Game review: Area 51

Area 51 is set in the U.S. Government's most top-secret and secure facility located in the Nevada desert. Players take on the role of Lt. Nick Cross, a hazardous biological waste specialist sent to investigate the mysterious situation.  During his investigation, Lt. Cross stumbles across alien creatures and becomes infected with a biological mutagen that eventually transforms him into something not quite human. To save the earth and himself, Lt. Cross must fight to solve the enigma of Area 51.

Area 51 takes the player through eight massive levels within a clandestine government complex. Combining intense combat, exploration, adventure, discovery, and puzzle-solving, the game blends graphic violence with science fiction. As Lt. Cross, the player will discover secret areas and items, including a rumoured government cover-up. Stan Winston, renowned creature designer, contributed to Area 51's intrigue by creating artwork of some of the disturbing alien characters and mutations featured in the game.

For more than 30 years, Stan Winston has developed characters, creatures and monsters for motion pictures and television. The four-time Academy Award winner is responsible for designing many of the most enduring creatures of the big screen, including the dinosaurs of "Jurassic Park," the extraterrestrial monstrosities of "Aliens" and the fanciful character of "Edward Scissorhands." Nominated for an Academy Award for "A.I.," Stan Winston worked on the latest Terminator instalment, "T3" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The end results in this game are certainly proof of his talents and create an incredible atmosphere for a first-person shooter.

FeaturesExtensive Single-Player Campaign: Battle through corridors of Area 51 and attempt to discover the secrets of the extraterrestrial menace before it is too late

Story-Driven Epic Adventure: Engage in an epic adventure through eight massive sections of a secretive complex

Fearsome Weaponry: Equip yourself with more than 15 types of human and alien weapons and other equipment as you explore dark corridors

Evolving Gameplay: An infectious mutagen gives Lt. Nick Cross alien-enhanced physical abilities but is also slowly transforming him into an alien. Find the cure before it's too late and humanity is lost

Online Combat: Battle online with your Xbox Live where you can easily access the many systems allowing you to find your friends and set up your own matches