Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lupo Alberto: The VideoGame delivers a straightforward yet charming platforming experience rooted in classic 1990s design. Players guide either Lupo Alberto or his beloved Maria the hen through ten distinct levels, each with the singular objective of finding a secluded spot “to make love.” The premise may be cheeky, but the core mechanics are solid: running, jumping, and timing your moves to evade a cast of comical foes—chief among them the vigilant watchdog, Mose.

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The level layouts gradually introduce new obstacles, from conveyor‐belt barn floors to precarious hay bales and swinging lanterns. While the game does not overwhelm you with a vast moveset, the simple controls feel tight and responsive. Switching between Alberto and Maria adds a minor strategic twist: Alberto is marginally faster, while Maria’s smaller hitbox can slip through tight gaps more easily.

Lives and continues are generous, making the learning curve gentle for younger or casual gamers. However, a few later stages demand pixel‐perfect timing to dodge Mose’s patrols or leap across narrow platforms. These moments inject enough challenge to keep seasoned players engaged, but the overall length—just ten levels—means you’ll likely master the adventure in a couple of sittings.

Graphics

For an early ’90s title, Lupo Alberto shines most brightly on the Amiga, where rich color palettes and smooth animations bring Silver’s comic‐strip world to life. Character sprites are faithfully rendered, capturing Alberto’s laid‐back swagger and Maria’s feisty charm. Backgrounds—rustic farmhouses, rolling fields, and moonlit barnyards—feature pleasing parallax effects that add depth without slowing down the action.

On PC DOS systems, the EGA/CGA versions retain the game’s visual identity but with reduced color fidelity. Even so, the designers made smart use of contrast to keep enemies and platforms clearly distinguishable. Animations for Mose’s barking charge or Alberto’s celebratory dance at the end of a level add personality, proving that a modest palette need not sacrifice character.

The UI is minimal, showing only lives and a basic level timer, allowing the art to take center stage. Subtle details—such as fluttering hens in the background or Alberto’s tail swishing when he pauses—evoke the original comics and reinforce the game’s lighthearted atmosphere. Overall, the graphics hold up well by retro standards and remain a key draw for nostalgia‐hungry players.

Story

Adapted from the beloved Italian fumetto created by Silver in the 1970s, Lupo Alberto: The VideoGame embraces the source material’s humor and spirit. The premise is absurdly simple: our wolf protagonist wants some privacy with his hen girlfriend, Maria, but must contend with an assortment of farm animals and the overzealous sheepdog, Mose. There’s no deep narrative arc here—just a series of comedic vignettes conveyed through level themes and character interactions.

Each stage feels like a short comic strip in motion, with playful banter hinted at by character animations rather than text-heavy cutscenes. The tension between Alberto and Mose often unfolds in slapstick fashion—Mose barks, Alberto scrambles, and you laugh (or groan) at the predictable chase. This light tone suits the game’s brief runtime and ensures newcomers don’t need any prior knowledge of the comics to enjoy the antics.

Fans of the original Lupo Alberto comic will appreciate the faithful nods to Silver’s art style, while newcomers can simply enjoy a carefree, tongue‐in‐cheek romp across ten bite‐sized chapters. There’s no intricate drama, but the storyline’s simplicity is part of its charm—just enough context to root for the love‐struck couple without stalling the action.

Overall Experience

Lupo Alberto: The VideoGame is a delightful time capsule for anyone intrigued by vintage European platformers. Its ten‐level design lends itself to quick play sessions, making it a great choice for retro enthusiasts seeking lighthearted fun. The balance of easy‐to-learn controls, colorful visuals, and toe-tapping music ensures that even players unfamiliar with the Lupo Alberto comics will find something to enjoy.

The soundtrack deserves special mention: jaunty Italian‐style melodies underscore each level, enhancing the playful mood without ever growing repetitive. Combined with the game’s modest difficulty curve, the music helps cement a relaxed yet engaging ambiance. Whether you’re replaying your favorite levels to shave off seconds or simply savoring the animations, the audio‐visual package is a standout for its era.

While modern gamers may find the gameplay brief and straightforward, there’s undeniable nostalgic appeal here. Lupo Alberto: The VideoGame captures a uniquely Italian sense of humor and translates Silver’s characters into interactive form with affection and style. For collectors, retro platformer fans, or anyone curious about European gaming history, this title offers a concise, charming adventure that remains entertaining more than three decades after its debut.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10