If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?

PC game Freedom Force, from Irrational Games, gives us the chance to test our answers.

Freedom Force takes a much-maligned genre back to its roots and recreates a world based on the early Marvel comics.

The voice acting is largely first class and the jazzy score bounces irrepressibly along underneath the game.

It is set in the early Sixties. A strange chemical, which has arrived from outer space on the streets of Patriot City, turns men and women superhuman and works just as well for villains as heroes.

The script is overflowing with cheesy one-liners that will have you wincing through your laughter and later wears a little thin.

Freedom Force cautiously walks the line between nostalgic affection and parody.

As with most real time strategy games, it is played from a 3-D isometric view.

Although you can zoom in and out and move about freely, you can't really rotate the camera so controlling your heroes down alleyways or in the many nooks and crannies can be nigh on impossible.

With each mission, the heroes gain points which can be used to strengthen their skills, learn new ones or attract new heroes to fight alongside you.

The interface is simplicity itself but the point-and-click combat system can take a while getting used to.

It can be really scrappy as most of the beautifully-crafted environment is interactive and you often find yourself picking up a car rather than biffing some ne'er do well on the nose.

The game's great hook is its multiplayer aspect, which will have you coming back for more and give birth to thousands of fan sites.

It is a celebration of the superhero genre and a must for any serious gamer, especially those who ply their trade online.

Price: £29.99.

Contact: www.myfreedomforce.com
Feel good factor: 8 out of 10.