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Artist and cartoonist Dave Hughes first started programming a ZX Spectrum game back in 2010, with 2010: A Philatelist's Odyssey, followed in 2011 by the "sequel" Stamp Quest. 2012 saw the most polished game in the series yet – Endless Forms Most Beautiful. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ZX Spectrum, the game was remixed as The Lost Tapes Of Albion; completing levels rewarded the player with fictional ZX Spectrum games (complete with humorous descriptions). Blackjet created a remake for the SAM Coupe, retitled The Lost Disks Of SAM, and then released the Amiga adaptation under the name The Incredible Adventures of Moebius Goatlizard (with an added "hyperspace" mechanic). Over on the MSX the game was remade as Lizard Willy. Locomalito (in association with RGCD) developed the PC remake of EFMB in 2012 – and that inspired Rikib80 to create this C64 conversion.

This is Rikib80's first C64 game release as a programmer. Musician nm156 is a relative newcomer too, having provided the many cover tunes for Frantic Freddie II and music for IK+ Ultimate Competition Edition. Cadaver helped fix a bug with the competitive two-player mode, as well as creating Goattracker (used to compose the music) and helping with the input/output code. Krill's loader has been a staple of many demo scene releases and games, constantly updating with new code since 1996.

Imps exist all around us, stealing our socks from the washing machine and hiding the tops of our pens. Two clans of imp herders, named Moebius and Pucky, are in a battle to collect as many imps as possible. Before each level you will see the data on the type of imp you will be harvesting (including the procedurally generated shape, name, habitat, temper, what it eats and its status). Each level is then built from eight layers of platforms, with a single enemy patrolling each level.

Different enemies have different behaviours. Tanks shoot when you are on the same level, zombies speed up when you are on the same level while others may pause as they patrol. On later levels the Attribute Snake winds its way up and down the screen to add complexity.

Moebius and Pucky can move between platforms in two ways. They can "teleport" down a level by using the teleporter platforms (clearly shown by a different character graphic). They can also move off the edge of the platform. Going left will move the hero one level higher, re-appearing on the right. Moving right off a platform descends one level and reappears on the left. This also applies to the top and bottom layers.

Later levels add brick walls and spikes to complicate the layout. A bonus clock ticks down at the top of the screen. Collecting all the imps before it runs out adds that total to the score. Collecting some imps turns them into a bomb, which explodes after a short time – killing any enemy and hero on that level, with the enemy respawning a short while later. Other bonuses include a bubble shield (invincibility), clock (add time) and freeze (pauses enemies for a short while).

There is a choice of game modes. One player can play as either Moebius or Pucky, aiming to complete all 15 levels (including the last level, where the Imp Guardian awaits). Two players can play cooperatively to complete the game.

Alternatively the Two Player Vs. mode picks three levels at random, and the player who has collected the most imps after those three levels are over wins.

The "endless forms" means the platform graphics, imp design and colours are procedurally generated, adding a lot of variety to the game.

The graphics are very stylish, with some cute but deadly enemies and two well-animated heroes. A special mention must also go to Hend's beautiful loading screen. The music is great, featuring several cover tunes and good sound effects (being able to choose one or both is appreciated). It definitely has that "just one more go" appeal, as you strive to improve your score or reach a higher level – and the final Imp Guardian is a nice twist.

The movement around the screen takes some getting used to, and it will take a lot of practice to reach the end of the game with a high score.

When the Attribute Snake arrives, the game gets a lot harder, and the random appearance of bombs and power-ups means luck play a part – perhaps a little too often.

Stylish and unusual, this is definitely worth playing.