Whenever I start to feel burnt out on gaming as a hobby, products like Urban Brawl are what keep me coming back for more. Originally a total conversion for the Doom 2 engine, this game is available now as a free download and clocks in at under a hundred megs for a full game with multiple endings, an engaging storyline and a wicked difficulty curve.

The gameplay itself is relatively basic, and for those of you who ever had the joy of playing the original Doom you’ll quickly recall the experience of playing an FPS using nothing but the number keys and a little luck. The world is colorful but flat, and you’d better get used to throwing down with the same 5-10 cardboard cutouts in every level. That being said there is a surprising amount of variety in the enemies and weapons (enough to rival some professional games, like the original Half-Life), and the unforgiving combat system employs a weapon degradation mechanic and scarce ammo supplies to ensure you never get too comfortable.

But what really makes this game worth your time is the story; told through a series of grim graphic novel cutaways ripped straight from Sin City (or the Max Payne games) and voiced by a gruff narrator who sounds as those he’s recording in an airtight sound studio with half a pack of Camels and a bottle of Johnny Walker, the story starts at the opening menu and never lets up. I wish I could promise the narrative held strong throughout the whole game, but until I manage to curb-stomp the Village People lookalikes in Act 1 I’m afraid you’re on your own. This game is a great way to kill an hour or three, and if you’re jonesing to play an alcoholic Vietnam vet out to save his daughter from junkies, ninjas and Magic Johnson look-alikes there’s no better place to get your fix; just don’t try to load up at the office.

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