Gunman Clive (Nintendo 3DS) Review

Gunman Clive comes from the mind of Bertil Hoernberg, and started its life as a mobile phone game, using virtual on-screen controls to tackle the old school platform action. Whilst rated well enough, it is only now the game has been tweaked for the Nintendo 3DS that it can truly shine thanks to the D-Pad / Circle Pad and standard buttons of the portable system.

Taking on a sketch-book visual approach throughout its Western setting, players choose from one of two characters and must progress through various sandy-coloured stages, dodging numerous obstacles, blasting away foes, leaping over treacherous drops, and reaching the final goal in as quick a time as possible. It may all sound rudimentary, but those that loved classic Mega Man, Super Mario Bros., and even more recent games such as Mutant Mudds, will immediately adore this bite-sized eShop download.

There are so many different styles poured into Gunman Clive that despite only lasting about 30 minutes to an hour - depending on player skill levels and difficulty chosen - it is one of those experiences that simply cannot be missed. Carefully dodging a boss' hands before jumping upon them and shooting its head, delicately leaping from disappearing block to disappearing block, balancing precariously on rolling boulders, navigating areas where gravity switches in all manner of directions, surviving extremely tense mine-cart rides, and even taking part in a space shooting segment - there is something from nearly every past classic. Gunman Clive has so many wonderful ideas packed in that it deserves to be tried by every 3DS owner, especially since it's only £1.99! Amazing, right? It truly is one of those games where the cost of entry is stunning considering some much higher priced titles are so disappointing at times.

Oh, and the soundtrack is legen…wait for it…dary. Yes, it had to be said. Simply give the game a whirl and find out what a masterpiece this really is. With any luck an expanded 'Deluxe' version will make its way onto Wii U eShop further down the line.