An original game like this is a rarity. You have to give Futuremark Games Studio props for their ambition. It sucks that [being PC exclusive] is considered a pro nowadays. but it gives you a better interface, full support for dedicated servers, free downloadable content updates in the future, and a very strong possibility of a map-maker or other mod tools being released. If you're a longtime fan of Counter-Strike, Team Fortress, or others and have the power under the hood to run it, you'll find a lot to like in Shattered Horizon.

Wow, they actually pulled it off. One giant leap for FPS design. The proprietary DX10 engine on display in Shattered Horizon is gorgeous. The International Space Station map, in particular, is simply epic. A good shooter player will quickly embrace SH's reliable gunplay, however there's definitely a learning curve here when it comes to navigation. That mastery of movement-like Tribes-is part of the appeal and obligation: keeping all your FPS instincts in check while defying gravity.

I'm floating through space, utterly weightless, with just the failing beat of my heart to keep me company. I am in the middle of tranquility, and just before my suit fully decompresses, the thought crosses my mind that I'm just not thinking "360° enough" to be of any use to my team. Quite an existential reflection. But when you're in a zero-gravity firefight amongst the remains of a fractured moon, nothing seems too extraordinary. I'm playing (and dying a lot in) Shattered Horizon, the first game from Futuremark Games Studio, and despite my frequent bouts with death, I'm having a good time.

The FPS genre now has a breath of new life and players have a new challenge to tackle in Shattered Horizon. Over the years we have seen many takes on FPS gaming but this is the first that makes us ponder where we can go from here. Facing truly new gameplay for the first time was exciting and intimidating; when all the dust settled we remained in the same spot, wanting another round to prove ourselves again.

Shattered Horizon is a beautiful game that visually delivers in all the areas you've come to expect from Futuremark. More impressively, they created a unique experience that is an absolute blast to play, and that is no small feat for a developer's first title. Shattered Horizon introduces a fresh mechanic to the tired FPS genre, offers an incredible value ($20!), and it pushes the hardware envelope. Given time to mature, Shattered Horizon could serve not only as the standard by which we measure graphics, but also as the standard by which we measure innovation.

It's no secret that I spent the last couple of days on the website being a nut about Shattered Horizon. The game just left that big of an impression on me. 32-player deathmatches in zero gravity? Yes, please. Shattered Horizon is a fun and fresh take on the sci-fi action game genre that everyone deserves to experience.

Shattered Horizon is intuitively playable and immediately comprehensible. I've been reveling in swooping through the vacuum and watching my enemies (and occasionally myself) going spinning off into space. And they do spin off into space rather wonderfully. When the graphics settings are cranked up it's astonishingly crisp and detailed. Futuremark seems intent to make it as true to real space as is possible.