As intense as the single-player game is, what with all the monstrous bugs and all, the online multiplayer rocks even harder. Expertly crafted maps provide excellent showdowns for large or small groups, plus all the zip-lining, mech-riding insanity you can handle. A few different modes exist, all equally enticing - regular deathmatch and team games are here, plus a capture the flag-style Post Grab mode where you try to activate all the data posts in the level. The Fugitive mode is pretty unique, though, in which the host becomes a target for the other players. The longer the Fugitive can hold his own against the hunters, the more points he'll acquire at the end.

Above: The exposed cockpits of the mechs feel incredibly unsafe from opportune snipers

Ranked matches offer these points as a way to level up your profile. Take down a VS or nail some really nice head shots and you'll earn points, along with, of course, simply killing a bunch of dudes. Once the match is over, the points are tallied and individual ranks are handed out, plus points awarded. It's a nice bonus to see your progress charted in so many ways.

Our time online has been consistently impressive, though a few menu troubles made getting in and out of matches a small hassle. Capcom assures us these issues will be addressed by the time the game hits retail on Friday.