Games Review: Castle Crashers

Xbox Live Arcade, Microsoft 1200 MSP/£10.

If you like your virtual warfare a little more lo-fi than Mercenaries 2, check out the charming Castle Crashers (above), a sidescrolling beat-’em-up with hand-drawn backdrops rather than dizzyingly realistic graphics.

Using combat and magic, up to four players can do battle as valiant knights storming castles and torching all that stands in their way. Simple to grasp and packed with funny moments, it might not be the longest game you’ll ever play, but there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy it while it lasts.