DeVuego BD

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.