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 who finds herself awoken by a wizard. Yep, a wizard. Anyhow, he 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 does mean there are three ginormous worlds to explore. And guess what, there are also many demons to fight!!
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 or Turrican, then you'd be right so no prizes for originality. There are two levels: Underworld Of Fire and Arctic Earth but the third cannot be played until these are completed. Each has a different range of baddies either walking the levels or flying in the sky. Hitting fire shoots a magical weapon with loud and exciting deaths - but it's shameless ripoff effect. There is constant action through huge, colourful levels stuffed with monsters.
The controls are good but turning this sexy woman around feels a little too 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 mechanic itself takes longer so you can change direction as needed.
There's little here that feels new as Elvira is more than a little inspired by several different games. That's fine but it also means there's nothing unexpected so everything feels quite familiar. I also found the levels too big and quite bewildering. The ability to save progress via checkpoints could have been better. As you can imagine, I kept on getting lost!
Right then, let's take a peep at a jazzy screenshot of the fireworks you will get to experience...
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 at once. 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! :o
Theme music is by Sean Connolly and is excellent. The sound effects are very nice and pretty much Gods-like (S key toggles). To be honest, there's not an awful lot of effects and you'll hear Elvira stomping more than anything else.
Righto fellow ST Nutters, it's time for the final screenshot and guess what? It's beautiful too...
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 without more frequent checkpoints. 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 best?
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 or Turrican clone but I've enjoyed it all. I'm sure Elvira will keep you entertained for many hours. Mmm, given half the chance...ahem!!
Who wouldn't help Elvira if she asked?
