What does the word "halo" mean to you? To a normal person, it most likely conjures up images of angels and possibly Simon Templar (raises eyebrow). To the rabid gamer however, it can only mean one thing; the hype that has preceded the launch of Bungie's first-person shooter for the X-Box has been massive.

Of course, originally this was going to be a PC game (and indeed it is still set to come out on the PC later this year). However, Microsoft wanted a too-hot-to-handle title unleashed exclusively with the X-Box. But is Halo a scorcher worthy of the hype, or has it fizzled in our clammy reviewing mitts? Let's put it this way - best get your asbestos-coated controller out now.

Halo doesn't disappoint, though it does start a little slowly. It's a typical sci-fi scenario. The aliens (called the Covenant) are out to get us and have followed our battlecruiser through hyperspace and boarded it. You step into the shoes of the Master Chief, a genetically engineered cyborg-type soldier who doesn't take crap from anyone, least of all strange little blue and green creatures from the wrong side of Alpha Centauri.

Halo is very reminiscent of Half Life, with a constantly developing plot playing out as you blast your way through the Covenant hordes. In fact, the plot actually exceeds the lofty standards set by Half Life, complete with excellent twists and a thoroughly well constructed atmosphere only dented by occasional cheesiness (but hey, this is sci-fi).

But this isn't a one-trick pony. Aside from the quality storyline, Halo looks the absolute business. Once you get off your ship and down onto the planet Halo, prepare yourself for some breathtaking views of a truly alien landscape. The Dolby 5.1 sound is of a similarly high standard as well, with great gun sample noises and stirring cinematic theme music.

Halo has some trump cards up its sleeve in the gameplay stakes, too. Most striking is the enemy AI. These are really clever beggars (particularly on the harder skill levels) and this makes the gunfights feel very realistic. Secondly, you get to play with vehicles, including jeeps, tanks and aircraft. And in the co-operative game (played split-screen), one player drives while the other mans the guns. Fantastic stuff!

The multiplayer deathmatch mode is good too, although when played split-screen with four players it can feel a little claustrophobic. It's really going to come into its own when Microsoft gets the online gaming side of the X-Box up and running properly.

Our sole problem with Halo was getting used to the controls. Don't get us wrong, they're well thought out, but playing a shooter like this with a gamepad can be a strain at first when you're used to the speed of a mouse for turning. Having said that, after a few hours we found ourselves adapting and blasting alien bugs with the best of 'em.

There's nothing stunningly novel about Halo. It's just a really well conceived and executed first person shooter, albeit with tons of vehicle action and some excellent enemy AI. It has a beautifully crafted plot and an equally gorgeous aesthetic make-up. Hardened PC vets and Quake monsters like ourselves may find the gamepad control a bit of a struggle at first, though.