Game review: Shadows of the Damned

When the main character of a video game has an expletive for a middle name, you know you're in for an interesting ride.

In between the vulgarity, obscenity and destruction, Shadows of the Damned also packs one of the most entertaining third-person shooters released this year.

Gamers take control of Garcia Hotspur, a hard-living demon slayer who's on a quest to save his undead lover from the biggest baddy of them all.

To do so, Garcia takes the plunge into the city of the damned, a devilish world where evil thrives.

Armed only with Johnson, a wisecracking demonic weapon/buddy with a variety of uses, Garcia's quest is a spooky ride that mixes all-out action with creative puzzles.

Graphically, the game is excellent.

The creators have cooked up a fantastic environment, with the terrifying city and its demonic denizens keeping you on high alert at all times.

The gameplay also blends its components well - starting off basically while slowly adding levels of complexity until you're butchering baddies like a pro.

Shadows of the Damned is a highly entertaining game which perfectly blends tongue-in-cheek humour with exceptional action.

It should be noted, this is most definitely not one for younger gamers.

As for the middle name, being a family paper, you'll just have to play to find out what it is.

Shadows of the Damned

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Stars: 4/5