The Red Star PS2

This hack-and-slash, run-and-gun action game from Acclaim blends old-school, side-scrolling combat with flashy 3D graphics and contemporary special effects. Inspired by Archangel Studios' graphic novels of the same title, The Red Star is set in an alternate-history Russia, where a staunchly socialist government trains specially gifted solders in the use of newly discovered supernatural powers. Players take control of the game's three heroes -- Kyuzo, Makita, and Maya -- and use both conventional weapons and attack spell "Protocols" to defeat the throngs of enemies who try to stand in their way. In addition to the side-scrolling levels, the characters are also challenged with a number of arena levels, which present fast-paced Smash T.V.-style battles.