REZ is from the house of Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who brought us other game/rhythm games like Lumines and Space Channel 5. This game/art project is like Tron set to a trance beat. You play as a computer program hacking into a central server, destroying programs as you go in a effort to shut down the core. Doesn't sound like much, but it needs to be seen to be believed. It plays like other shooters on rails, you have limited control of your avatar and aim your reticle at your attackers, locking on and firing away. Each shot taken and enemy dispatched adds music to the soundtrack, layer upon layer building to a crechendo during the box battle. It's really less about playing and more about experiencing

It's a tad limiting as far as control but stays simple enough for anyone to pick up and try. Yet it gets hard enough to challenge the rest of us.

But what it lacks in gameplay it makes up for in fun. In a dark room with the stereo pumping there's few games I believe that can match it. The underlying beat pulsates relentlessly, and each note added is a sign you're moving closer to your goal. It's the kind of game other people will enjoy watching you play.

I bought this game when it first came out for $40. Then, like a damned fool, I sold it. A few years later when Lumines came out, I was reminded of how much I love Mizuguchi and hit up eBay looking for a used copy. I paid $90. And you know what? I didn't care. It was worth every penny. The game has since receded and can be had for around $30-$40. If you own a PS2, please buy this game.

It only has 5 levels, and can be played through in a little over an hour, which is very very short. But it's a game you can play over and over. Besides, there are a few games that should be a part of any serious game collection. REZ is one of those games.

9 out of 10 - a classic... a title that proves games can be art. I only wish it were longer.

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