DeVuego

Manairons has a slight throwback feel, which I don’t think was intentional, recalling Pac-Man World in particular due to its side-scrolling nature. Aesthetically, it’s closer to a contemporary release, resembling last year’s Once Upon A Puppet due to featuring similar rickety wooden locales, loose screws and all. Games with quaint old-fashioned environments and themes of folklore tend to have a magical and whimsical vibe, but try as it might, Manairons falls a little short in that area. Basic character animation, combat that lacks flourish, and more than a few unfair deaths take away the sheen in something that has clearly been made with the best intentions, while under a tight budget. It’s all a bit workmanlike; competently put together, but you may wish someone had taken the time to sand the rougher edges.

But even when such padding starts to occur within the final stretch, Basureroes remains an enjoyable pursuit. It’s light-hearted and joyous throughout, but never feels casual, presenting a fair challenge with hidden depths for those wanting to be tested. There is a bit of bloat – not every boss battle is memorable – and there are also telling signs that English isn’t the first language of the solo developer behind it, but the fact that there is so much content here is also admirable considering it was likely made on a minuscule budget. So, while it isn’t a masterclass of platforming perfection, Basureroes: Invasion should be kept in mind by those hankering for something easy to get into that also features a sideline of silliness.     

If you’re able to look past Teared’s flaws, you’re still left with something that isn’t all that much fun, lacking in soul and personality. It feels less like an arcade game, and more like a low budget, sub D3 Publisher quality, PS2 release circa 2006 – and I very much doubt that was what the developer’s strived for. If it’s ever patched I’d be willing to give it another go, but in its current state, you’re bound to run into something that’ll spoil the limited enjoyment it provides.

It’s strange that Death or Treat makes these kind of ‘old skool’ mistakes, as it manages to make a reassuringly positive first impression thanks to its slick presentation. This is a game delivered with confidence and gusto, but one that also serves to remind that good looks will only get you so far.

Superola Champion Edition is a game limited in what it can offer. It is, after all, merely a two-button auto-runner based solely on timing and rote memorisation. But when one of the things it provides is a few cheap laughs, mostly at the expense of rejected ‘80s and ‘90s gaming icons, we can’t grumble too much. Challenging, and good for a giggle – especially if you grew up with a SEGA Master System.

But as stifled as it may be, Effie not only achieves its goal of providing some light-hearted platforming frolics, but it also looks the part, putting some titles with far bigger budgets to shame with its surprisingly slick visuals. Coming out of nowhere while riding no coattails (we’re looking at you, Yooka-Laylee), it’s hard to think of a recent experience anywhere near as humble and carefree.

Despite a few rough edges, Massira is still something Frost Monkey Games can be proud of. It’s a bold attempt to enlighten the masses that’s packed full of variety, with a meaningful story at its core. It’s a little too straightforward and childlike to recommend to experienced gamers, but those looking to educate their children about what’s going on elsewhere in the world should give it consideration.

Going by screenshots and pre-release footage, we expected Caveman Warriors to be a fast-paced, arcade-like experience that can be breezed through in an hour or two. Instead, what we’ve got here is a sporadically paced, occasionally fussy and undecidedly old skool platformer. While it did take us far longer than a couple of hours to finish – and a good thing too, considering the £11.99 asking price – the five-or-so hours it took weren’t all smiles and sunshine. Unless you can rustle up a friend or two to join the prehistoric cause, don’t expect much in the way of Jurassic larks here.