A game with sex appeal!
Elvira has graced our favourite 16-bit computer three times with two of them being adventures - which I own and cherish dearly. However, the third is a little-known platformer by Flair Software which is a platformer not too dissimilar to the likes of Turrican or Gods. Yes, that doesn't sound very original but I don't care. Also, it's enhanced on Atari STe thanks to the Blitter and lots of extra colours. So, kudos to the boys at Flair for supporting both computers!
For this game, we get to be the Mistress herself who finds herself awoken by a wizard, who needs her to complete a mission. Apparently, we need to recover the Queendom. Whatever the story, I'm in, but it basically means we have three ginormous worlds to explore. And guess what, there are also many demons to fight.
There are two levels to instantly play: Underworld Of Fire or Arctic Earth (the final level cannot be selected until these are beaten). Let's take a look at their loading screens which I thought are beautiful examples of pixel art...
Those looking for a tan might first wish to play the Underworld of Fire?
Or perhaps you prefer to plunder the cold depths of Arctic Earth? Bring a scarf!
Let's play with Elvira!
If you're thinking this looks like Gods and seems to have more than a twist of Turrican thrown in, then you'd be right. Each world has a range of baddies either walking the levels or flying in the sky. Hitting fire shoots your magical weapon and their death is loud and exciting albeit with a slight slowdown. A shameless ripoff but one that plays great with lots of action and large, colourful levels that are stuffed with monsters.
The controls are good but turning this sexy woman around feels a little slow. Elvira moves in a majestic way, it's quite something special to see her flaunt her legs when turning and jumping. The walk is quite funny as she stomps the ground but gravity appears low so jumping takes on the form of Neil Armstrong on the moon. Actually, this is great for killing the monsters as the jump itself takes longer so you can change direction as and when needed.
There's little here that feels new or fresh as Elvira seems more than a little inspired by lots of different games. That's good but it also means there's nothing unexpected so everything will feel a little familiar. I also found the levels too big and the ability to save progress via checkpoints could have been much better. I kept getting lost!
Elvira doesn't waste any time flashing you a quick glimpse of her underwear!
Aesthetics
Visually, this is a corker with gorgeous levels that feature lots of colour and detailed sprites that exploded like it's bonfire night. Parallax scrolling is smooth but the action can get a little stuttery when there is a lot happening. The screen width has been squashed a little to maintain the framerate on older STs which is understandable.
The Blitter Chip is supported for both Atari computers if present (obviously, a standard on the STe). This makes the game run at a smoother albeit slower pace. So, an STfm without Blitter features a lower framerate but faster gameplay... Personally, I'm somehow preferring the game without Blitter support!
Theme music is excellent and the sound effects are very nice and pretty much Gods-like. (S key toggles)
Elvira is so hot she can create sparks even in the cold Ice World.
The CryptO'pinion?
Sadly, not even the busty goddess is perfect because I feel the levels are perhaps too big and thus the quest soon becomes tiresome. Although the graphics are legendary, and I tip my hat to Flair for using the Blitter, I think dropping the parallax effect in favour of a larger display or spritelier scrolling would have been better choices?
Elvira The Arcade Game may never have been in the arcades but I don't care about that. Who doesn't enjoy dressing up as The Mistress Of The Dark? Oops, did I say that out loud? Anyhow, it might feel like a cheap Gods clone but I've enjoyed it and I'm sure Elvira will keep you entertained for many hours. Mmm, given half the chance...
Who wouldn't help Elvira if she asked?
