Abuse starts with a story which, at the time, was set 13 years in the future, but for us, is only next year. You, Nick Vrenna, live in the year 2009. You have been illegally experimented on while inside a bizarre prison. As a riot goes wrong, everyone starts turning into homicidal mutant creatures resembling the xenomorphs from the Alien series. You yourself, in fact, resemble the Predator (in full armor) from the Predator series, drawing parallels to the Alien vs Predator series that has been so good to gamers.

There's not much else to the game in the way of story, but it doesn't need it. Much like the seminal Doom, Abuse is more about the gameplay than it is the story. There's no real cutscenes, no real explanation as to why you have this suit or what the creatures are, and no characterization at all. You are just a running, jumping, side-scrolling badass whose entire goal is to kill your way to the exit. There is no need, nor want, for a story.

The graphics themselves are well drawn, managing to be both gritty and bright at the same time. The animation is also delightfully fluid, never making it seem as though the player is jerking around like a robot. The character, enemy, and weapon designs are also all quite nice, even if they are similar to or directly rip off other sci-fi franchises.

The gameplay itself is a smooth mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, and flat out slaughter. Each level is comprised of plentiful corridors, large rooms, and various other spaces which are filled with murderous mutants, all blocking your way to the level's teleporter exit. You are armed with up to 8 weapons only one of which (the Laser Rifle) doesn't require ammo. There's no melee in this game at all, but you'll be having too much fun with the cool guns to miss it.

On top of the excellent gunplay, the game has a wide array of puzzle elements, such as switches, elevators, lockable doors, and the like. Unlike most games that include these, the game focuses more on creative ways to lure enemies into deathtraps through the puzzle elements. Automated turrets flip on at the flick of a switch, doors slam shut behind you, and elevators go up at just the right moment. It's wonderful to have a level assist you rather than try and cause your downfall.

In the end, if you liked the previous two games I've covered, you'll like Abuse. It's grittier than N and is more gunplay oriented than Cave Story, but it mixes puzzle, platforming, and shooting elements into an absolutely sublime mix. Go ahead. Pick up the full version through our downloads section. You'll love it.