Midway's new survival-horror game, The Suffering, may turn out to be a real contender in this very popular genre. Developed by Surreal Software, the games shows signs of being a first-rate ride.

Set in a maximum-security prison, the player takes on the role of a prisoner on death row named Torque, who is freed when the restless spirits of executed prisoners take over the place. The object is to - what else - survive.

To give you an idea of the tone of this game, let's just say the first weapon players find is a rather large bladed affair still sticking in one of their fellow inmates. From there Midway promises at least nine more weapons will be available - and not one of them a sharpened toothbrush-handle shiv.

There are about a dozen actual ghoul types in the prison, but they are not the only danger. There are also guards still around as well as some tough-customer inmates. Any one of which can end Torque's new-found freedom.

The game consists of nine levels in which Torque will have survive and find the secrets surrounding the prison takeover. Midway claims there are three distinct endings depending on how the game is played, so it should have a very high replay value.

Control was not perfect in the build at E3 but shows every indication of being well on the way to becoming very solid.

The sound really immerses the player in the echoing halls of a concrete prison. I have to admit that right in the middle of the show floor I was instantly attracted to the game.

The graphics could still use a little work, but the release is better than five months off. Overall, a great E3 outing for The Suffering. Survival-horror fans should watch the progress of this one very closely as it approaches its Halloween launch.