Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Power Up delivers a remarkably diverse collection of five action-packed titles that span multiple genres, ensuring players always have something fresh to dive into. From the whimsical platforming of Rainbow Islands to the high-speed pursuit sequences in Chase H.Q., the compilation never feels one-dimensional. Each game carries its own unique mechanics, yet they all share a tight control scheme that makes jumping between them feel intuitive rather than jarring.

Two of the standout entries—Turrican and X-Out—are Rainbow Arts’ technically ambitious in-house creations. Turrican offers expansive, non-linear levels where exploration and weapon upgrades become key to survival, while X-Out injects strategic depth into submarine combat, forcing players to carefully manage power-ups and navigate enemy squadrons. The sense of progression in these titles strikes a satisfying balance between challenge and reward.

On the arcade conversion side, Altered Beast brings classic side-scrolling beat ’em up action with responsive punches, kicks, and special attacks, whereas Chase H.Q. captures the thrill of high-speed police chases with slick acceleration mechanics and timed pursuits. Rainbow Islands rounds out the package with its ingenious bubble-shooting mechanic, encouraging creative platforming as you trap enemies and build staircases to the level exit. Collectively, the gameplay suite in Power Up remains compelling from start to finish.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Power Up stands out as a hallmark of Rainbow Arts’ commitment to technical excellence. Each title showcases detailed pixel art and fluid animations that hold up surprisingly well, even by modern retro-enthusiast standards. Backgrounds are richly colored and layered, and sprite designs exhibit a fine balance of clarity and charm.

Rainbow Islands dazzles with its pastel-hued environments and smooth parallax scrolling, making every island feel vibrant and alive. In contrast, Turrican’s graphics emphasize atmospheric sci-fi environments, with intricate mechanical backdrops and particles that underscore its advanced coding for the era. Enemies and bosses in Turrican animate fluidly, further reinforcing the sense of immersion.

Chase H.Q. and Altered Beast both employ arcade-style scaling effects to simulate depth and speed, creating thrilling sequences of onlookers cheering in city streets or mythic spirits rising from the ground. X-Out’s undersea vistas, though darker in tone, feature imaginative enemy designs and weapon effects that pop against murky backdrops. Across all five games, load times are minimal, preserving the flow and visual consistency throughout your play sessions.

Story

While Power Up is primarily a gameplay-focused collection, each title brings its own narrative hook to the table. Altered Beast opens with a classic resurrection tale—Players are summoned by Zeus to save his daughter, Athena, infusing every punch with mythic purpose. Though brief, the premise sets a heroic tone that complements the action.

Turrican’s storyline is more sci-fi oriented, casting you as a lone soldier fighting to free a planet from an alien menace. The narrative unfolds through minimal text and environmental cues, allowing the vast levels and challenging foes to tell the story organically. This method of world-building through exploration feels particularly rewarding as you uncover hidden rooms and powerful upgrades.

Chase H.Q. and Rainbow Islands lean into simpler, arcade-style premises: high-speed police pursuits and a quest to rescue island inhabitants from a rainbow-colored threat. These setups never overstay their welcome and remain faithful to the pick-up-and-play ethos of the original arcade releases. X-Out provides a cold war–tinged submarine conflict, using brief mission briefings to establish stakes before plunging you into strategic underwater combat. Collectively, the stories serve their purpose—providing context and motivation without bogging down the fast-paced gameplay.

Overall Experience

Power Up succeeds as a retro compilation by offering both breadth and depth. The varied roster keeps boredom at bay, and the consistent control responsiveness across titles ensures a smooth transition from genre to genre. Whether you’re weaving rainbows or blasting subterranean enemies, the core experience remains polished and engaging.

From a value perspective, this collection is a treasure trove for newcomers and longtime fans alike. You get five distinct experiences that range from quick arcade sessions to deep exploratory adventures. The minimal loading interruptions and selectable menu system add a modern convenience layer without diluting the authentic feel of the originals.

Overall, Power Up stands out as a stellar celebration of Rainbow Arts’ legacy. It’s a well-curated package that showcases technical prowess and varied gameplay, making it a must-have for retro gaming aficionados and anyone seeking a diverse, action-packed gaming session. The compilation’s smooth performance, nostalgic charm, and thoughtful selection of titles deliver a thoroughly satisfying experience from start to finish.