Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Strangers delivers classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up action set across eight gritty levels of a crime-ridden town. Players choose from a roster of fearless fighters, each with a distinct fighting style, and brawl their way through waves of mafia henchmen using punches, kicks, and acrobatic jumps. The controls are straightforward, making it easy for newcomers to pick up combos, while deeper mechanics—such as chaining attacks, sidestepping grabs, and timing weapon strikes—reward more experienced players.

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Weapons play a crucial role in The Strangers, offering brief relief against overwhelming odds. Scavenge knives, chains, hockey clubs, or even barrels dropped by downed foes to turn the tide of battle. Enemies will attempt to grab your character, leaving you vulnerable to follow-up attacks; breaking free quickly is vital to maintaining control. Collectible items like soft drinks restore your life juices, shoes boost your jump height, and first-aid kits grant extra credits, adding a layer of resource management to each level.

Beyond the core Action Game mode—where one or two players fight through the story, with solo players controlling two characters simultaneously—The Strangers features three additional modes for extended replay value. In Death Match, up to six combatants duke it out in an arena until only one remains. Gang War splits competitors into factions, turning off energy meters in favor of point scoring, where friendly fire penalizes your team. Training mode lets you hone your fighter’s moves against two holographic opponents, perfect for mastering special attacks before jumping into the fray.

Graphics

The Strangers combines hand-drawn sprites with 3D-rendered backgrounds to create a distinct visual style that recalls arcade classics while leveraging the power of CD-based hardware. Characters are depicted in relatively small but detailed sprites, allowing smooth animations and fast-paced combat even when the screen is crowded with enemies. Backgrounds feature slum alleys, neon-lit warehouses, and abandoned docks, each rendered with enough depth to evoke a sense of place without distracting from the action.

Lighting effects and subtle animations breathe life into the squalid town. Flickering street lamps, drifting fog, and dynamic shadows lend atmosphere to each stage, reinforcing the game’s gloomy setting. While some backgrounds can feel repetitive after multiple playthroughs, the variety of environmental hazards—like explosive barrels or crumbling scaffolding—keeps encounters fresh and visually engaging.

A highlight is the game’s lengthy 3D-rendered intro sequence, complete with a sampled narrator who sets the tone for the city’s criminal underbelly. The pre-rendered cutscenes are polished and cinematic, providing a striking contrast to the in-game graphics and heightening anticipation before the first punch is thrown. Overall, The Strangers strikes a satisfying balance between retro charm and modest 3D flair.

Story

Set in a run-down metropolis ravaged by corruption and decay, The Strangers places players in the shoes of a gang of vigilante fighters sworn to topple a notorious gangster boss on the run. Through eight increasingly perilous levels, you’ll infiltrate slum shanties, smuggle your way through back-alley docks, and storm the crime lord’s fortified headquarters. Each stage ups the ante, introducing new enemy types, environmental traps, and mini-bosses that reinforce the feeling of a long, blood-soaked crusade against injustice.

Despite its arcade roots, The Strangers weaves its narrative through short dialogue exchanges, environmental details, and occasional cutscenes. The sense of urgency builds as henchmen grow more desperate, resorting to gruesome Mortal Kombat-inspired “fatalities” when a player’s life juices run dry. For those who prefer less graphic flair, these fatalities can be toggled off, though they do add a brutal edge that underscores the stakes of your mission.

While the story framework is straightforward—justice versus tyranny—the pacing keeps players motivated to see the credits roll. Subtle touches, like discovering hidden backstories in level art or overhearing enemy chatter, enrich the world without bogging down the action. By the final confrontation with the crime boss, you’re fully invested in the fate of the city and the fighters who refuse to back down.

Overall Experience

The Strangers stands out as a solid entry in the beat-’em-up genre for players seeking robust single- and multiplayer action. The combination of tight controls, varied weapons, and multiple play modes delivers hours of engaging combat. Whether you’re storming gang hideouts in co-op Action Game or outlasting rivals in the six-player Death Match arena, the game offers ample challenge and replayability.

Technically, the title runs smoothly on CD platforms, with quick load times and no noticeable slowdowns even during the most frenzied battles. The sampled audio—particularly the narrator in the intro and the impact sounds of visceral fatalities—adds a gritty soundtrack that complements the visuals. Music cues dynamically shift between stealthy infiltration and all-out brawling, keeping the adrenaline high.

While its sprite sizes and stage variety may feel nostalgic rather than cutting-edge, The Strangers succeeds by faithfully capturing the spirit of Double Dragon-style classics while introducing fresh modes and mature thematic elements. For lovers of retro-inspired beat-’em-ups or newcomers eager to experience old-school side-scrolling mayhem, The Strangers offers a satisfying, action-packed journey through a crime-haunted city where justice hangs by a thread.

Retro Replay Score

null/10