The first thought that entered my mind when I fired up Laxius Force was "ahh so this is what it looks like", being a shareware title I was never expecting ground breaking visuals but I wasn’t expecting a  2D venture in to the old school format from the 80’s and it became clear to me that this is exactly what a shareware title should be in this day in age. Why make something shoddily 3D in a world with almost real graphics acting as the standard when you can bring character and beauty in a much more simple form? The phrase "less is more" shines true in this quirky RPG; Laxius Force.

It all feels nostalgic as you are instantly thrown into the world of the interactive cartoon, the full extent of the imagery is that of a static object like a flame torch in a hallway flickering away, a creature going about his day or a tree gently moving its leaves in the wind.

The colourful hometown of your character, Random, is the first thing to raise a smile as you are taken from a lifeless scene in a temple. It’s abundant in characteristic nature and the many colours combine to make that classic retro image beautifully complete.

The battle scenes are equally cool, rather than the usual left to right you face your enemy head on surrounded by a well drawn environment containing the weather effects from the main screen. Your character’s are represented by a small picture at the base of the screen next to the usual MP and HP display and though it is well drawn and nice to look at there isn’t any movement at all, everything but the falling snow or rain is static and lifeless.