Blowout - Xbox

Blast through 10 levels of side-scrolling action in this budget title overflowing with gooey aliens and heavy weapons.Play as Cane, the quintessential tough guy sent into a derelict space station to confront an alien menace. You'll need quick reflexes to exterminate this horrible host, but fortunately copious amounts of ammo are at your disposal.Aim in any direction with the C Stick while moving with the Control Stick. Aim high and low at 14 different types of enemies that slither, fly and otherwise skulk through the dark corridors.Balancing out the mindless shooting is a fair amount of exploration. The automatic map feature is a godsend when traversing collapsed passages and elevators. Key items are pointed out along with color-coded locks and their corresponding keys.The graphics are wonderfully cliché, from slimy-green aliens to our hero's cigar which so clearly expresses his machismo. Bright explosions have plenty of impact, but the level geometry lacks variety. Witty, well-acted radio-communications make learning the controls fun.