MAG is a huge, multiplayer, first-person-shooter frag-fest that will probably sell copies because of the number of players that can simultaneous play the same match: 256. The potential for gigantic matches between skilled players, each side coordinating its own tactical strikes, is awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, nothing like that was seen on the show floor.

While 256 eager players sat at an equal number of PS3 consoles, most rarely saw one-another in-game. The problem with the such an enormous match is that it’s largely indistinguishable from smaller number matches of say,16 players, or even 32 player games.

I suspect this problem will disappear once the game is released and players have time to form clans and strategies. But, oh the fun of a pick-up game.

MAG was a lot of a bullet-filled blast. The sound was spot-on and the controllers simple. The game boasts the usual gun-types: automatic, semi-auto, pistol,etc. On the show floor, the game also had the typical mission objectives which on the show floor was a capture-the-point-on-the-map scenario. All of it added up to some adrenaline pumping action, but disappointed overall. It just wasn’t different enough from any other FPS.

Finally, the visuals were a mixed bag. The number of objects on-screen at any given moment, from buildings and bushes to cans and containers means some serious strategy action is in-store for future gamers. Still, some shadows shuttered and fell on walls and surfaces with jaggies. The textures were a little bland and flat, but that so much could be going on inside this console is impressive. The frame-rate held and made for a very playable game. One thing to keep in mind: the game is still in development and this will probably (hopefully) be fixed by the time the game goes gold. Still the dev-team at Zipper Interactive has a bit of work ahead of it if it wants MAG to be a killer FPS.

Video: