It takes a lot of confidence to revive a classic type of gameplay like 'Lander' with the intent of creating a compelling video game, but Monkube have managed to pull it off, though I suspect the incredible artistic talent backing the project certainly helped. '6th Planet' follows the journey of a space-module confined monkey bound for Saturn as he attempts to avoid dangerous hazards while conserving enough fuel to make it to each subsequent base.

You're only given two controls to maneuver the craft for the monkey, resulting in jets of air that push the module left, right or up if you hold both buttons at the same time. At first, the low gravity of each area combined with the heavy momentum of the spacecraft can make it difficult to maneuver, however the game's emphasis on patience helps the player to quickly learn how to deftly control their craft. Hazards range from simply avoiding collisions with the environment to moving and random factors such as asteroids, lava, steam and even a satellite dish or two.

The variety in the 50 story-mode levels is quite surprising, with stages varying from simple, calm journeys to frantic white-knuckle moments where you'll have to fly in unison with flaming chunks of rock. The payoff for all of your hard work is a chance to advance the intriguing story of Earth dealing with the possibility that Saturn might become a planet capable of sustaining human habitation. If you think the artwork within the game itself is slick, you'll simply gape at the wonderful comic artwork in these pre-chapter cut-scenes.

6th Planet is, quite simply, a gorgeous game to play in every almost every way. While the Lander-inspired gameplay is dated, the relaxed and simplistic style is married perfectly with beautiful artwork and music while providing enough variety to keep you absorbed for hours.

Those who require a bit more action in their games may want to steer clear, but it's an easy game to recommend for everyone else with a few quiet spare moments in their day.