Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Code Name Hell Squad breaks away from the classic point-and-click mold by handing you direct control over your characters with a joystick or keyboard. Every move feels intentional and immediate—you’re not clicking destinations, you’re guiding your squad in real time. The fire button doubles as an interaction key, so lining up a shot or using an object in your inventory becomes a tactile, hands-on experience.

One of the game’s standout mechanics is the roster of four distinct “problem-solvers.” You can switch between them on the fly, allowing you to tackle stealth sections, puzzle-heavy moments, or all-out gunfights with the right specialist. While one soldier is in the spotlight, the others quietly regenerate health, encouraging you to rotate characters instead of relying on a single hero.

The shared inventory system fosters genuine teamwork. You might send a scout to retrieve a key item, then switch to an engineer to use it on a locked console back at base. This design reduces needless backtracking: split your squad to investigate multiple areas, then regroup for the big showdown. It keeps pacing tight and rewards strategic thinking.

Combat and puzzle-solving intertwine seamlessly. Positioning matters—you’ll dodge debris hurled by the alien teen’s powers and line up precise shots through crumbling corridors. Whether you’re taking cover or clearing obstacles, the challenge lies in adapting on the fly and coordinating your four-person unit.

Graphics

Visually, Hell Squad is a love letter to hand-drawn artistry. Backgrounds are richly detailed, from the gritty streets scorched by alien energy to the sterile interiors of your command ship. Characters are rotoscoped, lending every punch, dodge, and sprint a fluid, natural feel that elevates the game’s immersion.

The opening FMV sequence sets a cinematic tone: grainy VHS effects, dramatic close-ups, and a pulsing soundtrack draw you into the story before you even hit Start. It’s a nostalgic nod to ’90s adventure titles, but it never feels dated—modern encoding keeps the clip sharp and atmospheric.

Throughout missions, on-screen objects are bold and readable, with vibrant color contrasts that guide your eye to interactive elements. Alien energy blasts glow ominously against darker backdrops, while your squad’s weapon effects leave satisfying scorch marks on the environment. Every frame feels crafted with intent.

Performance remains solid even in hectic firefights. Animations stay consistent, and loading times between sectors are kept to a minimum. The art style strikes a balance between cartoonish exaggeration and gritty realism, making each explosion pop without sacrificing the game’s moody aesthetic.

Story

At its core, Hell Squad delivers a deceptively simple premise: a runaway alien teenager lands on Earth and wreaks havoc with unchecked superpowers. That “punk with a death wish” attitude fuels the narrative, spinning every encounter into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.

You’re dropped in blind. No dossier, no briefing—just a four-man team dispatched to contain this extraterrestrial menace. The lack of handholding amplifies tension, forcing you to learn on the fly as enemy psychic blasts tear through the city. Every mission feels urgent and unpredictable.

Wry humor and well-timed curses lighten the mood. Dialogue channels the best of Lucasfilm’s adventure wit, with soldiers trading barbs even as lasers streak by overhead. It never devolves into slapstick; instead, it underscores the absurdity of sending unprepared mercenaries after a godlike teen alien.

Character interactions reveal subtle backstories. The stoic marksman recalls a childhood war zone, the demolitions expert cracks jokes about “blowing things up,” and the medic wonders if healing bullets is in her job description. These personalities mesh well against the alien’s destructive impulses, giving every scene a dynamic push-and-pull.

Overall Experience

Code Name Hell Squad blends action and adventure into a streamlined package. The direct control scheme keeps adrenaline high, while the character-switching and shared inventory deliver smart puzzle moments. It’s a satisfying seesaw between firefights and environmental problem-solving.

Replay value is strong. Alternate approaches—splitting your squad, hoarding ammunition for the finale, or tackling side objectives—open new narrative beats and hidden areas. You’ll find yourself replaying early levels to uncover different item uses or dialogue variations.

Some players may find the control demands steep at first, especially if they’re used to point-and-click adventures. Camera angles can shift suddenly in tight corridors, and managing four characters under fire takes practice. Yet these challenges become part of the thrill once you master the rhythm.

Ultimately, Hell Squad is ideal for anyone craving a retro-inspired adventure that refuses to be pigeonholed. It offers a robust narrative, eye-catching visuals, and a gameplay loop that rewards ingenuity. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a cursing covert team went toe-to-toe with a homicidal alien teen, this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

Retro Replay Score

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