The land of the Rising Sun produces its fair share of 2D beat 'em ups, so it's no surprise the brilliant Guilty Gear X2 Reload comes with all the usual Japanese juxtapositions. Break-neck guitar? Check. Incomprehensible, convoluted relationships between characters? Check. Stylish artwork, astoundingly deep combat system and brilliant multiplayer? Triple check.

The Guilty Gears are an eclectic bunch. The product of fused animal and human DNA, these rogue bioweapons are now self-aware, and out for the old clichéd revenge. But don't dismiss this as another run of the mill beat 'em up; this is an unbelievably deep, complex and technical fighter. Intuitive controls mean beginners will have instant access to the stunning regular moves each Gear boasts, and casual gamers could probably button-bash their way through the first few matches.

However, Down, Towards and Strong punch don't even scratch the surface of what's possible to pull off, and the tons of outlandish Special moves are an absolute visual spectacle to behold. Often numbering six or seven button presses at a time, this title is aimed at hardcore fans of the genre - if you've got the digit dexterity, you'll be rewarded with a fantastically frantic, exhilarating experience.

Along with the standard health meters, several other gauges keep the fighting fresh. The feral freaks have quite a temper, and as such have Tension and Burst meters. Take hits or dish out your own brand of punishment onto your opponent, and these will gradually fill. The Tension meter is especially cool. Once full, players can unleash a devastating Instant Kill. This quick and satisfying death on a stick (or guitar/snooker cue/elaborate extension of character) encourages aggressive gameplay. Wusses who block every attack will rapidly fill the Guard gauge - the fuller the meter, the more damage you take. The game is weighted towards attacking strategies, but by ensuring players learn many more combos and Special moves, thus really benefiting from the deep nature of the game, this is only a good thing.

The comprehensive game modes are anything but two-dimensional, but obviously include standard Arcade and Two-player Versus. Story mode fills us in on the wonderfully abstract and tenuous relationship between each Gear, while Mission allows players to battle through the other Gears with fights governed by variable parameters, like combo damage and time restrictions. Each of these permutations (there are 100 in all) is brilliantly balanced - one player may have gradually depleting health, but boast double overdrive damage to compensate.

Multiplayer is, of course, a prerequisite of any fighter, and Guilty Gear boasts full online play in addition to the normal two-player mode. Impressive, we're sure you'll agree and, in short, that's what Guilty Gear X2 Reload genuinely is. It is a victim of its own strengths by being so technical that it may alienate casual gamers, but purists won't find a more technical fighter out there. Top Gear.

1. Massively deep and complex fighter. Put the effort in though and you'll be rewarded with immensely satisfying moves.
2. Although only a 2D fighter, the game benefits from lush animations and stunning special moves. Wow factor included.
3. Tension gauges and Instant Kills put a varied spin on the regular beat-'em-up gameplay.
4. Loads of different match options - Mission modes in particular are well balanced yet still brutally tough to break.
5. Xbox Live play present, though be warned against picking a fight against a seasoned Gear player - you'll get instantly whupped.

At first glance, it's fun and frantic. Dig a little deeper and this superior fighter significantly shifts up a gear. Class.