Pariah (Windows, Xbox)

PARIAH's storyline, while short (10 to 15 hours total), is confusing. Players take the role of Jack Mason, a doctor for the Transgenic Control Commission. His latest assignment is to move a virus-infected prisoner known as Karina to an off-Earth medical facility. During transport the ship is shot down, and Jack finds himself battling for both his and Karina's lives.

The jerky plot is mostly told through brief cut scenes between levels, and there are a few twists and turns and a budding romance between Karina and Jack.

PARIAH is at best a mediocre game with a limited storyline, average gameplay, and a good deal of violence. In other words, this is a good game to leave on the store shelf. The level and intensity of violence is the primary concern for parents. Blood splatters out of enemies when shot, and explosive weapons such as rockets and grenades send foes flying many feet in the air. Corpses are left behind, crumpled in bizarre and disturbing poses.

Players will find some extended gameplay with the multi-player mode, and the map editor offers a bit of an opportunity to be creative. But, overall, the game offers little return on investment for adult players and contains too much violence and profanity to be suitable for kids.