In development for a number of years and showcased in its early form at several trades shows, XIII is almost ready to ship to the public. The story begins with the character who remains nameless being washed up on a deserted New England beach. A near fatal gunshot wound has left you with a slightly sore head and a touch of amnesia . Mysteriously as you come to, you notice that a tattoo is placed on your chest that reads.....XIII (Thirteen). A key to a New York bank deposit box is also found in your pocket, although the amnesia prevents you from understanding any of it. On rising to your feet and pulling yourself together you notice a group of assailants heading in your direction seemingly intent on putting you down for good. However and to your surprise you despatch of these assassins with the guile and ease of a professional. From here on in you take control of yourself and begin the quest to find out who you are and why you were on that beach being shot at. In a tale that involves you being wanted by the state after being accused of a presidential assassination neatly in twined with a government conspiracy you the player are on the run. You the player  are XIII......

XIII is another first person action adventure game from French/ Canadian developers Ubi soft. Although unlike every other game of this type, is the first to use a comic book approach to the game. This is apparent with the use of the popular Cel Shaded graphics using the famous Unreal II game engine. Also featured are pop up boxes and flashback scenes that will totally engross the player into the games ever expanding storyline. Some top named actors such as X-files David Duchovny were drafted in to do some of the all important voice acting. Something which many games developers are doing these days.

XIII is a man with a past and as the story unfolds more is known about him. He has a sixth sense ability which will enable him to detect the unseen through walls and in darkened areas with sound and images. This sixth sense is visualised through the comic book style with words and letters such as " Tap Tap Tap" and a visual representation of footsteps as an example. We are told that this sixth sense can only be used when the player is stationary. I assume this is so XIII can focus on his environment without the distractions of major gunfire going off in the palms of his hands, also lending itself to some of the stealthier components of the game.

Although it is not all stealth as there will be a wide range of weaponry at XIII's disposal. These come in the form of Knives, automatic rifles, silenced pistols and whole host more of weapons that you would expect in a game of this type. What is also interesting are some of the other types of weapons available which are incorporated with the interactivity of the levels, for example a broken window will present an opportunity for XIII to use shards of glass as an effective slicing weapon. Broken bottles, chairs, ashtrays, you name it also being able to be used as effective weapons. Using enemies themselves in combat will also feature whereby XIII will be able to create a human shield with the dead or alive. Well I did say that XIII was a professional and when you have run out of ammo quick thinking will often get you out of tricky situations.

Judging by some of the screen shots and the playable code that has been available throughout the games development the levels themselves will be as diverse as the game play. From snowy landscapes to arid desert and urban settings the player will be treated to a visual treat as far as locations are concerned, although I am sure Ubi has many more surprises up its sleeves regarding these.

Throughout the course of the story XIII will be accompanied during various stages by Major Jones a sassy female operative. During these stages XIII will have to fight the enemies while receiving covering fire from Jones and vice versa. So be prepared for some major firefights with other characters as you progress through the game.

XIII will feature extensive multi player modes for use on Xbox Live and split screen. These will include the standard death match modes and CTF game types but also some newer innovative game types such as sabotage and cover me to name a few. Characters for use here will be unlocked through doing well in the single player game. Details regarding the use of downloadable content is a little vague at this time but maybe on the cards.

XIII is shaping up to be an awe inspiring and refreshing take on the First person shoot em up genre. Based on French comics by William Vance and Jean Van Hamme who took part in the production of the game. Spread over 8 chapters through 37 missions and hosting 30 weapons to unleash on your foes XIII is looking to be an essential purchase when its released later this year.