Arena Champion:

In Brief:
Arena Champion is a fast paced retro 2D side scrolling arena platform shooter with a survival theme. There are five different arenas to play, four of which are locked; (i.e. Mountains, Sky, Sunset and Blood Moon). Each one is unlocked after you've completed the previous arena.

The Game:

Basically you have to survive an onslaught of several AI controlled opponents that are deadly accurate. Use the platform jumpers and the grappling hook to reach the higher platforms and to avoid the opposing forces from getting to you too quickly. As you become more experienced (by killing enemies), your opponents become harder to kill. When you dispatch an opponent, you'll pick up cash, which can be used to buy more weapons of which there are a total of eight.

The art style is retro pixelated which works really well with this game.

Pick up extra ammunition and health packs by walking over them. Along the top of the screen (assuming you are playing in full screen mode; though the game defaults to windowed mode when you initially boot up the game) you can see the points/money you have accrued, (by killing your opponents). The next series of figures are the ammunition count for each weapon; (some of the weapons use the same ammunition explaining why there are only five ammunition counters for eight weapons), and in the middle top of the arena is a countdown timer. Survive for five minutes until the timer reaches zero to progress to the next level. The two bar graphs in the lower left of the arena show your shied/armour and health.

You can see a video of game play HERE.

Controls:

A = Run left
D = Run Right
Space = Jump
Double Space = Jump higher
S+Space = Jump Off
LMB = Shoot
Mouse X & Y axis = Aim
RMB = Hook Rope/grappling hook
Number Keys = Weapon Selection
Esc = Pause and access to main menu

Unfortunately Controllers are not supported.

Conclusion:
Overall I found Arena Champion is a decent and very challenging arena shooter; I enjoyed what little I played despite being atrocious at attempting to survive for five minutes. I'll definitely be keeping this one despite it's difficulty (I couldn't get past the first Night level); and, will attempt to get through the five different arenas during my frequent break times as this is perfect for those 15 - 20 minute coffee/tea breaks.

The game was released on Steam two months ago HERE; but, as yet, there are no community reviews for the game.).

Notes on Security
I scanned a zipped copy of the installed game using Virus Total and it found zero hits from 62 antimalware engines. You can see the Security scan HERE.

The latest Epic Game freebie is Encased a tactical sci-fi RPG set in an alt-1970's

Also, the Steam sale started yesterday, so lock up your wallets and purses before you bankrupt yourselves ;)