Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

From the very first stage, Ivanhoe throws you into fast-paced, side-scrolling combat that will remind fans of classic beat ’em ups like Streets of Rage. Your sole weapon is a broad sword, but the move set goes beyond simple chops and slashes. You can chain light and heavy attacks into rudimentary combos, perform a spinning slash to clear surrounding foes, and even execute a charging stab to break enemy defenses.

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Each level unfolds with multiple enemy types—including armored foot soldiers, spear-wielding knights, and occasional mounted brutes—forcing you to adapt your tactics on the fly. Enemies tend to surround you quickly, so mastering your reach and timing your special attacks is crucial. While there’s no dedicated blocking mechanic, a perfectly timed dodge or roll can save you from heavy damage, adding a light defensive layer.

The game’s difficulty curve is merciless at times, with later stages introducing hazards like boiling oil, archers on parapets, and narrow walkways that leave little room for error. Boss encounters cap off each area, each requiring you to identify and exploit specific attack patterns. Although there’s no co-op option, the single-player pacing feels tight enough to keep any solo brawler challenged and engaged.

Graphics

Ivanhoe’s visual style goes for bold, oversized character sprites that harken back to late ’80s arcade titles. Heroes and villains alike move with a deliberate, lumbering gait, which gives each sword swing a weighty impact. While some may find the animations a bit clunky, the exaggerated motions help convey the heft of medieval weaponry.

Backgrounds are rendered in richly colored, hand-drawn pixel art. From shadowy dungeons lined with dripping torches to windswept castle ramparts under a twilight sky, each stage feels distinct. Parallax layers add depth as you fight up and down multi-tiered platforms, though occasional sprite flicker can occur when too many enemies swarm the screen.

Special effects—such as flashes of steel on contact and sparks flying from clashing blades—are simple but effective. The color palette favors earthy browns and grays to match the medieval setting, with splashes of red when blood sprays in combat. Overall, Ivanhoe’s graphics strike a nostalgic chord, even if they stop short of modern polish.

Story

At its core, Ivanhoe is a classic rescue narrative: the princess has been snatched by an evil warlord, and our titular hero must carve a path through hordes of menacing foes to bring her back. The plot is lean and to the point—there’s little in the way of dialogue beyond brief inter-stage captions, but this simplicity keeps the focus squarely on action.

Subtle touches in level design hint at a broader world: tattered banners bearing the princess’s crest, walls scrawled with desperate pleas, and occasional NPCs cowering in fear. These environmental details flesh out the stakes without interrupting the beat ’em up flow with lengthy cutscenes.

While Ivanhoe’s narrative doesn’t break new ground, it delivers enough medieval flair to motivate each sword swing. Between stages, brief text screens update you on the princess’s plight, building tension as you advance closer to the final stronghold. It’s a straightforward story, but it serves its purpose well.

Overall Experience

Ivanhoe offers a nostalgic trip for fans of side-scrolling beat ’em ups, blending medieval fantasy with tried-and-true hack-and-slash mechanics. The challenge is consistent, with tougher enemies and environmental perils introduced at a steady pace. If you relish a game that tests your reflexes and requires pattern-recognition to overcome bosses, Ivanhoe will satisfy you.

That said, the lack of a co-op mode and somewhat clumsy animations may deter players seeking a more polished or social experience. The swordplay feels weighty and impactful, but it can also feel sluggish compared to faster offerings in the genre. Still, those who appreciate robust level design and a moody medieval setting will find plenty to enjoy.

In the end, Ivanhoe stands as a solid, if not revolutionary, entry in the beat ’em up library. Its old-school charm, combined with challenging combat and evocative pixel art, makes it a worthwhile pick for anyone itching for a retro-style brawler with a heroic quest at its heart.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10