LONG SHOT

As with Spelunky, Strafe’s inherent replayability is bolstered by a daily challenge option (for example, complete a run using only the shotgun) and speedrun leaderboards (a successful playthrough should last a little over an hour), all accessed via a lovingly crafted DOS boot-up screen complete with command-line inputs. There’s also a wave survival arena mode, Murderzone, though no competitive multiplayer at the time of writing – a shame given how well the game approximates the agility and frenzy of Quake, but forgivable given the team’s modest size and resources. Pixel Giants has a wealth of ideas for post-release content: it plans to add Oculus Rift functionality in the first instance, and is keeping an open mind on mod support.