Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Goonies delivers a tense, puzzle-heavy platforming experience that demands precise timing and coordination. Spread across eight distinct screens, each level requires players to juggle tasks such as winding winches, leaping across floating objects, and avoiding deadly hazards. Success hinges on your ability to switch between two characters in single-player mode or collaborate seamlessly in co-op, ensuring no one gets caught by wandering bats or Fratelli goons.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the standout mechanics is the character-switching system. In solo mode, you toggle between Goonies at the push of a button, planning each move carefully to keep both kids alive. In two-player mode, control becomes a shared endeavor—one friend might operate the winch while the other times jumps across descending buckets. This cooperative angle breathes new life into each screen’s puzzle, fostering teamwork and shared thrills.

Difficulty ramps up quickly, and the absence of a save feature intensifies the challenge. You must play through in one session, balancing risk and reward as you chase high scores. Lives are scarce but can be replenished at key milestones or by earning points, encouraging perfectionist playstyles. Fans of gauntlet-style gaming will relish the adrenaline spike as they inch closer to the final cavern.

Puzzles are cleverly integrated into environmental hazards: water currents, moving platforms, and deadly demon skulls test both reflexes and foresight. The final screen even throws Sloth into the mix, summoning his brute strength to open new paths. Each screen feels like a tribute to the movie’s spirit—full of urgency, danger, and that classic ‘just one more try’ allure.

Graphics

Graphically, The Goonies embraces the charm of 8-bit artistry. The character sprites are instantly recognizable recreations of Mikey, Chunk, Data, and the rest, capturing their personalities within tight pixel constraints. Backgrounds, from the windswept piers of Astoria to the torch-lit cavern depths, are richly detailed and varied across the eight screens.

Color palettes are bright but judiciously chosen, reflecting the film’s adventurous mood. Blues and grays conjure the ocean breeze, while warm oranges and reds accentuate torchlight and lava pits. Despite occasional sprite flicker on hardware-limited platforms, animations feel smooth, lending a sense of fluidity to jumps, climbs, and enemy movements.

Environmental details enhance immersion: dripping water effects, rolling barrels, and even the silhouette of the pirate ship in the distance remind players of the larger story at stake. Fratelli goons move with distinct patterns, making it easier to anticipate their patrols. Demon skulls swoop with haunting elegance, reinforcing the game’s balance of danger and discovery.

While hardware limitations prevent photo-realism, The Goonies’ visuals excel in capturing the film’s adventurous spirit. Each sprite and backdrop works in harmony to evoke nostalgia, ensuring players feel part of the ragtag crew’s treasure hunt from the very first screen.

Story

Based on Steven Spielberg’s beloved film, The Goonies faithfully transports players to Astoria, Oregon, where a group of underdog kids strives to save their homes from looming foreclosure. The game’s narrative is straightforward but effective: follow a treasure map, outwit the criminal Fratellis, and unearth Captain One-Eyed Willy’s fabled ship before time runs out.

Cinematic touches, such as brief title cards and character portraits, bookend each level, hinting at the next puzzle or threat. Though cutscenes are minimal, the sense of urgency and camaraderie shines through every jump and puzzle solution. It’s a compact but entertaining retelling of the film’s key beats, with each level corresponding to an iconic scene.

The absence of in-depth dialogue means players immerse themselves through gameplay rather than cutscenes, but the story’s heart remains unmistakable. When you guide Sloth to smash through obstacles or dodge Mama Fratelli’s menacing gaze, you can’t help but feel the same rebellious joy that defined the movie.

This lean narrative approach works in the game’s favor: it keeps the pace brisk and the focus firmly on puzzle-platforming action. Fans of the film will appreciate the nods to memorable moments, while newcomers get a distilled adventure that emphasizes danger, discovery, and the triumph of underdogs.

Overall Experience

The Goonies offers a tough but rewarding journey that blends puzzle solving, platforming, and co-op teamwork into a single package. Those willing to master its mechanics will find satisfaction in chaining together flawless runs, unlocking new lives, and inching toward the final treasure chamber. The lack of a save feature is a double-edged sword: it can frustrate casual players but fuels an arcade-style drive to improve.

Sound design plays a crucial role, with chiptune renditions of the film’s iconic themes and crisp sound effects punctuating every jump, collision, and skull swoop. The audio cues help players gauge timing and anticipate hazards, further reinforcing the classic arcade feel. Paired with the visuals, the audio elevates the game from a simple licensed tie-in to a memorable NES-era title.

Replayability is high for enthusiasts: speedrunners will compete for the best completion times, while casual fans may tackle coop sessions to share the adventure. Discovering hidden shortcuts, optimizing each screen’s puzzle, and striving for the high-score bonus add layers of depth beyond the initial playthrough.

In summary, The Goonies is a challenging homage to its silver-screen counterpart, offering engaging puzzles, retro charm, and cooperative thrills. It’s a must for fans of the film, retro platformers, or anyone seeking a pure, unrelenting test of skill and teamwork in a timeless treasure hunt.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10