Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Platinum brings together four of Capcom’s most celebrated arcade releases—Strider, Black Tiger, Forgotten Worlds, and Ghouls n’ Ghosts—into one convenient package. Each title retains its distinct playstyle, from the lightning-fast ninja action of Strider to the punishing platform challenge of Ghouls n’ Ghosts. The compilation’s menu system makes it simple to switch between these classics, preserving the pick-up-and-play appeal that made them arcade staples in the first place.

Strider stands out with its fluid traversal mechanics and acrobatic combat. You’ll dash along walls and ceilings, dispatching enemies with an energy blade, and the responsiveness of the controls remains remarkably faithful to the coin-op original. Black Tiger offers a slower, more deliberate experience: you’re encouraged to hunt for hidden items and collect coins to upgrade your weapons, blending platforming with light RPG elements.

Forgotten Worlds introduces cooperative play, allowing two players to tackle hordes of alien foes together. Its unique rotating targeting system and overhead shooting segments inject variety into the run-and-gun formula. Ghouls n’ Ghosts, meanwhile, demands pinpoint timing as you guide Sir Arthur through hordes of undead creatures. It’s notoriously unforgiving, but that steep difficulty curve is part of its enduring charm.

For owners of the Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64 versions, Platinum sweetens the deal with a free copy of LED Storm. This horizontal shooter offers colorful graphics and tight controls that complement the main attractions, adding extra hours of play without any additional cost. Overall, the gameplay collection is diverse enough to keep both veteran arcade fans and newcomers engaged.

Graphics

Platinum’s presentation pays homage to the vibrant pixel art that defined mid-’80s arcades. On modern displays, each game’s distinct color palette and meticulous sprite work pop with surprising clarity. Strider’s lush backgrounds and fluid character animations are particularly eye-catching, while Black Tiger’s medieval ruins and hidden doorways retain a charmingly gritty aesthetic.

Forgotten Worlds features large, detailed boss sprites and a dynamic backdrop that scrolls in multiple layers, creating a sense of depth uncommon in its era. The rotation of your character’s weapon is smoothly rendered, showcasing Capcom’s technical prowess. Ghouls n’ Ghosts uses darker tones and gothic motifs to build tension, with well-animated skeletons, demons, and lava flows that elevate the mood.

On the Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64, LED Storm looks surprisingly polished for a bonus title. Its neon-infused visuals and parallax scrolling demonstrate how these home platforms could approximate arcade-level sheen. While minor flicker or color clash occasionally appears on older hardware, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

Across all titles, the compilation’s faithful emulation safeguards each game’s original look. There are no intrusive filters or overlays; you experience the pixel art exactly as intended. Whether you’re replaying these classics for nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, the graphics deliver both historical authenticity and enduring charm.

Story

Strider casts you as Hiryu, a futuristic ninja tasked with overthrowing a tyrannical regime. The narrative is succinct—play through six action-packed levels, defeat the dictatorship’s enforcers, and confront the mastermind Grandmaster Meio. While the plot never overshadows the rapid gameplay, it provides just enough context to drive you forward.

Black Tiger places you in the boots of a lone barbarian warrior on a quest to rescue imprisoned clansmen and collect mystical crowns. Each level’s setting—from fiery caverns to treacherous castles—unfolds the tale of a hero rising against evil. Item pickups and secret rooms cleverly tie into the story by rewarding exploration and persistence.

Forgotten Worlds weaves a more cosmic narrative, with twin warriors sent by a secret organization called “Girls from Galaxy” to thwart an evil empire. Dialogue is sparse, but vibrant cutscenes bookend the action, conveying a sense of scale and urgency. Cooperative mode adds an unspoken camaraderie as two players fight side by side.

Ghouls n’ Ghosts follows Arthur’s relentless march through demon-infested landscapes to rescue Princess Prin-Prin. The story doesn’t undergo major twists, but it’s delivered with tongue-in-cheek flair—complete with ghostly brides, zombie bikers, and ominous castles. Together, these shorts tales form a tapestry of arcade storytelling that’s simple yet evocative.

Overall Experience

Platinum is a time capsule of arcade excellence, delivering four distinct experiences in one package. The compilation’s strong emulation, accessible menu, and inclusion of LED Storm on certain home platforms make it an exceptional value for retro enthusiasts. Whether you seek fast-paced ninja action, strategic platform exploration, or brutally challenging boss fights, you’ll find something to love here.

The variety of game types ensures that even if one title doesn’t fully click with your playstyle, another likely will. Strider and Forgotten Worlds cater to players who prefer fluid movement and shooting, while Black Tiger and Ghouls n’ Ghosts appeal to those who relish methodical platforming and high difficulty. The free bonus game on CPC and C64 further broadens the package, adding an extra layer of content at no extra cost.

Nostalgia buffs will appreciate the authentic arcade feel, but newcomers can jump right in thanks to intuitive controls and adjustable settings. Platinum preserves the original challenges without modernizing enemy patterns or difficulty, so expect a fair but firm test of skill. Cheat codes or save states (where supported) can help ease the toughest moments, making the collection approachable for a wide audience.

In summary, Platinum stands as a must-have for fans of classic arcade action. Its careful curation of four influential Capcom titles—enhanced by a bonus shooter on selected platforms—offers an engaging, nostalgic trip through gaming history. For those seeking variety, challenge, and retro charm, this compilation delivers on all fronts.

Retro Replay Score

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