Scram Kitty DX (2015)

Scram Kitty DX's twist on the shooter-platformer is one that requires perseverance. Its unconventional method of manoeuvrability has the power to turn away most people that pick up a pad to give it a go, but it makes the case for the perfect example of a game that allows the rewards to be reaped if taken the time to be mastered.

Dakko Dakko takes a simple idea and stretches it as far as it will go. Scram Kitty DX may not be an essential purchase, but it's full of good ideas and fun challenges. Too bad the presentation is so bland and the gameplay repetitive. Imperfections aside, fans of unorthodox arcade shoot 'em ups will get a kick out of this action game.

Scram Kitty DX is a hard game to get to grips with, but is a wonderfully unique take on some more traditional genres. And with its wacky story of cats versus space mice, as well as its old-school aesthetic, it offers a highly enjoyable experience. Certainly there'll be those put off by its stiff challenge and lack of instruction, but if you're up to the challenge, this should prove an excellently absurd addition to your gaming library.

There is a Challenge mode, in which you can try a timed-playthrough of a level and try to get onto the Leaderboards, which adds a bit of extended "fun" (or stress, in my view) to the original, Adventure mode.  But overall, like my cat and his laser pointer, the novelty of Scram Kitty DX will eventually wear off and you will walk away.