Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Acid Attack
Item: Acid Attack
Author: Retro Replay

Acid Attack brings together three distinct gameplay experiences under one roof. Gloom revives the classic first‐person shooter formula with tight corridors, ambushes around every corner, and a satisfying arsenal of retro‐inspired weapons. Each level demands precision, exploration, and quick reflexes as you navigate dimly lit hallways teeming with mutated foes.

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In Guardian (formerly known as Sibwing), the action shifts to a side‐scrolling, shoot ’em up format. You pilot a lone starfighter through waves of enemy drones and gigantic bosses, weaving between bullet patterns and environmental hazards. The tight controls and escalating difficulty curve keep the momentum high, offering short bursts of intense combat that are easy to pick up but hard to master.

Rounding out the compilation is SkidMarks, an isometric kart racer that emphasizes arcade-style driving and strategic power‐ups. With its creative track designs, split-screen multiplayer, and a variety of vehicles, SkidMarks injects lighthearted fun into the package. Dodging oil slicks, drift-boosting around corners, and using bombs to disrupt opponents make each race unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining.

Graphics

Visually, Acid Attack is a study in contrasts. Gloom’s graphics lean heavily into moody, low‐polygon textures and neon accents, evoking the charm of early 3D shooters. The dim lighting and sporadic flickering effects heighten the suspense, while the pixelated blood splatters remind you of its old‐school roots.

Guardian adopts a more vibrant palette, with richly colored backdrops and detailed enemy sprites. The parallax scrolling and smooth frame rate make each level feel alive, as planets drift lazily in the background and laser blasts light up the screen. It’s a polished look that blends nostalgia with modern enhancements, such as bloom filters and dynamic explosions.

SkidMarks delivers crisp isometric visuals, with bright tracks, whimsical vehicle designs, and animated spectators lining the course. Though it retains a retro aesthetic, textures are pleasantly sharp, and the frame rate remains solid even when the screen is split between two players. The playful art style and lively animations reinforce the game’s racing spirit.

Story

While narrative takes a backseat in Gloom, the game sets up a classic sci‐fi horror premise: you are the last line of defense against a genetic experiment gone awry. Brief text screens and environmental clues hint at the laboratory’s downfall, but the true story unfolds through level design and enemy encounters. This minimalist approach keeps the focus on action but still creates a chilling atmosphere.

Guardian’s loose storyline casts you as the titular protector of a star system under siege by an alien armada. Between levels, short cutscenes and mission briefings provide context for each skirmish, though the emphasis remains squarely on high‐octane dogfights. The narrative is serviceable, offering enough motivation without bogging down the gameplay.

SkidMarks doesn’t aim for epic storytelling; instead, it frames its racing tournaments as interplanetary championship events. Each cup victory unlocks new tracks and vehicle upgrades, building a sense of progression as you climb the leaderboards. The lighthearted premise and characterful announcer keep the mood fun, and brief between-race quips add personality without overstaying their welcome.

Overall Experience

As a compilation, Acid Attack excels in variety, delivering three unique genres that cater to different tastes. Whether you crave the tension of corridor‐clearing in Gloom, the precision shooting in Guardian, or the chaotic speed of SkidMarks, there’s always something fresh to jump into. This diversity makes Acid Attack ideal for both solo marathons and quick multiplayer sessions.

Despite their differences, the three titles share a retro‐inspired design philosophy that balances nostalgia with modern conveniences. Rebinding controls, adjustable difficulty levels, and quality‐of‐life options like checkpoint systems ensure that newcomers won’t feel frustrated by outdated mechanics. Longtime fans will appreciate the faithful recreation of each game’s core identity.

Overall, Acid Attack represents a compelling value proposition. Its seamless menu interface, consistent performance, and charming presentation unify the disparate experiences into a cohesive package. Whether you’re reliving memories or discovering these classics for the first time, Acid Attack offers hours of engaging gameplay across three distinct worlds.