POSTED 14/6/13


FLYING HAMSTER HD

The Game Atelier
Vita/PSN

Some things are just fact. Like that hamsters can’t fly (well, without a swift punt to the tuckus, but then we’d be the first to sic PETA onto you – and they’re a weird mob...)

Newton the Hamster was never informed of this inability to get airborne, so the fact that he does (Rocket J Squirrel goggles and all) in this vivid cute-‘em-up isn’t anything he ever questioned. A bastardly giant eagle kicked sand in Newton’s face on the beach one day, swooping down and soaring off with his gal, Sookie. Who we assume is a hamster too, but you never know in hyper-cutesy Japanimatedy things like this. Anyway, rescue are belong to us!
 
Yes, imagine Fantasy Zone, Parodius and Rabio Lepus smushed together and you’ll have an idea what’s going on within the confines of this Vita thingy. It's cutesy, but Flying Hamster HD’s no softcock shmup. Think classic horizontal scrollers like R-Type. The graphics may be wild and cer-a-zee, but the mechanics are as evil as anything all serious, metallic and space alieny.

You – that being Newton, who’s assigned you as his joystick-wiggling proxy - take to six varied levels, as assorted oddities take to you with weaponised weaponry. Chooks that lay exploding googies, killer cows, laser owls, terminator squids and much more seem to be on that aforementioned giant eagle’s payroll. But you’ve the advantage of memorising patterns to make further progression incursions, don’t you?

All you need is spit, emanating from your gob in ballistic form. Well, unless you pick up bonus weapons like berries, bees and beer. Yes, beer. Is there anything it can’t do?

It’s short, sweet and challenging, but deaths are usually your own stupid fault. Nab trophies and you’ll score extra credits, which you’ll likely need.

You’ll believe a hamster can fly! (Come on, you must have seen that one coming...)

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