Nick Scryer is a bad, bad man and definitely not a team player. He's the kind of guy who puts in overtime and works extra-hard to become employee of the month, just so he can wipe his bum with the certificate. Maybe the Mindgate Corporation had serious recruitment problems or didn't check his references when they hired him. Not only that, but they trained the double-crosser with six lethal psychic powers. Now with telekinesis, mind drain, mind control, remote viewing, pyrokinesis and aura view on his CV, Mr Scryer is taking down the company from the inside.

Plenty of games have included mind- bending abilities, most notably Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy and Legacy Of Kain: Defiance. Psi-Ops however, levitates high above the crowd courtesy of some far superior real-time physics. Splashing out on Havok's excellent physics engine was well worth it. This piece of code (also used in Deus Ex: Invisible War and Half-Life 2) means that every interactive object moves realistically. Push, drop or throw some scenery and anything it hits will also be affected.

When you throw telekinesis into the mix, the possibilities are endless. You can lift almost anything, from office furniture to guns to explosive barrels, and never have to worry about doing your back in. Not even enemies can resist a ride on the psychic express train to hell.

David Blaine never made levitation this easy. Just point the crosshair over an object and hold the Left trigger to raise it. You can then move it about slowly with the Right thumbstick or quickly throw it like a projectile weapon. The analogue control is so precise that it's even possible to build towers out of crates and then climb to the top for a better view. Telekinesis can also be used to grab weapons and items from inaccessible areas. Live grenades can also be returned promptly to the goons that threw them.

Another great trick is to levitate an object while you're standing on top of it. Zooming around the level on a flying vending machine (that's on fire) is just one of the treats in store. Almost everything you try in Psi-Ops, no matter how wacky, results in satisfaction rather than disappointment. It's a game that constantly rewards you for being inventive.

Only restrictive level design proves an obstacle to enjoying your new-found abilities. Generic corridors littered with explosive barrels are the staple of most levels, and the game only really excites during the climatic boss battles. We'd have preferred more sandbox-style areas.

Despite being linear, the levels do contain some engaging puzzles to spice things up. Many involve the use of mind control to manipulate an unfortunate civilian or foe. It's pleasing that as long as you're in possession, you can force them to do anything you want. This could be anything from unlocking a security door to jumping into an acid bath. As long as your psi-energy lasts (and there's no shortage of power-ups), you can do anything, even beat yourself up!

Playing stealthily is another option that spices up the game. Nick can creep, hug walls and stealth kill. Unsuspecting foes caught with mind drain have a major head-popping experience. Nasty. Maybe that's what happened to the writers of Psi-Ops' storyline. It's a conspiratorial yarn with a plot twist so predictable that even WWE scriptwriters would cringe.

While the same goes for the horribly generic boss characters, that just means you'll have more fun splatting them against walls. Boss battles are A-grade old-skool material - pure drama and plenty of thought required to beat them. Fighting Barrett is especially exciting because his telekinesis is strong enough to throw entire train carriages in your direction.

Exceptional AI means that fighting normal enemies is also very entertaining. They'll duck behind cover and then dash to new positions when you remove their protection with telekinesis. Likewise, they'll throw grenades to flush you out and kick obstacles out of the way to rip you a new one.

Despite being more intelligent than your average henchmen, the enemies are still no match for your devastating abilities. Psi-Ops' biggest asset is the feeling of empowerment you get, but the downside is that the eight missions don't take too long to get through (about ten hours). While it lasts though, Psi-Ops is spectacular fun and easily the most inventive third-person shooter to date.

1. Great use of Havok physics engine
2. Inventive powers offer no end of fun
3. Outstanding AI!

1. Restrictive levels
2. Only eight missions
3. Poor co-op mode

Power
Above-average graphics but lots of grey corridors. Character animation and ragdoll effects are superb.

Style
Awful story and characters. Boss battles are very dramatic and as old-skool as we could've hoped for.

Immersion
Nick's powers make you feel like the ultimate badass. Killing enemies never grows dull.

Lifespan
Fairly short at around ten hours but there are heaps of extra features and bonus games to unlock.

Summary
A devious little game that constantly amuses. Shows how real-time physics can be a huge leap forward for gaming.