Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Chiki Chiki Boys delivers a tight, responsive platforming experience that feels right at home among early ’90s arcade-style action games. You choose between two protagonists—one the swordmaster and the other the budding sorcerer—each offering distinct playstyles. The swordfighter excels in melee combat with swift, precise strikes, while the magician trades close-quarters strength for powerful ranged spells, albeit in limited supply per level.

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The coin-collection and in-game shop system adds an extra layer of strategy. As you dispatch enemies and uncover hidden alcoves, coins accumulate so you can later purchase extra magic, additional lives, or weapon upgrades. This shop mechanic encourages thorough exploration of each level, rewarding players who take the time to sniff out secret passages or defeat tougher foes.

Levels are divided into three distinct realms—Earth, The Heavens, and The Sea—that can be tackled in any order you choose. The Earth stage offers classic side-scrolling platform action with sturdy ground-based challenges. In The Heavens, you’ll leap across floating cloud platforms and dodge aerial hazards, while The Sea stage introduces underwater physics, slowing your movements and demanding more precise jumps and timing.

Once all three realms are conquered, the adventure culminates in the menacing Monster Castle. This tower-like fortress combines elements from the previous worlds, testing your mastery of both swordplay and spellcasting. The final showdown against the demon clown Riepotmahn provides a suitably epic conclusion, weaving together all the mechanics you’ve honed throughout your journey.

Graphics

Visually, Chiki Chiki Boys shines with vibrant, hand-crafted pixel art that captures the whimsical charm of the land of Alurea. Each realm sports its own color palette: lush greens and earthen browns for Earth, soft pastels and bright whites for the skybound Heavens, and cool blues and aquamarines for the Sea. This color diversity keeps each level feeling fresh and memorable.

Character sprites are well-animated, with fluid attack motions and expressive idle poses. Enemies boast distinct designs—from scuttling grotto beasts to mischievous cloud imps—that give each encounter personality. Background layers often parallax-scroll to enhance depth, bringing landscapes to life as you traverse forests, stormy skies, or coral reefs.

Despite occasional slowdown when the screen gets crowded, the overall performance remains solid. Special effects like shimmering magic spells, sword slashes, and splash animations in the Sea stage add flair without distracting from the core action. The visual consistency and attention to detail contribute to an experience that’s both nostalgic and polished.

Story

At its heart, Chiki Chiki Boys tells a classic fairy-tale narrative: the idyllic kingdom of Alurea falls under siege when a fire-breathing dragon assassinates the beloved King. In the chaos that follows, foul creatures overrun the land, sowing fear and destruction. Yet hope springs eternal in the form of the late king’s twin sons, who rise to reclaim their homeland.

The game’s plot unfolds through brief cutscenes and in-level text, offering just enough context to keep players invested without bogging down the pacing. While the story isn’t deeply layered or filled with unexpected twists, it provides a clear sense of purpose. You’re not just jumping on platforms—you’re avenging your father and liberating Alurea from demonic tyranny.

The choice between the martial brother and the mystical brother subtly influences how you engage with the narrative. Choosing the swordmaster emphasizes a more direct, confrontational approach to your quest, whereas selecting the magician frames your adventure as one of cunning and arcane prowess. This narrative interplay, though light, adds replay value and personal investment.

Overall Experience

Chiki Chiki Boys stands out as a delightful blend of fast-paced action and lighthearted whimsy. Its pick-your-order world design, shop-based progression, and dual-character system bring a refreshing twist to the platformer formula. Whether you’re a seasoned genre veteran or a newcomer seeking accessible yet challenging gameplay, there’s something here to captivate you.

The difficulty curve is well-balanced: early stages ease you into basic mechanics, while later levels and the Monster Castle ramp up the challenge without veering into frustration. Short respawn timers and purchasable extra lives provide a forgiving safety net that keeps the adventure moving forward, even for less experienced players.

With its engaging gameplay loop, charming pixel art, and satisfying boss battles, Chiki Chiki Boys offers a compact but memorable journey. The ability to tackle worlds in any sequence combined with the shop system encourages replayability and experimentation. For fans of classic platformers and anyone who enjoys a vibrant, action-packed quest, this title delivers a thoroughly enjoyable ride through the land of Alurea.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10