Not all games want to be groundbreaking masterpieces. Some set out with modest aspirations and are happy to achieve their goals. Zapper falls at least partially into this category, in that it has modest ambitions.

You play the role of a cricket called Zapper who's on a quest to rescue his brother Zipper from Maggie the magpie. Maggie is a bit of a tea leaf who collects all shiny things (including Zipper) and gets so excited she drops her drawers and lays random magpie eggs. Hence our hero has to rescue his stricken bro whilst collecting the eggs scattered throughout each level.

Zap's mum must have been playing away with Kermit next door, because this little fella has all the hallmarks of veteran amphibian character Frogger. And the chief characteristic is his inability to move any great distance - which may be exciting when dodging lorries on busy dual carriageways but is ultimately incredibly tiresome in any other game.

Zapper is a very basic linear platformer consisting of four worlds split into small stages and secret areas that are about as hidden as a paratrooper squadron landing in Trafalgar Square. With fireworks. There are 17 levels in total and what it lacks in sophistication it often makes up in frustration.

It feels like a platform game from the (very) old skool where your success is based entirely on timing, thanks to your very limited movements. Mother Nature never planned on crickets wanting to make diagonal jumps and it's too easy to fall off a platform just by trying to get from A to B, as you must use the triggers to change the direction of your character.

But solace may be found by some gamers in the multiplayer modes. Up to four crickets can partake in a multitude of games including deathmatch, last man standing and zipper ball (kind of like an insect version of rugby). These games are by no means great, but do offer a welcome distraction from the more mundane single-player effort.

Zapper's problem is that it fails to really address either of its intended audiences. It's too frustrating to hold the attention span of younger gamers and doesn't offer enough reward for more experienced players. It's pretty enough to look at and the music is surprisingly good - a blend of Latin, samba and drum and bass, but that's about it. And for a retail price of around £20 the adage that applies is "you get what you pay for".

1. Not the ugliest game on the block
2. Good music

1. Frustrating due to horrible controls
2. Repetitive levels
3. Lack of interesting objectives

Power
It loads quickly, but then the levels are short. An Xbox game in name only.

Style
Good music adds much-needed atmosphere. But that's really all you're getting.

Immersion
If you've got a bit of a frustration fetish then welcome to your dream date.

Lifespan
Shorter than a real cricket in single-player mode but multiplayer could provide the odd laugh.

Summary
Zapper is made by the same people that make Frogger titles on other platforms. And it really shows.