I have to admit that the critical reaction to The Club has taken me by surprise. The 360 version on Metacritic is currently showing some early 8.0+ reviews, and the reactions by Penny Arcade's Tycho and our very own Rev Anthony have been nothing but favorable, based on the demo. When I got done playing the trial, however, I expected this game to just fade into obscurity rather than be hailed as a triumph.

Apparently the game is great because it brings back old-school arcade sensibilities. Rev applauded the fact that you got lots of points in it while Tycho was comparing it to shmups. While I totally see that, I fear that this is a case of retro goggles being applied to a new game. I can't help feeling that gamers are being played here, that a rather average-at-best shooter has hidden its gameplay mechanics behind a tempting arcade mask and now gamers have fallen in love with it because it reminds them of happier times.

The gunplay felt very loose and unrefined, the colors and scenery so dark and drab that enemies are incredibly difficult to even see, and if you strip away the retro gamer fan service, all you're left with is very generic third person shooting.

Also, from what I can tell, that demo level currently available on XBL and PSN pretty much IS the entire game. With only six levels that are likely going to play exactly like that, I can't see how this is worth paying the money for.

Gamers are a predictable bunch, and I worry that this game is going to disappoint because it's been hyped like mad based on the fact that it's pushing the right marketing buttons. Say "score attack" to a gamer who remembers the eighties and yes, he's going to piss his pants with glee.

I want to like The Club, I really do. After Rev's rant I decided to give it a second chance, but it just didn't give me any joy whatsoever. Maybe the eight playable characters add some flavor, but I'm really not spending over forty quid to find out. Everything about this game screams budget, and were it that, I'd be far more welcoming.

While I'm not condemning the game outright, I would just advise caution. Don't merely snap it up because it reminds you that the eighties happened once. I fully expect a good few gamers to really like it, don't get me wrong. Just make absolutely sure you will before you slam down sixty bucks for the thing.