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Looks can be deceiving. Take Marsupilami the marsupial, for instance. Even when caged and exploited by cruel circus-owners, the chirpy chappie maintains a cheesy grin and a cheeky disposition. One day, however, the worm turns and decides to lead his own animal liberation front. In an attempt to get back to his wife and three children Marsupilami breaks out of captivity, using his lethal whip-like tail to negotiate obstacles and subjugate the fat ringkeepers.

No worries, then. Well, no worries except for Bonelli, Marsupilami's lumbering elephant friend. The two break out together, and while Bonelli isn't exactly the brains of the outfit, he comes in useful for dousing fires with his trunk or simply battering into troublesome objects. Unfortunately, he's also one can short of a six pack and needs escorting everywhere.

Marsupilami only has his friend, Tignass the hummingbird, to help him escape the circus, guide Bonelli's every step and locate his errant three children before he can return home to his wife.

1. Winch
   To use Marsupilami's winch facility, drop some food where you'd like Bonelli to position himself. While he's munching away, activate your tail exactly over his head and watch your little fat buddy fly. All a bit far-fetched really.
2. Pole Vault
   Although the various tailspins include a parachute, a lever and a hammer, perhaps the most spectacular is the pole vault function which, when activated at the right time, launches Marsupilami across rivers and other gaps.
3. Ring Of Fire
   In case you were wondering why Marsupilami would actually want to lumber himself with a gormless elephant, the reason becomes clear at the end of the first level. Jumping on the elephant's back while he douses the flames with his trunk full of water is the only way through the fiery hoop.

The game's politically incorrect animal-bashers include the ringmasters, who are easily whipped into a puff of smoke, and the clowns. When not throwing custard pies in your face they're indulging in dangerous juggling. "One punch and this guy is down," the instruction manual tells us of the juggler, "but look out for his dropped balls!" Hmmm.

A number of peripherals can be attached, Black & Decker style, to your tail. In order to haul yourself and your not-so-delicate friend across rivers, over crates and through other obstacles, you'll need to locate the following icons on your journey...

1. The step function, when added to your 'armoury', gives your tail the ability to transform itself into flight of stairs for Bonelli to amble along.
2. The mouse facility allows you to form your tail into the face of a mouse, sending Bonelli scarpering in the opposite direction. This is handy if you'd like to use him as a battering ram, or if you'd just like him to get a move on.
3. The winch allows means you can use your long-suffering tail to haul up Bonelli up to your level.

Escape from the circus, navigating your elephant friend to safety and locating your errant children on the way.

This gave everyone in the office a run for their money, and while some relished the considerable challenge, others were instantly intimidated. I gave this my best shot, and while I can appreciate how cleverly some sections of the game are constructed, the whole idea of struggling (and it is a struggle) to transport an apparently brainless elephant from one side of the screen to the other left me cold.

And who the hell might this be? Well, Marsupilami is apparently a big star on the Continent, where the French and Belgians split their sides at his cartoon antics. But don't let that put you off. This is a Lemmings clone at heart, with lots of original ideas of its own.

The concept and execution is basically sound, but the major boob is the outrageous learning curver and excruciating difficulty level. This game is probably too hard for those its styling most appeals to. Lemmings fans should, however, take note.

Animation 82%
N. Actions such as winching and whipping some to be over with in relatively few frames.

Music 81%
P. A catchy and chirpy little tune is the soundtrack to your epic journey.

Playability 75%
N. Essential actions are difficult to master...

Lastability 73%
N. ...and difficult to maintain enthusiasm for three levels down the line.

Overall 81%
Quite charming - and quite a challenge.