David Jaffe's forthcoming PlayStation Network game, which should be arriving on the service in the next few weeks, will allow gamers to take the law into their own hands as they apprehend criminals by any means necessary. During last night's Sony pre-GDC press conference, GameDaily had a chance to invest in such an opportunity... and we've never had so much fun with a mallet.Instead of taking the usual Twisted Metal route with a behind-the-car view, Calling All Cars utilizes a distant perspective from one following angle. Relax, it's pretty easy to see, and players can keep track of their opposition and crook-on-the-run via icons that appear on the corners of the screen. A central jail house sits in the upper section of the level, occasionally freezing up and requiring players to track down a "paddy wagon" to deliver criminals.

Here's how the basic gameplay works. You have to catch a certain number of criminals within a time limit. The criminal goes on the run, taking whatever means necessary to avoid getting caught. Several pursuers follow, and eventually break him out of his vehicle and get him into custody. The other plays then have to battle to gain control of the prisoner, so that they get the reward for turning him in.

Over the course of a level, players can pick up several power-ups to assist them, including a magnet, some rockets, and a huge mallet with a big swinging radius. Once hit, the car jars the prisoner loose, flinging him into the air. A target icon appears on the ground, in case you feel like driving in and grabbing him before he hits the ground. The game remains highly competitive because of this, with several players able to hop online and compete in a no-holds-barred battle for bounty.

The game handles very nicely, with nice touches on the steering and the option to use boosting to keep up with some of the faster cars in the level. The game also features great cel-shaded graphics, along with inspired audio snippets, including the "Calling All Cars!" audio sound-off and continuing updates letting you know when the jail house is open and when it's not.

Only one level, the Alpine Level, was available for play on the floor. However, the final game will feature several styles of terrain. No matter where you drive, however, expect a fight for America's most wanted, in hilarious fashion. Look for more coverage on Calling All Cars as it nears its eventual spring 2007 release. Don't say that these crooks didn't deserve it.