Published: Wednesday, 8th April, 2009 10:30am

Ceville

While there are lots of games out there now which allow you to choose your own moral path between holy, wholesome, good and the often more fun and yet corrupting force of evil, it's a rare game indeed that starts you out as pure evil. Ceville is that game.

The titular evil tyrant Ceville used to rule Faeryanis until the people revolted against his regime. But Basilus, his former counsellor, has his own plans to take over the land with the help of demonic beasts of darkness. The only person who can stop him is the – rightly rather grumpy – ex tyrant himself, the very definition of an antihero indeed.

With a sarcastic streak a mile wide, Ceville is a memorable and entertaining curmudgeon of the highest order. But his sidekick Lilly, a little girl who knows more of the world than most grownups, gets most of the best lines and is more bitter and twisted than even Ceville at points.

The writing, voice acting and characterisation across the board makes this an above average point-and-click adventure game. The puzzles are challenging, although not too frustrating which is just as well as there's no hint option.

The world is reminiscent of Shrek, where fantasy seems to merge with reality and cultural references in a way that will raise a smile. From the use of Indiana Jones' theme music when Ceville makes a daring escape and his Die Hard-esque 'Yippekiyay!' to a nice Portal reference there's a lot here to enjoy.

Four stars

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