Unfortunately, Kane and Lynch can't rely on presentation alone. The general run-and-gun gameplay works decently enough, as does the ability to "juice" yourself and members of your party back to life with adrenaline shots. (Just don't overdo it, though – you could die.) However, the cover system isn't reliable, as leaning against an object doesn't always force your character to protect himself. This means you're out in the open, ultimately losing the battle. Also, the AI mannerisms need serious work. You issue commands to Lynch and other members of your team and half the time they don't even respond accordingly. (Get used to Lynch yelling, "F*** you!") Worse yet, they run out into every gun battle like Rambo, thinking bullets can just bounce off them. In later levels, this proves fatal, especially since you need them to finish the stage. It's almost to the point that the game title reads Kane and Lynch: Brain Dead Men.

Then we have the multiplayer. You can play against others online in Fragile Alliance, working in teams to commit bank robbery and nabbing the most cash. The coolest part about this game is the ability to kill others to get a better share for yourself. You're not out of the woods, however – they can return the favor, but on the other side of the law. It's a very fun and interesting mode, although the cover and AI problems in the single-player game carry over.

A co-op mode is also on hand, as you can work with a buddy through the game's story mode. Sadly, Io Interactive made the harsh decision to make it off-line only. That means not only missing out on hooking up with an online partner, but also having to contend with a split-screen set-up. As a result, you miss out on some potential targets, but they can hit you with bullets. That's not helpful or fair.

Overall, Kane and Lynch: Dead Men is a moderately likable game, with a worthwhile (albeit controversial) single player campaign, a fascinating twist on the multiplayer theme and a story that unfolds with great resonance. Sadly, the shortcomings with cover, AI and the lack of online co-op make it less than the badass title Eidos wanted it to be.