It reads like a fantasy fan's wet dream. A lateral, turn-based video game set in disturbingly dark lands featuring grumbling, hideous, mythological superbeings, all vying for universal supremacy and dabbling in unworldly magic and gentlemanly bouts of fisticuffs. Ideal, then, if your concept of fun involves a friendly game of chess with your brainiest chum and an in-depth analysis of Sauron's failed invasion of the city of Gondor in The Lord of the Rings.

For those of you who like your D&D-style shenanigans, Wrath Unleashed is best described as part tactical board game, part one-on-one fighter. Ally with an elemental force, take command of a motley bunch of genies, ogres, centaurs and unicorns etc, and do battle on a simple 3D battlefield-cum-board. It's as simple as that. You move your living pieces, engaging in punch-outs whenever two pieces vie for the same 'square'. Of course, the bigger picture demands the completion of specific aims, such as securing citadels and temples, all of which come with the extra bonus of rewarding your armies extra magic.

It doesn't end there, though. There are other little things to consider. For example, difficult terrain and minor disasters are liable to throw a spanner in the works, while certain powerful individuals can help turn the tide of a campaign by casting cheeky spells. Yep, thanks to demi-god leaders, not only can you change the shape of the land, but execute unfortunates with a click of the fingers. Surely that's just cheating?

Whilst the turn-based wargaming is no better or worse than playing draughts, chess or Monopoly (read that as you will), the 3D fighting action feels like something left over from the Dreamcast. Essentially, each monstrous oddity has several attacks, which makes for some of the most basic beat 'em up frolics since Ken and Ryu were trading blows in kindergarten. Soul Calibur II it ain't. While the strategic advancement of 'troops' has its rare moments (especially in multiplayer), the fun is marred by the fact that every major attempt to steal ground culminates in turgid punch-ups of the dullest kind. You'll groan, you'll cry, then you'll say "Screw this for a laugh" and hike it back to your local games store to trade it in for something more engaging. Like a 3D trump cards simulator. Possibly.

1. Decent multiplayer
2. Good blend of strategy and action
3. Looks quite nice

1. Poor, repetitive fighting
2. So sloooooow
3. Bland visuals

Power
Looks quite nice, but probably doesn't do too much that lesser consoles couldn't handle.

Style
Typical fighting fantasy stuff, with lots of spit-dripping creatures to marvel at.

Immersion
Potentially fun at first, but the repetitive nature of the fighting will soon turn you off.

Lifespan
Multiplayer aspect adds appeal but, at the end of the day, you'll probably rather be rolling dice.

Summary
A nice idea, but far too basic and uninspiring to deliver. Only worth considering if you've got similarly minded mates.