12 cert, Ratloope Asia, PS Vita ****

Here’s a pleasant surprise, and not just because chickens are unlikely action heroes. A product of indie developers Ratloope Asia, Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is an eccentric and fun little shooter. Under the (ahem) yoke of oppression, you play a rebellious commando chicken who’s caught behind enemy lines. The villains are other breeds of birds, training a penguin army. This is a 2D plat- form-puzzle affair that echoes Shank and retroclassic Contra. As well as shooting and jumping, you can duck in and out of hiding places and even use some nifty gadgets (rocket packs, mind-control grenades).The character design looks hand-drawn and cute, while the posters, uniforms and story suggest communist Russia. It is all complemented by a funky indie soundtrack from New World Revolution. Originally on PS3, the Vita version has more co-operative multiplayer options, added characters and extra Vita controls.