A naval strategy-action Frankenstein, Battlestations was one of the more surprising hits of 2007. This sequel doesn’t mess with the roots of the game, but it does throw a bit of tinsel over the branches.

The most immediately noticeable change is the addition of a Japanese campaign. It’s fairly standard in terms of storyline (an alternate-history victory for the Land of the Rising Sun can be yours!), but it has the feel of a documentary rather than a compelling personal story. At least this campaign gives you an accomplished introduction to switching between directly controlling combat and using the tactical map to issue commands at the unit level.

That balance of strategy and action works well enough — the problem is that there’s not enough to do in the campaign missions. With simple objectives broken into baby steps, you’re left with the tactical decision of how fast to travel on the way, and whether to fire your guns at the clouds as you go (take that, Cirrus!). The single-player campaigns are such a generic, impersonal affairs that it’s impossible to get involved.

But Battlestations thrives in the multiplayer. For starters, it’s a more substantial challenge — even with the A.I. on easy. You’re forced to use everything you’ve learned instead of doing as you’re told — and that means hopping from one craft to another, frantically issuing tactical orders. Finally, it actually feels like a game.

Battlestations has a justified fanbase, and its action-strategy does deepen as you progress. If you’re not someone who mixes well with others, forget about it. But behind the dreary single-player campaigns lurks a game that’ll provide plenty of good times among friends.

On Xbox 360

+ Great multiplayer is the addictive highlight of this strategic sequel.

+ Good range of units.

- Weak single-player.

? Did this game really get the full layer of polish it should have (and deserved)?

7.0