It’s hard to go wrong with Mutant Storm Empire for 800 Microsoft Points, eve if you have never played Reloaded. With stunning 3D graphics and the perfect blend of mindless and strategic twitch blasting, Mutant Storm Empire is a near perfect Halloween treat.

For those of you unsure, you can be assured of a unique visual experience probably unlike anything you have experienced, with replayability added on due to the built in local and live multiplayer support.

If you're not into arcade shooters, then Mutant Storm Empire just simply isn't for you.

Few other titles’ enemies have the power to flood you with real horror as they scramble and skitter towards you. [Christmas 2007, p.98]

Another twin-stick shooter, but with a fun twist. [Jan 2008, p.94]

Fast, frantic, furious and fun. [Jan 2008, p.99]

But whether you play single- or multiplayer, the action in Empire is fast and intense. It’s definitely a better game than its predecessor, which was pretty good to begin with.

Whether you're flanking foes together or dodging gracefully in a solo session, Empire is a fast, well-designed blast-a-thon. [Nov 2007, p.94]

A bit pricey considering its short play time.

All things considered, Mutant Storm Empire is a pretty good game. The unique, creative and colorful level designs and variety impress. The combat is intense and satisfying for an arcade shooter but it’s all over in a flash

Since it doesn't do much different, it remains a fairly hard-sell at 800 Microsoft Points. If you're a fan of dual joystick shooters, you've probably already purchased it.

If you can't get enough of dual analog shooters and high scores, Mutant Storm Empire is a game for you.

Overall, Mutant Storm Empire is a good solid shoot-‘em-up and it is definitely worth the 800 points if you’ve had your fun with Mutant Storm Reloaded and Geometry Wars.

Mutant Storm Empire is a quality entry in the increasingly overloaded dual joystick shooter genre.

The only things that stop it reaching higher are that the combo system seems to be pitched a little bit above the average gamer's skill level, and could have been more inclusive, and that despite getting the basics very right it doesn't build on that as excitingly or inventively as some of the genre's best.

If you're looking for a top quality title for the genre then you've found it; just don't expect anything too revolutionary in the gameplay department.

There are very real concerns over the game’s staying power, but with six separate difficulty levels as well as a co-op mode both online and offline, how much of a problem this is will depend on the individual. [Jan 2008, p.130]

Lacks the replayability of its predecessor. [Issue 28, p.118]