Based on the collectible strategy game, Rocketmen: Axis of Evil is a action-RPG hybrid from Capcom and developer A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. for the Xbox Live Arcade. The game combines elements of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance and Robotron 2084, adding in an interesting cel-shaded aesthetic and 1950’s sci-fi theme. However, there are far too many shortcomings in Rocketmen to make it a worthy purchase. The game has many negatives, like weak RPG elements and a frustrating camera, making it will be more of an exercise in aggravation than a fun time for many gamers. If you’re looking for an exciting action game to download from the Xbox Live Arcade, there are many better options out there.

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil takes place in the future, when the races of the solar system are split into two different allegiances. When the leader of one alliance is captured by the other side, it is up to you to rescue her and defeat the ominous threat of the other side.

You begin by creating your character, selecting their race, sex, and class. The changes don’t really account for much in terms of the gameplay, as they mostly factor into your character’s look and color scheme as opposed to any kind of actual traits and strengths.

The action element of the game plays out similar to Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance in that it uses a top down isometric view, and controls like Robotron 2084 in that you'll move the right thumbstick in different directions in order to fire at enemies. For the most part, the action succeeds in being fast-paced and intense, with many enemies cluttering the screen at once and coming at you  from all directions.

The game’s RPG elements could’ve been a big turning point for the title, but unfortunately are one of the elements that don’t feel quite as fleshed out as they could’ve been. By collecting XP, you’re able to up your character’s statistics, be they firepower or defense. Unfortunately, these upgrades rarely feel like they’re improving much, and therefore their contributions feel tacked-on and unimportant.

The camera is possibly the most frustrating element of the gameplay. The camera moves very quickly throughout the stages, following a set linear path and not leaving a lot of room for exploration. This is particularly troublesome when looking for different routes and secondary missions, as you won’t be able to find them half of the time and miss out on end mission bonuses.

Graphically, the game looks pretty good, but isn’t the best looking game out there on the Xbox Live Arcade, but stays true to its overall design. The game’s look is primarily cel-shaded with simplistic character models made up of few polygons, but generally keep with the game’s sense of style. That said, nothing will really dazzle you about Rocketmen.

The sound fares a bit better than the rest of the game, thanks to a nice soundtrack and some good sound effects.

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil has some pretty cool ideas, and the concepts that it hints at could be feasible in an Xbox Live Arcade game. Unfortunately, the execution is not nearly as fleshed out as it should be, making it a game that isn’t worth the price of admission.

Gameplay: 5.5
An action-RPG by design, Rocketmen’s RPG elements aren’t fleshed out like they should be and the action is hindered by a horrible camera.

Graphics: 7.0
Decent cel-shading graphics and a unique graphical theme, but nothing that will dazzle you.

Sound: 8.0
The score sounds pretty darn good, and the sound effects are well done.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 5.5
A couple of really good ideas mired by lousy execution.

Multiplayer: 7.0
The multiplayer is well-implemented, offering four player co-op and not a lot of lag,

Overall: 5.5
Rocketmen: Axis of Evil offers up some interesting concepts, but the muddled execution bogs it down.