Wow. Here I thought Blood Wake was just another racing game with guns. How wrong I was. Upon starting up I ran head-long into a lavish and compelling storyline. You play the part of Shao Kai, rescued from near-death by the Shadow Clan pirates. Your job is to work your way up the ranks to get your revenge on the man who betrayed you, destroyed your squadron, and killed your men. Your nemesis is your own brother, Shao Lung Kahn.
There's a wide cast of complex characters, each introduced through a series of exquisitely drawn pen-and-ink animations. I found myself completely absorbed in the details of the story. As the characters developed through the missions I found I tried much harder and got more emotionally involved than any other game I've played. Major props to the authors!
But you know what's better than playing a pirate? Playing a heavily armed pirate. Blood Wake has the best graphics and controls for a boating game that I've ever seen. You train as you play: Your copilot fills you in on weapons and gives helpful, if sometimes brusque, feedback as you go. Playing with the physics of a boat on water is always fun and challenging, and nothing says lovin' like torpedoes at close range. Boom, baby, boom!
Oh, the joys of Multiplayer. Here is a free-for-all in a watery arena. Battle against your friends and the AI for the highest number of kills. Add a little challenge by playing in Storm mode (it does help to have your sea legs). There are Specials available such as speed, accuracy, firepower and shields. As you unlock boats and areas in Story mode, more options are available in Multiplayer.
The only drawback to the game I can see so far is that it doesn't come with replacement thumbs. It's always frustrating when I can't play because of blisters I got from overdoing it the day before. Ah well, the pain is worth it. Blood Wake kicks major pirate booty! Arrrrrrrr!
