We get a hands-on with CDV's urban RPG.

Are we tired of Azeroth yet? Weary of World of Warcraft? Yawned by epic mounts? Nope. Blizzard's prime position (atop a frozen throne, no doubt) in the MMORPG genre for three years straight shows little sign of slowing in the face of at least one more expansion. And understandably, its nine-million-selling mechanics have inspired other studios to adopt similarly addictive templates: Guild Wars, City of Heroes, and upcomers Age of Conan and Warhammer Online among them. Still, however captivating, a "For the Horde!" cry is compelling for only so long, right?

While it doesn't present a persistent world, those seeking an urban alternative to WoW's fantasy trappings may want to direct their collective armored, enchanted selves toward Sirius Games' Escape from Paradise City. A strategic role-player that runs in real-time, CDV recently "took us down" to San Francisco for a hands-on stroll through Paradise, and we've returned with details, bullet wounds, and stat-boosting cocktails abound.

At first inspection, Paradise views as a city builder title might: an isometric angle captures pedestrians patrolling the streets, cars hum down boulevards, packs of organized gangers loiter down alleys and street corners. But at second glimpse (in the game's secondary behind-the-back camera), it's reminiscent of Grand Theft: a gritty, open-world cityscape ripe for exploitation. Still, Paradise is neither about zoning regulations nor picking off pedestrians. Its combat system compares well to WoW's (a hybrid real-time and turn-based, strategic affair that's point-and-click), as does its tiered character-development tree. There's side-quests, skill cooldowns, and the same floating numbers to indicate damage you'd expect from a dungeon crawler. It's relatively refreshing to see these features play out in a modern environment than one clad in steel and swords.

Players take the reigns of three characters through a 16-chapter campaign. You'll alternate between the trio to fashion a composited story of ex-felons freed from jail to, ironically, do the government's dirty work: fry the bigger criminal fish that've gained a stranglehold over Paradise City. The focus of the single-player is placed squarely on territory ownership -- bruising your way through the sectioned-off blocks of each map to take back control. This is achieved by usurping each borough's neighborhood boss -- a landlord-of-sorts that holds domain over the businesses in each district. Between you and him stand packs of scum and organized gangmen: the asphalt fodder you'll click through for loose change and experience points.

Weed through the peons, and you can show the 'hood boss who's boss. Pour on enough punishment, and he'll make his way around the area, spreading word of your new control to hotels, bars, and convenience stores, each of which brings in a benefit of cash or access to weapons and items. It's through this system that Paradise promotes a progressive pace: hitting up gangers to grow your character enough to confront the neighborhood boss, then taking him down to secure the urban spoils.