Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Assassin delivers a tight, responsive side-scrolling experience that will resonate with fans of Turrican and Strider. Your character moves with surprising agility, seamlessly transitioning between running, jumping, and clinging to walls. Combat feels weighty yet fluid—you’ll dash in to deliver swift melee strikes then back off to unleash your iconic boomerang, which arcs gracefully before returning to your hand. This duality of close-quarters and ranged attacks keeps encounters fresh throughout all five levels.

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Each stage is peppered with power-ups and weapon pickups, ranging from temporary energy shields to multi-shot grenades. Discovering hidden caches becomes its own mini-quest: break through cracked walls or solve simple platforming puzzles to uncover a special weapon or health boost. These rewards not only bolster your arsenal but also encourage exploration, giving even linear corridors a sense of mystery and replay value.

The game’s pacing is spot-on, alternating between tight platforming sequences and open arenas filled with waves of Midan’s minions. Enemy patterns grow progressively complex—start with basic foot soldiers that rush you head-on, then adapt to flying drones that require precise timing to hit, and eventually face robotic sentries with rotating shields that demand strategic positioning. Boss battles cap off each level, offering memorable showdowns that test your mastery of movement and firepower.

Graphics

Visually, Assassin shines in a retro-inspired 16-bit aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and polished. Backgrounds boast multilayered parallax scrolling—stony cavern walls give way to flickering torches and dripping stalactites, creating depth and atmosphere as you traverse Midan’s underground lair. Occasional environmental hazards, like pools of acid or collapsing platforms, are rendered with crisp animations that clearly telegraph danger.

Character sprites are impressively detailed, with fluid animation frames that bring your assassin to life. Watch as his cloak flutters mid-jump or flips perfectly upon wall contact. Enemies exhibit a wide array of designs, from squat mech-scorpions to lanky, energy-siphoning drones, each with distinct color schemes and attack animations. These visual cues help you quickly assess threat levels and choose the right weapon for the job.

Special effects deserve their own applause: explosions bloom with vibrant particle effects, lasers slice across corridors in streaks of neon, and the boomerang trail leaves a satisfying arc of fading light. Even the HUD is thoughtfully laid out, displaying health, weapon ammo, and special pickups without cluttering the action. All in all, Assassin’s graphics strike an excellent balance between retro homage and modern refinement.

Story

At its core, Assassin tells the straightforward tale of a lone operative dropped behind enemy lines to eliminate the tyrant Midan. A brief introduction sets the stakes—Midan’s regime has plunged the region into fear, and only a top-tier assassin can infiltrate his subterranean fortress. From there, narrative beats unfold between levels via succinct text panels that reveal bits of lore and mission updates.

While the plot doesn’t hinge on lengthy dialogue or branching paths, it’s effective in giving context to your mission. Level design itself serves as a storytelling tool: the first stage’s dimly lit access tunnels emphasize your isolation, while later levels—such as the bio-lab and armory—showcase Midan’s twisted experiments and war machine. Each environment subtly deepens the world without pausing the action for cutscenes.

By the time you confront Midan in the final boss chamber—a grand, vaulted hall dripping with ominous red lighting—you’ll be invested enough to feel real satisfaction in victory. The minimalist approach means the story never overshadows the gameplay, yet it provides just enough narrative drive to keep you pushing forward through every perilous corridor.

Overall Experience

Assassin stands out as a labor of love for anyone yearning for crisp, challenge-driven side-scrollers. With five well-crafted levels, varied enemy types, and clever use of power-ups, the game strikes a rewarding balance between exploration and combat. Even seasoned platformer veterans will find themselves on their toes, thanks to well-timed hazards and boss battles that demand you exploit every tool in your arsenal.

Replayability is high: speedrunners will appreciate the tight controls and hidden shortcuts, while completionists will hunt every secret room to max out their inventory. The difficulty curve is firm but fair—early frustration gives way to mastery as you learn enemy patterns and level layouts. If you crave a game that truly tests your reflexes and keeps you seeking that next hidden crate, Assassin delivers.

In sum, Assassin offers a polished retro experience wrapped in modern sensibilities. It honors its inspirations without feeling derivative, carving out its own identity through level design, weapon variety, and a brisk narrative that never stalls the action. For players looking to relive the golden age of side-scrollers—or newcomers eager to see what the hype was about—Assassin is a mission you won’t want to pass up.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10