Cry Havoc!

Experiencing life as the perfect soldier isn’t an opportunity we’re given on a daily basis, so the fact that Codename: Havoc reckons it can give you a glimpse into such an existence means we’re intrigued. Set in the distant future where things are dark and desperate for the inhabitants of Earth (is this a bylaw that sci-fi plots must adhere to? Will we ever see a game set in a happy, peaceful future?), you’re the last line of defence against the rampaging Oblivion invaders.

Strapped securely into your state-of-the-art fighter jet it’s up to you to fend off the enemy in a top-down shooter that’s reminiscent of Space Invaders and countless other games we’ve seen over the years. It looks a lot nicer, though, as you fly over the blasted surface of the Earth, replete with ruined cities, volcanic hills, and seas of lava.

There’s the usual array of advanced weaponry, too, with lasers, fireballs, homing missiles and bombs at your disposal. You’ll need them all as you take on enemy Oblivion fighter ships, tanks, giant mechanical spiders and the level-ending motherships. Codename: Havoc is out now.