The absence of any save points means that Kingsley is one of those games where you need a few goes at each level before you can progress. But having said that, its various puzzles aren't too difficult to solve and it's also very linear (the odd fiendish trap excepted), so your poor brain isn't taxed too much, even if things do seem a little repetitive at times.

Your trials and tribulations are also made less irksome by the pretty, colourful graphics that possess a genuine alien quality, and by the suitably spooky sound effects. Happily - and unusually for games with dialogue - the speech in Kingsley is one of its strongest points. Conversations occur only occasionally, and when they do they tend to be brief and to the point, their main function being to keep you moving in the right direction rather than trying to drown you in clap-trap. The chat also serves to reinforce your bond with Kingsley himself. Although his voice and manners are cute beyond vomiting, the talking helps you care about him to the end.

Kingsley is really meant for kids and tries merely to provide a quaint platform adventure rather than a mentally taxing one. Despite its faults it succeeds in this very well. If you can still find a bit of a soft spot in either you or one of your family, you might consider Kingsley as a purchase. If you've grown into a haggard old cynic who's only into high-tech madness, though, you would do well to avoid it.