MicroBot

7 cert, EA, Xbox Live (also PSN) ****

What would sci-fi be without botched experiments? In the case of MicroBot,some hubristic scientists created nanotechnology that was supposed to boost the immune system. Instead, the technology worked in tandem with the human body to create new cyber infections. That's where you come in.

Miniaturised and placed into a tiny ship, you must negotiate your little machine through the vessels of the human body, from its coursing arteries and craggy bone cells to the gassy lungs and icky brain.

MicroBotisn't scientifically accurate, of course, but it is an elegant and original shooter. You glide through the veins, sometimes pushed by the ebb and flow of blood and cell movement, shooting parasites and gaining weapon upgrades. It's deceptively clever; while the gameplay is initially simple, the little details are smart.

Certain cells can help and hinder you and your ship moves slower with heavier, more powerful weapon upgrades. Also, your cannon can be used to propel you through sticky situations.

This new take on Fantastic Voyageand Innerspaceis also a multiplayer game. It's a co-operative experience with two nano-machines joining forces against the bad cells; you can even winch your ships together to combine firepower.

Although the game is challenging and occasionally frenetic, it’s never a stressful shooter, due probably to the calm movement of the ship. The beguiling, almost hypnotic gameplay is complemented by a graceful appearance (swirling cells and colourful liquids) and gorgeous electronic music (hints of synth, chimes of ambience).

Although the game is a tiny battle between a machine and a disease, nothing about it is overtly aggressive. Even the sound effects are soft – the cannon fire makes a pleasing pop, and enemies explode in a calm splash.

MicroBotis in the tradition of classic arcade shooters such as R-Type,but the pace and tone are entirely different – it's a rare 2D shooter that features neither military nor outer-space shenanigans.

Perhaps younger readers will find it a little primitive; I thought it utterly unique. After the gluttony of epic, marquee Christmas titles, it’s nice to be reminded that sometimes good things do come in small packages.