Review by: Mike Thompson

Section 8: Prejudice, the follow-up to 2009’s hit and miss shooter, is TimeGate Studios’ chance at a redo. Released as a download via Xbox Live Arcade for a mere 15 bucks, it’s a refined spin on the original and is well worth your time if you’re after a reasonably priced online shooter.

Anyone who's played a FPS will feel right at home with the game. The basic controls are pretty standard, though there are a few twists worth noting. First, there's the jetpack, which allows you to leap tall buildings in a single bound and glide for a few seconds. It's a bit reminiscent of Tribes, but that's only meant as a compliment.

On top of the jetpack, you also have access to a couple of other useful features. First, there's an auto-lock system that can even be used in the game's multiplayer modes. This is especially useful when using a sniper rifle to track an enemy at a distance. Second, there's an "overdrive" mode that kicks in after you have been sprinting for more than a few seconds; basically, the sprint turns into a hypersonic long-distance run that is useful for zipping around the game's large maps.

Multiplayer is where Section 8: Prejudice really shines. Currently, there are two online modes: "Conquest" and "Swarm".

Conquest is different from most online team shooter matchups. Well, unless you played the original Section 8. Up to 32 players can go against each other in a team battle, but instead of playing in a deathmatch/last-man-standing event, the two groups compete to be the first to reach 1000 points. Kills, assists, repairs, and healing will all generate points and cash (which is then used to purchase vehicles, supply posts, and artillery) but there are mini-missions like VIP escorts and landmark defense scenarios that unlock huge point bonuses. Conquest is a true delight – with top flight map design -- and caters to both team and “go it alone” play styles. Swarm, meanwhile, is a co-op mode that sees four players working together to defend a map point from waves of enemies. Yes, it's basically a hoard mode.

It should also be noted that even spawning in the multiplayer mode is a blast. You choose where to touch down via a minimap, and are then dropped out of an airship for a high-altitude-low-opening jump. By applying the suit's air brakes, you can float down and further control where you’re headed. However, if the brakes aren't applied –and there's a bit of luck involved- it's possible to land on an opponent and take them out.