here are a lot of death-defying stunts in Stuntman Ignition, but perhaps the most impressive one of them all is the mere fact that THQ decided to bring this franchise back from the dead and hand it to developer Paradigm. More than just a sequel, Ignition is the heart-pumping thrill ride that the first Stuntman was supposed to be.

Ripping off stunts while charging through the game’s six movies (each comprised of six scenes) is not only just a collection of memorable high-flying moments, but it’s got that addiction angle the first one lacked. The ability to string the stunts your director is yelling out with improvised moves on your own (such as near missing cars or drifting around corners) gives the game a Tony Hawk feel as you search for that perfect run and high score. While this game is more forgiving and less trial-and-error than the last Stuntman, make no mistake about it – it is not easy. Granted, there are some times when I swear I completed a stunt that I didn’t get credit for, but overall, I never tired of Ignition’s challenge no matter how hairy things got.

As if escaping a lava-infested town at breakneck speeds while meteors blow up cars next to you wasn’t cool enough, the game is smart to throw a variety of rewards your way, whether its unlockable items for the create-your-own stunt arenas, stuntman trophies, badges (similar to Achievements), rehearsal sessions, or odd job stunts like commercial shoots. Multiplayer also has its own little twist that will keep you playing into the night. Backlot Battle races feature a stunt string stealer where you get the points your opponent has accrued on a combo string if you bump into them.

THQ and Paradigm have taken an already white-knuckle ride and added the features that were conspicuously absent the first time around. However, this game earns its stripes by letting players have more of a hand in creating their own style of mayhem to spice up a scene, and trust me, you’ll take every opportunity you can get.