Review: Loxley

Review: Loxley

Loxley is built on a BASIC game Ariel Ruiz made in 1991, back when the Soviet Union collapsed, Bohemian Rhapsody topped the charts and the Speccy's commercial era ended (these events may or may not be linked). It is also based on the Kevin Costner film released in the summer of that year. Firstly, we are treated to an intro, with full screen animated graphics, digitised speech, and an explanation of the plot - all you need to know is that Alan Rickman has kidnapped Maid Marian and you've got to rescue her. Thankfully the AY music is a pleasant ditty, and not a rendition of that bloody Bryan Adams song that was drilled into our heads for so long BITD.

The large masked sprites moving against a detailed background are worthy of a top-end commercial era release - imagine Robocop set in medieval Nottinghamshire.

The sword fights present enough of a challenge on easy - you need to block high, middle and low based on your opponent's stance, at a speed that does sometimes beat my ageing reflexes over the course of a game. Thank heavens Robin has an inexhaustible supply of arrows, as using the bow is fun, and the arrows give a satisfying thud before leaving a shaft stuck in solid scenery.

The more you fight and train, the stronger your bow and swordmanship become - something you will need later in the game. You need to steal money, which can be used to buy health potions and shortcuts to fighting power, but some of it must be reserved for the adventure element in the game - give to the poor and all that. Some locations are interactive puzzles, where you need to solve a rune or encourage a rat (by shooting at it) towards a lever. I love the style of the game map, and its instant, penalty free travel without restrictions.

To sum up, the game is a mix of action, platform, adventure, management and puzzle - basically there's a lot to it. I was less keen on jumping over patrolling snakes or flying creatures - that temporarily demoted the game to bog standard platforming, but at least it was rare.

I was determined not to use the phrase 'great for compiled BASIC' in this review, and I'm pleased to say I didn't even need to try - it is just great.

This game has similarities to Wudang, another one of Ariel's triumphs, but I found Loxley more interesting, better to play and easier to get into. This game deserves a proper shot - play it on easy and give it a go.

128 times better than the film.