One game I haven’t had a chance to discuss yet is WET, centered on a blade-wielding, gun-toting, wall-running, frequently-acrobatic “problem fixer” named Rubi Malone. Now, Rubi hasn’t exactly had an easy time of things. She gets crossed, double-crossed, and then some, until the only thing keeping her safe is her own weapon-filled hands and sprinting feet. And you know what Rubi is best at? Doing what she does with style.

I’m actually serious on that point. WET is an action shooter published by Bethesda Softworks set to come out later this year. The players will have swords and guns at their disposal, but to really take advantage of their full potential, they’re going to have to dive headfirst into the game’s acrobatics system. Rubi is able to run on walls, slide one way while shooting the other (she can aim 360 degrees, baby!) and rack up style points while executing her attacks flawlessly in the process. In fact, your weapons are only at their full potential when Rubi’s on the move. If you’re mid-acrobatics, Rubi is able to dual-wield her guns, with the player taking manual control of one and the other automatically aiming. Don’t expect such perks if you clumsily attack head-on.

I really liked the look of the game. It’s just slightly cartoony enough to be different, without being fully cel-shaded like so many (read: too many) games out there. The graphics engine runs slick, and it was fun to watch the battles play out so fluidly. Not only that, but when Rubi enters “Rage Mode” in certain levels, reality seems to shift as the entire palette shifts to reds, blacks and whites as Rubi tries to rack up a decent multiplier by chaining up kills by taking down as many enemies as possible by whatever means necessary. I always appreciate when a game decides to change the pace up a bit.

After you’ve gathered some hard-earned style points in the levels, you’re free to upgrade skills, buy new moves, shuffle weapons, enjoy the fruits of your labor. Throw in the voice of Eliza Dushku, a plethora of different cities to fight your way through, and you’re good to go. I guess the biggest question mark at this point is the story. Of course, we don’t have the chance to get a sense for the plot in our relatively short span of time with the game, so I guess we’ll have to wait until the game’s release to find out how well all of this is tied together. PS3 and Xbox 360 owners, keep your eyes peeled and your wall-running talents sharp for the release later this year.

The vivid, surreal world of Rage Mode.