beautiful battlefield it is. Players begin the game within their home base, but once free of those crowded halls, a limitless vista greets the eyes. Rolling hills, snow-covered peaks, and eerie moonscapes provide a stunning backdrop to the action as players zoom around with jetpacks. Outposts, towers, and weapon emplacements provide strategic objectives and sniping platforms; hovercraft and personnel carriers allow quick transport and airborne assaults.

Blasting your way across the world of Tribes is fun, but it's not the only gameplay option. Less action-oriented gamers can assume the role of Commander and issue orders to teammates. The Commander is especially useful during matches that require intricate teamwork, such as capture the flag, capture and hold, and defend and destroy. --Mike Fehlauer

Pros:

• Can pick weapons and equipment to suit mood and play style
• Visually impressive game engine
• Jetpacks

• Poor tutorial