Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mercenary: Compendium Edition delivers a unique blend of open-world exploration and flight simulation that remains surprisingly addictive decades after its original launch. You begin stranded on the planet Targ, tasked with repairing your crashed spacecraft while navigating two sprawling environments: the original city and the expanded Second City. The sense of freedom is immediate—you can chart your own course, from scavenging spare parts in the desert-like terrain to bartering with local factions in the neon-lined urban sprawl.

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The controls strike a balance between simplicity and depth. Flying feels light and intuitive, whether you’re soaring over rocky plateaus or weaving through the skeletal remains of abandoned buildings. Ground navigation uses the same basic joystick inputs, which means there’s almost no learning curve when hopping between flight and walker modes. Inventory management and environmental puzzles add another layer of strategy: will you carry extra fuel or pack enough tools to unlock sealed compounds?

One of the greatest strengths of this edition is its non-linear mission structure. You’re never railroaded into a single path—repair plans can be found in different locations, barterable goods change hands through multiple channels, and even the sequence in which you explore the two cities can alter the challenge. This sandbox approach encourages repeated playthroughs and experimentation, making every rescue attempt feel fresh.

Graphics

While Mercenary’s vector-based visuals may look sparse compared to modern titles, they possess a distinctive charm that stands the test of time. Crisp wireframe models define buildings, vehicles, and terrain with a minimalist flair. On supported systems, the Compendium Edition enhances these outlines with subtle color fills and smoother frame rates, reducing the flicker common to early 3D games.

Details may be modest, but the scale of the environment compensates brilliantly. Expansive horizons stretch in every direction, and landmarks such as the towering central citadel or the distant mountains offer reliable navigation cues. In Second City, the architectural designs adopt geometric patterns that feel both alien and plausible, reinforcing the game’s exploratory spirit.

Lighting and shading effects are straightforward but effective. Shadows cast by your vehicle or walker lend depth to the polygonal world, while distant objects fade gracefully into the background. The upgraded port also supports higher resolutions and more stable performance, making it easier to appreciate the artistry behind Paul Woakes’s pioneering 3D engine.

Story

At its core, Mercenary is a tale of survival and ingenuity. You are the pilot of a downed spacecraft, isolated on Targ with limited resources and no immediate rescue in sight. This premise drives every decision: how to find fuel, whom to trust, and when to push deeper into potentially hostile territory. Even without cinematic cutscenes, the narrative unfolds through environmental clues and brief text updates, immersing you in a world that feels both austere and alive.

The Second City expansion enriches the lore by introducing new factions, secret research facilities, and hidden subplots tied to the planet’s past. As you delve into locked complexes, salvage data logs that reveal Targ’s mining history, and negotiate with rival scavengers, you piece together a backstory woven from tension and ambition. The more you explore, the more the threads connect, yielding unexpected revelations about the planet’s collapse.

Despite its minimalistic presentation, Mercenary’s open-ended storyline is nothing short of compelling. There is no single “correct” ending—instead, you choose your own path to escape. Whether you engineer a stealthy lift-off under enemy fire or broker alliances that grant you safe passage, the narrative payoff hinges on the creative solutions you devise.

Overall Experience

Mercenary: Compendium Edition is both a tribute to early 3D design and a testament to enduring gameplay ideas. Its vast, non-linear world encourages curiosity and rewards persistence. Modern conveniences—improved performance, save states, and refined controls—make this edition the definitive way to experience Paul Woakes’s legacy.

For retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the game offers a rare combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and light combat that feels timeless. There are occasional frustrations—inventory limits can feel restrictive, and the lack of an in-game map means you’ll be sketching your own—or risking getting hopelessly lost. Yet these challenges only reinforce the immersive sense of being truly stranded on an alien world.

Whether you’re chasing a bout of nostalgia or seeking a refreshing break from high-budget blockbusters, Mercenary: Compendium Edition delivers a warmly nostalgic but still demanding adventure. Its sprawling environments, minimalist aesthetic, and open-ended narrative make it an essential pick for anyone intrigued by the roots of 3D gaming. Strap into your ship, plot your course, and prepare for a journey across Targ unlike any other.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10