In case you were wondering, Anarchy Reigns, Platinum Games robust brawler, does have a storyline nestled in there among the blood spurts and ultra-violence. Alas, like a lot of multiplayer-centric titles that thump in with a back story in tow, it has the ring of poor-written afterthought.
Playing as MadWorlds Jack, or his rival Leo, youre set on a collision course with a rogue Bureau Of Public Safety agent, Max. The two characters have different motives: for Leo, its all about rescuing his mentor; Jack, meanwhile, has been hired as a bounty hunter by Maxs daughter. But we're not really here for story, and the narrative duly grinds to a halt as youre tasked with button bashing your way through the campaign, doling out an array of light and heavy attacks.
Each assault can be modified by a simple pump of the left trigger, which transforms it into a Killer Weapon, like a giant chainsaw that slices and dices an opponent in a gore-drenched instant. Anarchy Reigns doesnt really care much for its single-player component its a glorified tutorial at best but it is, at least, solid prep for the dust-ups youll face online.
And youll need it because Platinums latest is designed around chaotic multiplayer sessions where practice makes perfect. That said, online play can frustrate, especially with 16 players on the battlefield at any one time. Its only during the two-on-two bouts that youll ever feel totally in control over whats happening on screen. Still, its a valiant effort from the Japanese developer to deliver something that the industry has been crying out for: a real gamers game. And at twenty quid, youd be a fool not to consider picking it up.