A game with sex appeal
Elvira has graced our favourite 16-bit computer three times, two of them being adventures. 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 are the Mistress who finds herself awoken by a wizard who needs her to complete a mission (here we go), and, apparently, we need to recover the Queendom. Whatever the story, I'm in, but it means there are three ginormous worlds to explore. And guess what, there are many demons to fight!!
Let's take a look at their loading screens, which 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
It's obvious that Gods and Turrican inspired this, so no prizes for originality. There are two levels: Underworld of Fire and Arctic Earth (the third cannot be played until these are completed). Each has a range of baddies walking and flying in the sky. Hitting fire shoots a magical weapon with loud and exciting deaths - it's a shameless ripoff effect. There is constant action through huge, colourful levels stuffed with monsters.
The controls are good, but turning this sexy woman feels too slow. Elvira moves majestically; it's something seeing her flaunt those legs when turning or jumping. The walk is 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 mechanic takes longer, so you can change direction as needed.
There's little that feels new as Elvira is running on ripped inspiration. That's fine, but it also means there's nothing unexpected, so everything feels familiar. I also found the levels too big and bewildering. The ability to save progress via checkpoints could have been better. As you can imagine, I kept on getting lost!
Let's take a peep at a jazzy screenshot of the fireworks you will experience...
Aesthetics
Visually, this is a corker with gorgeous levels that feature lots of colour and detailed sprites that explode like it's bonfire night. Parallax scrolling is smooth, but the action can slow down when a lot is 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 prefer the game without Blitter support! :o
The excellent theme music is by Sean Connolly with nice Gods-like effects (S key toggles). To be honest, there aren't an awful lot of sound effects; you will hear Elvira stomping more than anything else.
Righto, fellow ST Nutters, it's time for the final screenshot and guess what? It's beautiful...
The CryptO'pinion?
Sadly, even the busty goddess cannot save this game. The basics are very good and enjoyable for a while. However, the levels are far too large and thus the quest soon becomes tiresome without frequent checkpoints. Although the graphics are legendary (I tip my hat to Flair for using the Blitter), they should have removed the parallax effect in favour of a larger display/spritelier scrolling. That would have been better.
Elvira the Arcade Game may never have been in the arcades, but I don't care. Who doesn't enjoy dressing up as The Mistress Of The Dark? Oops, did I say that out loud? Yes, it might feel like a cheap Gods or Turrican clone, but I've enjoyed it. More than worth playing, especially if you have a trainer and map at hand.
Great game, and Elvira will keep you entertained for many hours. (Mmm, given half the chance!!)
Who wouldn't help Elvira if she asked?
