Pull up a chair, grab an energy drink, and play a game about blasting individuals who did the same.. only difference is, they bought the wrong kind (Even if it does look delicious) If you're heading into this game seeking a gripping, thrilling storyline full of twists and turns, something to grab...

Fun; Often funny; Can be challenging, but never unfair

Constant weapon changing can get annoying; Side quests not very interesting; Story is only 'ok

Insomniac's Sunset Overdrive ($59.99) is an open-world game set in Sunset City. There, you play as a downtrodden garbage collector for Fizzco, a corporation that launches an energy drink that ultimately turns its customers into mutants.

Delightful sense of movement; Colorful, well-designed world; Fun weaponry and character customization; Funny, well-acted story

Short, repetitive campaign; Annoying tutorial reminders; Typical open-world collect-a-thon bloat; Slow camera

The moment I shot a stuffed kitten into a crowd of mutants and watched a robot dog decimate those monsters in pursuit of the toy, I knew Sunset Overdrive was something special. This raucous third-person shooter packs wacky weapons, a gut-busting storyline and a stylish combat system that mixes...

Unique; polished gameplay; Hilarious; irreverent story; mColorful art style; High replay value

Missions occasionally drag on too long

At least what they did copy, they did very well, and it wasn't so overpowering it marred any experience I had. The game never stopped surprising me with its parody and humor, and its insane combat never stopped being fun.

The forced constant-action of combat is enforced very well with solid and stable gameplay mechanics that are as fun as the over-the-top sensibilities

The Saints Row comparisons are too overbearing; and the aim-assist can be ridiculously forgiving; negating some real challenges

In retrospect, it seems fitting that Insomniac's new open world shooter Sunset Overdrive was released just days before Halloween. Why? Because it's a veritable Frankenstein's Monster, assembled from the pieces of other (often better) titles.

The robo-dog mission hints at classic Insomniac design

Finding yet another generic NPC who's going to send me on an endless parade of sidequests

Let's all get a mooove on down to the Mooil rig and save some people. Maybe. Probably not.

New traversal options are a nice addition; oil rig provides for an interesting playground; boss fight is pretty awesome

The vertical nature of the rig can make missions frustrating; feels very short

T he antithesis of modern, narrative-driven action games, Sunset Overdrive brings some welcome fizz to an often stern, po-faced genre. And appropriately, a new energy drink is to blame, having turned the inhabitants of Sunset City into murderous mutants.

I've finally managed to catch up with one of the Games with Gold offerings released last month, yep I know it's May now, so I had better get my skates on with the review, especially as the freebie runs out in just under a week!

Insomniac's zany, colourful blaster is a sugary, cathartic hit best enjoyed in small doses, says Tom Hoggins.

Sunset Overdrive's a blend of Crackdown and Jet Set Radio - and it's delivered with winning enthusiasm.