Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Eight Man delivers a straightforward yet satisfying side-scrolling beat ’em up experience. Players control the titular supersoldier—either as Eightman or, in two-player mode, Nineman—moving left and right to punch and kick a steady stream of enemies. Combat feels responsive, with tight controls that allow for quick jabs, sweeping kicks, and well-timed jumps. The addition of special bombs that can be collected along the way adds a strategic layer: use them at the right moment to clear out crowds or soften up stronger foes.

Throughout the game’s stages, you’ll find yourself shifting between on-foot brawling and high-speed pursuit sequences. In chase levels, you sprint alongside a target vehicle, dispatching enemies that leap out in your path. These sections break up the action nicely, injecting a sense of urgency and variety that prevents the gameplay from feeling monotonous. Boss encounters at the end of each level ramp up the challenge, demanding pattern recognition and precise timing to avoid devastating attacks.

Power-ups play a crucial role in Eight Man’s progression. Collectible items bolster your punch and kick strength, while bombs act as powerful crowd-control tools. In co-op mode, when both players stay in close proximity, a visual spark indicates that your bomb attacks are even stronger—an elegant incentive for teamwork. Though the game’s structure is linear, the steady introduction of new enemy types and hazards keeps players on their toes throughout its runtime.

Graphics

Considering its arcade heritage, Eight Man’s visual presentation holds up surprisingly well. Character sprites are crisp and well-defined, with bright color palettes that help each enemy type stand out. Eight Man himself is instantly recognizable, sporting a distinctive red and blue suit and fluid animations that underscore his superhuman speed and strength.

The backgrounds are equally detailed, ranging from industrial factories under siege to city streets ravaged by conflict. Subtle parallax scrolling gives depth to each scene, and occasional environmental hazards—like collapsing cranes or erupting pipes—add flair to the stages. While the hardware limitations of the era impose some sprite flicker when the screen gets crowded, it rarely detracts from the action.

Special effects, particularly the bomb explosions and boss attack animations, are surprisingly punchy. Blasts radiate outward in bright colors, providing satisfying feedback when you land a critical hit. Combined with a clean HUD that clearly displays remaining lives and power-up status, the graphics strike a good balance between nostalgia and clarity, ensuring you always know what’s happening on screen.

Story

At its core, Eight Man presents a simple but serviceable narrative: a giant robot and its creator threaten to level the city, and only our cybernetic hero can stop them. While the plot doesn’t dive into deep character arcs, it establishes enough motivation to keep you engaged through each level. Dialogue is kept to bite-sized mission briefings, preserving the arcade-style pacing.

The game’s arcade origins mean cutscenes and dialogue boxes are minimal, but that works to its advantage by keeping you focused on the action. Every so often, you’ll see text updates about the city’s plight or a villainous monologue that sets up the next stage. Though light on storytelling, these interstitial moments provide just enough context to make each boss encounter feel climactic.

For players seeking a deeper lore, Eight Man’s backstory—highlighting themes of man vs. machine and the ethical implications of cybernetic augmentation—is hinted at rather than fully explored. While purists may wish for more narrative depth, the game’s brisk pace ensures that story serves the gameplay rather than overshadowing it. Ultimately, the straightforward tale of a lone hero against overwhelming odds has a timeless appeal that holds up even decades later.

Overall Experience

Eight Man offers a lean, action-packed run that rarely overstays its welcome. With a typical playthrough clocking in around 30 to 45 minutes, the game is perfect for quick sessions or nostalgic arcade marathons. Replay value comes from mastering enemy patterns, optimizing power-up usage, and attempting two-player co-op for enhanced bomb power—a fun incentive to team up with a friend.

While modern beat ’em ups may boast deeper combo systems or sprawling level design, Eight Man’s simplicity is part of its charm. It distills the genre down to its essentials—fluid combat, varied stage types, and satisfying boss battles—without unnecessary bells and whistles. For collectors and retro enthusiasts, it stands as a solid example of early side-scroll action gaming.

Whether you’re chasing high scores or simply looking for a bite-sized superhero romp, Eight Man delivers engaging gameplay, memorable visuals, and a no-frills narrative. It’s a title best appreciated by fans of classic arcade beat ’em ups and those curious about the genre’s evolution. If you crave straightforward, pick-up-and-play action with a dash of cooperative synergy, Eight Man is well worth adding to your digital or physical library.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10