The Cardinal Crusade is an action game, with the game page on name of @Scimitri , I also saw the names @NathanAuckett and @YLivay in the credits. Well, the list of names is quite long, so I cannot mention everybody. Yup, the later two are staff members, and Scimitri used to be a moderator like me. This makes this game a bit harder for me to review. No favoring staff members or former colleagues, but I don't wish to be too strict in this review either. Well, let's try to give it a go, shall we...

When we start the game we already see a pretty cartoonish main menu, which does indicate a kind of game that doesn't take itself too seriously. In the same time we see a nice short menu, without more c---p than it needs. A quick look at the "Options" showed me pretty clear and obvious features on which I don't need to elaborate much. Keyboard settings, basic screen and audio settings, but nothing an average computer user can't handle.

I will be honest, I've only played the demo. The game starts on a ship that serves more as a tutorial, and the instructions given are very clear. The ship tilting effect was nice, but it did make me a little seasick, so I was glad when I was past that part. I do appreciate (hey, I'm a coder too, you know) the effort that was put into it to make, but as it really got onto me, I really had to make a note of that. I've suffered a lot from motion sickness as a boy, so that this effect would turn out so bad on me, was not really a surprise to me.

Now I didn't yet finish the game. As far as I found out, the levels are pretty short, but yet still challenging. You technically have 2 hit points. 1 point damage will destroy your armor, and the 2nd point will thus kill you.

The controls are pretty smooth, but the level design is merciless, and can easily lead to loss of sleep, loss of hair and loss of sanity. (Yes, I've read the disclaimer of Lemmings, and it should be in this game as well). However, the levels are, as far as I played very short and that is a good thing. At the end of each level you return to the worldmap. The challenge is to collect coins on the way, and some levels can require an amount of coins to be paid. You can however replay all levels if you want. Finishing a new level is required to unlock the next, though. So if you missed stuff you can retry the level to claim it anyway, so see if you can do better. There is no savegame system, but that doesn't really matter, as all levels you unlock will be saved, and since the levels are short, you can quit whenever you feel the need and resume when you got the time.

In order to solve the levels you can walk, jump and slash your sword in order to kill your enemies. There are a few special moves, like jump + slash to keep yourself in the air a little longer. The rules are easy, but now solving a level is the challenge.

Since this game can work a little bit frustrating and cruel, it can also be pretty addictive. I do recommend that if a certain level gets the best of you, quit the game, do something else, and try it again when you are relaxed. No game is worth is to crush your computer in anger. But also practice makes perfect. Some levels that frustrated the crap out of me first, did work out much easier when I replayed them a few times. Find the proper balance. For the experienced action player reading this review can be a laugh.

I've nothing special to say about the music except that the music I've heard to far sounds good to me, and seems to do what it has to do.

For those easily frustrated, this may not be the game, but for those who like a challenge and keep they heads cool, this game seems pretty good to me. I like the cartoonish art style and it fits the game well. The game has eye for detail, and the gameplay is easy to understand. All and all, for those who like quick action games, this game looks like a good recommendation.