Solar Gladiators

Scratches that arcade itch.

Locomalito’s latest freeware gem is arena shooter Solar Gladiators, which pits your discus-flinging hero against a procession of monstrous bosses, with just one life and a persistent health bar to fret about. It’s a little bit Tron, in that your sole weapon is essentially a high-tech boomerang, and a wee bit Smash TV, but without its famous twin-stick control scheme. Solar Gladiators is comfortably its own thing, however. You’re not fighting waves of baddies but taking part in a series of duels. Every level brings a new boss fight, with a fresh pattern to learn as you contend with the unique nature of each enemy. There’s the big snake that zags around like its Nokia namesake, the immobile plant that endlessly regrows a defensive barrier, and the slime that insists on multiplying as you shoot it to bits.

There are 15 boss fights and a lot of effort has been put into making them feel unique. It’s tough but not cruel, and lengthier and more varied than arcade games often were back in the day.

TOM SYKES

Like Locomalito’s other games, this looks and feels retro, while being subtly informed by modern sensibilities. ★★★★★