Do you remember January 2009 when Xbox 360 owners received a free game due to the Live system crashing under the influx of new players over the holiday season?

That game was “Undertow.”

Reactions to the free game were mixed; while some appreciated its charm and playability, others who paid for it found the story dull and the difficulty level frustrating.

Regardless of how it ended up on your 360, “Undertow” offers a decent yet ultimately shallow gameplay experience. It’s clear that this game might not cater to everyone.

Imagine blending a retro shooter like “Geometry Wars” with a modern team-based shooter like “Star Wars: Battlefront,” adding some British accents for flair and a plot centering on the lost city of Atlantis. Probably not your first idea for a game, but that’s what you get with “Undertow.” While it combines elements of both genres that made its inspirations enjoyable, the repetitive and lackluster story puts a damper on the fun.

“Undertow” features three distinct storylines that attempt to weave together a Quentin Tarantino-style narrative. Unfortunately, each storyline suffers from bland characters that fail to engage players, leading to cut-scenes that many will likely skip.

While the storyline is less than appealing, the gameplay shines as it is addictive, challenging, and perfectly suited for the dual analog controls on the 360, making combat enjoyable. Although the graphics may evoke a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of “Blast Chamber” on the PSX, the vibrant backgrounds and steady frame rate keep it visually tolerable.

Despite its flaws, “Undertow” has some redeeming features. The multiplayer mode can be an enjoyable experience, especially if you find skilled players online, and the tough achievements will appeal to those who take pride in their Gamerscore. However, it remains questionable if the solid gameplay can outweigh the shortcomings of the story and graphics. One might feel that this engine would shine in a different context.

That said, if you’re not too concerned about stunning graphics or a captivating storyline, “Undertow” could be worth a try. For others, though, it might be easy to overlook.

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