Elfmania showcases some of the best graphics on an OCS/ECS Amiga. Although, the game-play just does not deliver.
It has rather clunky movement really. If there were more characters to choose from this would make it a little better. It is also worth noting that all the characters have a very similar feel with movement. It would be great if more move combinations were included, it is rather limited. The inclusion of more sound effects, for the various moves would help bring up the action a little.
Outline:
Elfmania is a little different to most Beat-'em-Up's. In order to win the game you have to complete a straight line of victories from one side of the campaign map to the other. You don't often fight in the various battles; instead you hire an additional fighter that is known to be a champion. There is a maximum of 6 champion fighters available, this is according to how much money you have available. In the game, you only start off with enough cash to hire the 3 cheapest and weakest known champion fighters.
With each fight you've the opportunity to make more money, although every time you get hit you loose that money and must collect it back. Every time you hit your opponent you've the opportunity to collect their money. The unfortunate thing is that every time you win a fight, the cost of obtaining one of the champion fighters increases (depends on how much money, you've). So, if you lose a fight, then win the next, you're less likely to be able to hire a champion fighter. It's not a very good system, in fact it makes the game a lot harder to win fights and move on, due to the character's weaknesses.
The Verdict:
This game is a great technical achievement in the graphics department. In the playability department this game lacks detail. In a lot of ways this game feels rushed or unfinished. If this game contained some great game-play with nice action sequences, etc. This game could have been a classic.
I have given this game 7.0 out of 10. Only for the Great Graphics it contains.
If you forget about the rather mediocre game-play, you almost feel like you are playing an Arcade Beat-'em-up, since the graphics are quite similar.