'Section 8: Prejudice' review round-up: inexpensive and action-packed

You'd have to be crazy to launch a game in the same week as Portal 2, Mortal Kombat, and the Gears of War 3 beta, but downloadable gem Section 8: Prejudice does just that, using a low price as tempting bait.

Available now on Xbox 360, with a PC version on May 4 and PlayStation 3 equivalent shortly after, the online multiplayer, space-marine-themed shooter goes for around $15, €14 or £10.

Electronic Theatre, Eurogamer and Strategy Informer all award a 9/10 or equivalent to the science-fiction shooter.

Electronic Theatre's Editor-in-Chief, Kev J, calls it "a remarkable achievement for a digitally distributed title," picking out the game's visuals and voice work. "The content on offer is near double that of the original retail release, and yet it's offered at a fraction of the price." 90%

Eurogamer's Dan Whitehead summarizes the multiplayer mode -- the game's main draw -- as being "broad in options, narrow in focus and balanced to perfection." Stuffed with features, Prejudice is not only "ridiculously good value," but even "the best multiplayer shooter since Battlefield: Bad Company 2." 9/10

Strategy Informer writer Joe Robinson concedes that Prejudice is "not perfect," with a storyline that at times has the feel of "a cheap Sci-Fi movie from the eighties." Still, the competitive multiplayer is "highly dynamic" with "enemies appearing from nearly anywhere." For 1,200 Microsoft Points "you really can't ask for more." 9.0/10

Other outlets felt that the game was cheap not only price-wise but also in terms of production values.

"It's always a little last-gen," wrote David Lynch of NowGamer, with graphics that "sit somewhere around Halo: Combat Evolved" and a story that's "totally awful." Despite that, the online modes are where it "really shines," but Prejudice is only worthy of 7.1/10.

Arthur Gies of IGN was "bored more often that not" and complained about controls that are "stiff and slow to respond." Graphics that look "better than many retail shooters" and a high lasting appeal weren't enough to prevent a middling overall score. 6.0/10

GameShark's Mike Thompson offers a more balanced judgement, where low price and multiplayer plus-points are offset by a weaker solo campaign. For the money, it's certainly "a lot of game," with the main multiplayer mode "a true delight." In conclusion? "Well worth your time if you're after a reasonably priced online shooter." B+