Shattered Union is one very unique title, well for the Xbox - because it’s a turn-based military strategy game.

Times have changed and the USA has torn itself apart after terrorism and the destruction of Washington DC. The country split into 7 nation states: California Commonwealth, Pacifica, Republic of Texas, Great Plains Federation, The Confederacy, New England Alliance and the European Union. The sides all have their advantages and disadvantages, some have more money and some have more military. Once you've chosen your side you get presented with the US map. The sides take there turns attacking until it’s your turn, then you can choose what you want to do. This is where the first part of the strategy gaming begins. If you attack with all of your units your other territories will be undefended but your assault will have a better chance of success. The battles take place on huge game boards covered in hexagons or 'hexs' (you'll probably be familiar with these if you've played similar titles on the PC). The hexs are the spaces your units use. Being a pretty hardcore strategy game the terrain plays a big part in the game, roads will offer the least movement penalty but also the least defence because your unit is out in the open, whereas cities or forests will offer you least movement but more defence because you're surrounded by buildings or trees.

As well as the main campaign you'll also be able to do skirmish battles and battle on Xbox Live.

The unit selection is great and the gameplay is decent too but there are a few little niggles I'd like to point out. The first is in the money system, it costs an awful lot of money to buy and repair units. You don't have many units to begin with and your territories will become undefended due to the amount of units you need for assaults. The second niggle is really slight but quite irritating to me, and that is the way tanks can defend themselves against bombers, I'm really not sure how that’s possible.

The sound is average, weapon sounds are decent as is the music. Not really much else to say about that.

Overall Shattered Union is a great strategy game let down technically by the graphics engine and forgettable sound. Definitely one for strategy nuts (are there any who own Xboxes?) but not a game I’d recommend to people that want a quick blast.