Elvira: The Arcade Game

Developer(s)Flair Software[1]
Publisher(s)Flair Software
Designer(s)Mick Hedley
Phil Scott
Phillip Nixon
Programmer(s)Mick Hedley
Composer(s)Adam Gilmore
Platform(s)Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, Commodore 64
Release1991
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Elvira: The Arcade Game is a side-scrolling platform game released in 1991 for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS by Flair Software. The game is loosely based upon the film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, released in 1988, and she features as the playable character.[2]

Plot and gameplay

The game features two worlds: the Underworld of Fire and the Arctic Earth, which must be unlocked in order to reach the third, the Castle of Transylvania. According to the ghost in the game's introduction, by right the castle belongs to Elvira.[3] In their quest, players are able to use spells and weapons, as well as collect rune stones, food in order to replenish their health, and treasure chests. If they encounter difficulty in completing a segment of their current quest, the player may purchase information from a trader, found within each level, using rune stones as a currency.[3]

Development

Elvira: The Arcade Game was programmed by Flair Software in conjunction with Horrorsoft, the developer of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and Elvira II: The Jaws of Cerberus.[4] Elvira: The Arcade Game was licensed for publication by Queen B Productions, the owners of the Elvira franchise. It was released in four languages: English, French, German and Italian.[3]

Reception

Elvira: The Arcade Game received generally favourable reviews. CU Amiga awarded the game 82% and praised the graphics, describing the game as "brilliant arcade fun," but lacking any longevity. Similarly, Amiga Power pointed to the high level of polish, but lamented the fact that there were "no gameplay surprises," and so awarded it 70%.[5]

References

  1. ^ "MobyGames entry on Flair Software". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
  2. ^ "Hall of Light summary of the game". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
  3. ^ a b c "Game manual". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
  4. ^ "Vamp Revamped". The One. No. 32. emap Images. May 1991. p. 20.
  5. ^ "Hall of Light's reviews for Elvira: The Arcade Game". Retrieved 2010-02-13.