Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fire Force drops you directly into the action with 12 distinct missions, each presenting primary objectives such as rescuing hostages, sabotaging enemy installations, or marking targets for aerial strikes. The mission structure is flexible, allowing you to tackle objectives in any order within three thematic groups. This non-linear progression keeps each playthrough feeling fresh, as you decide whether to storm jungles, navigate desert outposts, or clear urban blocks—all while racing against the clock.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The pre-mission briefing system encourages strategic loadout choices. With an arsenal ranging from assault rifles and sniper rifles to grenades and demolition packs, you’ll tailor your gear based on mission goals. Ammo pickups and weapon swaps from fallen foes add a resource-management layer, rewarding careful planning and on-the-fly adaptability. A well-timed demolition pack can clear a bridge obstacle, while a silenced weapon is perfect for stealth rescues.

Time limits heighten the tension, forcing you to balance thorough exploration against the ticking clock. If you linger too long, extraction becomes impossible and you’re marked MIA—ramping up the stakes on each run. Landmines, destructible bridges, and ambush points keep you on your toes, making every mission an adrenaline-fueled dash behind enemy lines.

Graphics

While Fire Force doesn’t push the cutting edge of visual fidelity, its sprite-based environments have a classic charm that will resonate with fans of retro shoot ’em ups. The jungle foliage is lush, the desert sands are textured, and the urban landscapes carry the grime and grit of a war-torn city. Each terrain type feels distinct, with color palettes that clearly signal shifting environments as you advance through missions.

Character and enemy sprites are crisp and readable, even in the midst of explosive firefights. Muzzle flashes, grenade detonations, and smoke plumes are rendered with satisfying punch, amplifying the impact of your weaponry. Despite a modest hardware footprint, animations are fluid and responsive—essential for dodging mines or sprinting to the rendezvous point before time runs out.

Background details—such as swaying palm trees in the jungle or flickering neon signs in urban zones—add depth without cluttering the screen. The visual feedback for objectives (e.g., marked targets, hostage cages, bridge controls) is clear and intuitive, helping you stay focused on mission goals even during the most chaotic firefights.

Story

Fire Force’s narrative is straightforward but effective: you’re an elite soldier inserted behind enemy lines to disrupt hostile operations and save innocent lives. Briefings are concise, delivering objectives and situational context without bogging down the pace. Each mission group unveils snippets of the enemy’s overarching strategy, gradually revealing why these operations matter.

Hostage rescues and sabotage objectives are tied into the plot, giving purpose to every firefight. You’re not just clearing waves of enemies—you’re dismantling a military machine that threatens regional stability. Short cutscenes and in-mission radio chatter add character to your allies and commanders, bringing a human element to this otherwise action-focused shooter.

Though the story never veers into deep emotional territory, it provides solid motivation for your high-stakes missions. The consistent sense of urgency—reinforced by time limits and the ever-present risk of being MIA—drives the narrative momentum forward, ensuring you’re invested in seeing each objective through to a successful extraction.

Overall Experience

Fire Force delivers a tight, action-packed experience that blends strategic planning with fast-paced combat. The combination of diverse mission types, weapon customization, and time-based pressure keeps gameplay engaging across all 12 missions. Whether you’re defusing explosives, tearing down enemy checkpoints, or racing to the extraction zone, there’s always a sense of purpose behind every step.

The retro-inspired graphics and responsive controls evoke classic shoot ’em ups while offering enough modern convenience to satisfy contemporary players. Briefings, weapon loadouts, and clear visual cues ensure you’re never left guessing your next move, while the ticking clock and destructible environments maintain a constant buzz of excitement.

For fans of side-scrolling military shooters, Fire Force represents a compelling blend of old-school charm and well-honed mechanics. Its varied terrain, mission flexibility, and seamless balance of strategy and action make it a standout in its genre—ideal for players seeking intense, goal-driven gameplay behind enemy lines.

Retro Replay Score

7/10