By Matthew Scott Hunter

Bizarre, baffling and beautiful

(T) ****

Ignition Entertainment

Xbox 360

Much like the artwork of Salvador Dali, "El Shaddai" is bizarre, baffling and beautiful. Every level is a surreal vista that defies attempts at quick explanation, and no two levels are alike. One minute you'll be unleashing combo attacks in the midst of shifting, watercolor mountains. Minutes later, you'll be platforming across a cartoonish 2D landscape. After that you'll find yourself zooming down a futuristic road ripped right out of "Tron." These diverse settings are connected by a story inspired by the Book of Enoch—an ancient Judeo-Christian text considered apocryphal by all but a few religious denominations. If you're unfamiliar with the story, playing "El Shaddai" probably won't educate you. Despite an abundance of expository cut-scenes, in which various fallen angels insist on showcasing their abs, the narrative remains frustratingly oblique.

Fortunately, there's plenty of action to distract you from the confusing, pseudo-religious psychobabble. Combat is kept simple by a single attack button. However, this doesn't mean you can't string together complicated combos. Different attacks are performed based on your timing. Rapid button presses will result in quick, weak attacks, but more deliberate, timed presses will unleash defense-breaking, stronger attacks. Additionally, most enemies wield one of three weapons (two for melee and one for ranged attacks), all of which can be stolen and used against them. The fight moves are flashy, easy to pick up and immensely satisfying. Between that and the breathtaking visuals, you'll find yourself anxious to see what strange, new world waits beyond the next boss fight. CV