Some might call it a comeback; others might see it as a cheap cash-in on a memorable old-school video game. Say what you will -- EA's blowing the dust off the Wing Commander series -- taking out all the goofy plotlines and live action sequences (starring Mark Hamill, Malcolm McDowell and John Rhys-Davies -- those were the days) and delivering a straight-up space-themed third-person shooter available for download on Xbox Live.

Up to 16 space pilots can take to the stars and blast other ships in a number of ways -- single player, multi-team, multiplayer duel and multiplayer free for all. The single-player Meteor Storm, a modern-day Asteroids remake, requires players to protect a mothership from space debris and incoming enemies. Online multiplayer mode Capital Ship pits two teams against each other -- with the ultimate goal of taking down the other team's mothership. Duel pits two players, gladiator style, against each other in an arena. The winner of each match will take on other waiting in the queue until they achieve total victory or fall victim to a well placed laser blast.

A selection of ships keeps the game from turning into a one-note blast-fest. Each side can pilot up to eight ships, each with their own special assets. Lightweight ships can pull off 180-degree turns, barrel rolls and other nifty moves during combat, but won't be able to withstand as much firepower as the heavier ships, with their big guns and heavy armor.

During our brief hands-on session with the game, we noticed that occasional lag time in the controls left our ship wide-open to incoming enemies. The game could also use a little extra lift in the looks department -- simplistic graphics and a muted color palate could make this game a turn-off for anyone who's not riding the wave of Wing Commander nostalgia that EA seems to be banking on for this otherwise fun pick-up-and-play shooter, set to hit the Xbox 360 this summer.