The latest and seemingly never-ending spree of Saw films continued this year, as the more recent release in Saw VI hit cinemas around Halloween, and following on from the heels of the latest film, Konami - responsible for the Silent Hill games and the sole reason that I no longer sleep - have saw fit to release a Saw game. This isn't your typical movie tie-in game though, while the game's released following on from the latest movie, the timing is no doubt just about garnering interest, as the gaming outing's story picks up following the events of the very first film. The Jigsaw wants you to play this game, but we find out if all the blood and guts is enough to pry the cold, hard cash away from Saw fans.

Gameplay:

It's hard to imagine how the rather sick and grotesque films might translate into an enjoyable gaming experience, bar just seeing peoples heads explode or get sliced and diced by one of Jigsaw's many deadly 'tests' or traps in animated gaming form. As always there's a method to Jigsaw's madness, and he's quite adjusted for the gaming charade it seems, it's all set-up well with the story as the player resumes the role of Detective Tapp, whom is obsessed with capturing Jigsaw since his partner died in the first film, as well as sticking his hand down filthy toilets all too frequently in the name of finding a key. Detective Tapp, whilst stuck in a booby-trapped insane asylum - which is rigged with not only that dreary and menacing Saw atmosphere, but also plenty of traps that will blow his skull clean off, and undoubtedly make you jump each and every time - is tasked with traversing the environment cautiously to his objective.

The general set-up of the game stays true to that of the films, yet manages to bring it into a gaming environment rather well, although it's not without some big flaws. Atmosphere and exploration sums up the best of what Saw has to offer. As Detective Tapp the player will navigate through the asylum in search of clues using just a lighter or flashlight to brighten up the darkened asylum, and of course no asylum would be complete without its insane inmates, not that they need an incentive to want to kill you, being insane and all, but Jigsaw saw fit to give them one anyway. There's only one key to exit the locked-down asylum, and it's inside you, of course Jigsaw saw fit to broadcast this fact with his creepy doll on the numerous tacky televisions, as well as over the intercoms for all psychopaths to hear. That sums up how Saw cleverly ushers in the experience into gaming, as that's not something the films ever focused on previously, but other than that, the flawed combat system and at times the 'hair pulling and raging puzzles', it remains very much a Saw experience.

From the opening of the game you'll be fighting to get a familiar trap off your head before it chomps down on your skull, and throughout the game you'll be finding clues to proceed from ramming your arm deep down into a toilet full of syringes in the name of finding a key or clue, or turning steam valves and doing some basic puzzle solving to proceed. The sum of its parts adds up to an entertaining and atmospheric gaming experience, but ultimately the combat is the biggest flaw. The general idea is to avoid inmates by bolting doors and finding alternate routes, and ultimately setting up some Jigsaw-esque traps of your own to dispose of them. Although when they get too close for comfort, the combat breaks down the experience considerably with awkward and slow movements, the only interesting aspect is that there's a lot of weaponry to pick up from syringes, baseball bats and even, a table lamp, to name but a few.

The pacing follows a 'boss' like theme in that the end of each objective leads up to a victims trap, getting there requires searching for clues to proceed, dispose or side-step enemies to continue and get through some easy and yet challenging puzzles, to punching your way through rotten walls. The end of the objective is either to escape or learn the truth and ultimately capture Jigsaw, as is evident by the choice of two endings later in the game. Naturally, being Saw, along the way you'll encounter victims who are trapped in one of Jigsaw's so called 'tests', and must fight against the clock to set them free, although feel free to take your time the first time round and learn the task slowly, as the gore of these deaths is bound to appeal to those who love the sickening blood and guts of what the films are all about.

Graphics:

As you've probably figured out by now, Saw is all about the atmosphere, the dark and dreary visual presentation combined with the audio works its charm to bring that Saw-like experience to the gaming masses - whether it be the creepy doll on its bicycle sinisterly laughing at you as you wander into a trap, or rather the appearance of it on the screen combined with the fitting voice-over, to of course, the lighting effects and just the lack of light and the need for it, from the trusty flashlight to the flaming lighter.

Saw encompasses a rather gritty style, and as such much of the detail is not of such a high quality; no doubt this is intentional though as the films always embraced that grainy, dirty look, but in this apparent HD era we're always striving for more detail, and Saw is certainly lacking in some spit and polish.

Audio:

The immediate thing that stands out is the voice-overs, one in particular - Jigsaw's. Yeah, the old guy from the films with his croaky and creepy voice, of which all atmosphere and incentive of the game would be lost without. Just as well he's on board for the game then, isn't it? There's a cast worth of characters, some of which are recognisable from the later films, and it'll be down to you whether they live or die, although you'll want them to live of course, for sake of being able to continue the game. Not only is it Jigsaw's voice that adds to the atmosphere, but the music as well, the game jumps in at the right moments to provide a sense of urgency to your exploration antics - it's all a clever ploy to make you rush into a trap and see your brains splattered on the wall, of course.

Longevity:

Saw comes in with a modest amount of gameplay and an intriguing story, if the game's going to take a considerable amount of time, then that's likely down to one of the rather insane circuit and timed circuit puzzles. The first playthrough, minus the annoyance of some puzzles and flawed combat mechanics, is likely going to be the last playthrough as there's no real incentive to replay the game.

Overall:

The game succeeds in where the films do, providing plenty of gore and a thought provoking, if a little shallow, storyline. Despite its flaws, the game is a must-play for Saw fans, the atmosphere, exploration and audio delivers that authentic 'Saw' experience. It's the perfect rental for Saw fans, and the same can be said for those seeking another game to boost their gamerscore. The game's otherwise not likely to appeal to those who have not seen or are not interested in the film adaptations.