Today’s gaming lifestyle has definitely changed from what we grew up with. Nowadays, you have Twitch streamers playing everything. You have critiques from YouTubers, some deserved based on the merits of their discussion. (Others are just, well, being themselves.) And games, obviously, changed quite a bit too.
But it’s fun to see a team embrace the culture as we know it and still have a good time. Ii Otona-Tachi (we hope we spelled that right) does so with Retro Revengers. It’s a retro-themed platforming adventure with unique (and odd) characters. But, more importantly, it has fun with its material while keeping its fundamentals in check. So it’s fun to play while, at the same time, gets some good jokes in.
It’s not for everyone, especially considering its short length and quirky content. But if retro platformers are for you, and you don’t mind something different, summon these Revengers.
Retro Revengers Get Sucked Into Their Video Games
The game takes a nod to the current Jumanji film, in which players get into their favorite video games. No, really. It turns out the Demon of Triple A made this possible. And as some weird but lovable characters, they have a chance to fight back.
Throughout the game, you’ll see loving tributes to the games of old. Recognize something from Mega Man? Or maybe Castlevania? The developers feel this within their hearts and let it pour out into Retro Revengers. But they have fun with it as well, especially with a few well-timed jokes. You might even miss some the first time around.
But, surprise, the game is a joy to play as well. The platforming segments work really well, and the gameplay abilities, while weird, are actually useful. You have to use specific characters for the first run. But in the second, all bets are off, and you can switch between the five available ones.
This presents an interesting challenge the first time through. Some characters, as you might guess, handle better than others. But getting through it is worthwhile, if only to see how much things improve. That may sound like a “grind” to some, but it follows the pattern of classic games. And it isn’t bad, given the cost of under ten bucks.
It doesn’t rewrite the rules of platforming games, but does pay loving tribute to them. With that, Retro Revengers scores fairly well. Speedrunners will definitely have a field day here.
It’s Got the Retro Look and Sound Down Pat
The development team knows the necessary components of a retro-style game. Retro Revengers looks and sounds like something out of the 16-bit era – but with modern touches, of course.
The visuals look great, and the level design is actually very well done. For that matter, the boss encounters are also a blast. This includes an encounter with a mermaid with a lot of ammo, among others. Be ready for a fight. Gotta love the in-game cinemas, too. That’s where most of the jokes come into play.
Retro Revengers’ music is also worth a listen. It’s got inspiration galore with its fun, hip little tunes. The sound effects aren’t bad, but minimal. That’s fine with a game like this, though.
So, again, it’s not a revolution. But as Tenacious D once sang, there’s nothing wrong with a tribute.
Make Some Time For Revengers
I do wish Retro Revengers had more content. Even with its two run-throughs, it’s over way too quickly. Maybe some DLC can open up the lore – and offer up several more humorous jabs at the industry.
As it stands, however, it’s cheap and nicely crafted given its material. And the fact it can roll with a joke while telling it shows how much the developers care. They apparently love stuff like this.
Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of these guys. These Revengers come across like they’re built to last.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to PR Hound for the review code. You can get the game now for Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStationand Steam/PC!
