Alias is a difficult show to get into. I tried watching the first season when it was first shown on TV and twice I gave up at around the same point. The problem was that it has so much going on and so many twists and turns that even the slightest glance from the screen made it hard to catch up - even with each episode TiVOed I struggled and lost interest. However, not being one to miss out on the chance of seeing a lady in skimpy clothes I got the first season on DVD and tried again. This time I was engrossed - Alias is brilliantly written, has a fantastic plot, many a witty line, plenty of action and of course it has Jennifer Garner.

Alias the game is just the same. It's written by series creator J.J Abrams, it actually fits in with the continuity of the TV series (towards end of season two). All the actors provide their likeness and voices and there are plenty of opportunities to have as many punch ups as you want.

   

The game is yet another 3rd person action adventure, and thus control of Agent Bristow should be second nature to everyone. The game opens with the now standard tutorial level where you have your hand held and are guided through each objective to complete your first mission. Within seconds the similarity with many games of this type is soon apparent. A slight pushing forward on the left stick sees you walk slowly forward and as you push further you move faster. A stealth element is added by the ability to enter (funnily enough) "stealth" mode and you can also crouch (you are a sneaky spy after all).

Sydney has plenty of moves tucked under her belt. Aside from those mentioned above she is also able jump up and grab pipes and shimmy along. She is also able to pull off a fair amount of impressive stealth skills by attacking the enemies as they approach a corner she is lurking around. The now standard thermo and night vision are also trusty tools of the trade.

When stealth fails (or you just fancy a ruck) you can attack (almost) anyone you want. Combat is very, very simple to carry out - it's a two button affair. One for quick attacks another for the special attack. Combos seem to be randomly pulled off and the moves you use tend to change depending on you location and proximity to an enemy. If you are stood at the top of some steps Syd may just kick the opponent down them, but if both of you are near a wall she may slam them against it. Whilst this may seem a little inconsistent it does make each fight interesting and more in keeping with the TV show.

   

The intro and link sequences are very good. Before the first mission starts you find yourself in a briefing. Each actor's likeness is actually wrapped around the computer model and whilst looking a little like Max Headroom it's probably the closest likeness yet in a console game. You really do feel like you are watching the TV show, especially with the actors' own voices and some funny lines from the shows 'Q' figure Marshall. In-game proper the graphics are as good as can be expected, all animations are smooth and fluid (although Syd's run is a bit suspect) and the levels varied and detailed. One rather neat feature is that when you are doing something critical the screen splits so that you can see what is happening elsewhere on the level, this is usually some of the guards searching for you and really does add to the tension.

This being a spy adventure you have all the gadgets and gizmos that you could hope for, including the ability to change costume at the drop of a hat (or more often dress) - this is not just for titillation, but as in the TV program is an actual part of the mission - it again adds to the "being there" feeling. The gadgets are also easy to use and fairly self-explanatory.

   

So far, so good then? - Well yes, but there is some criticism. The game is rather easy - there is very little requirement to stick to stealth most of the time - the only way you are penalised is via an alarm sounding or a guard spotting you. Occasionally this can result in mission over but more often than not you can just have a good scrap and carry on your way. You may even find that you can ignore the guard and just run past.

For fans of the TV show Alias is probably well worth a purchase, they will probably be able to put up with the simplicity of certain parts of the game and get a fair bit of replayablity from it, certainly for myself it will keep be going until September and the launch of season three on DVD. However, those with no knowledge of the series would probably be better off with renting it, - it's still a very playable and fun game.