X-Men

12 cert, Konami, Xbox Live Arcade (also PSN) ***

12 cert, Konami, Xbox Live Arcade (also PSN) ***

In the 1980s and '90s, arcade machines were often malleable, with a joystick, three buttons and software that could accommodate similar side- scrolling action games. First released in 1992 during the comic book's heyday, X-Menis a simple side-scrolling beat- 'em-up that hosts up to six players. Working co-operatively, each superhero has a special move to dispatch various robots and supervillains (Cyclops's laser eyes for example, or Storm's mini-hurricanes). This update accommodates online multiplayer, which is more than welcome, and it's enjoyable in a primitive way. The simplicity of the moves and levels are both the game's appeal and its downfall – it's easy to click into and offers fast-paced gameplay, but it really is limited and thus, may outstay its welcome after a short spell. Still, it's nice to see the tacky 1980s X-Men costumes again!