The sequel to the popular Battlestations Midway, this strategy-shooter allows the player to relive some of the famous naval battles of World War Two, both on the American and Japanese side (yes, that includes kamikaze).

The great thing about Battlestations is its variety, from the machines you can control including bombers, submarines and ships, to the type of mission you undertake.

The combat and and strategy elements are fairly simple and aracdey, although a more in-depth tutorial system would have been nice for beginners.

In many missions you can flick between machines. Probably the most fun to had is in the sky, but then taking part in dog fights is always going to be more exciting that bobbing along in a cumbersome battle ship.

As for the graphics, Battlestations does not exactly break boundaries, but is still very nice to look at, particularly with its sublime water effects.

One minor gripe though, it can all take a fair while to load.

Online play offers five new co-op and team based modes for up to eight players. Siege and duel are more action orientated, where players control a selection of war machines as each side battles to turn the tide of war. Island capture takes a little more thought, with the battle not just for the seas but also the land too.

Battlestations Pacific delivers on most fronts and offers a more action orientated spin for fans of combat-strategy games.

bucksherald.co.uk score: 8/10

Format reviewed: Xbox360