Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Superman’s gameplay hinges on smoothly transitioning between Clark Kent’s civilian speed and the Man of Steel’s aerial prowess. Initially, players must navigate Clark across the decimated Metropolis bridge, dodging thugs and environmental hazards before reaching the iconic phone booth. Once transformed into Superman, the controls shift focus to flying mechanics and precision targeting, offering an immediate sense of power and control.

The core loop involves repairing the bridge, subduing criminals, and locating hidden objects—most notably the three Kryptonite satellites scattered across the skyline. These satellite sequences introduce a layer of strategic timing, as Superman must dispatch them before they emit harmful radiation. When Kryptonite strikes, the hero loses flight abilities, forcing a secondary objective: rescue Lois Lane to regain strength.

Combat alternates between hand-to-hand beat ’em up segments and projectile-based encounters against helicopters and Lex Luthor’s henchmen. While the basic punch-and-kick system is responsive, occasional stiff collision detection can frustrate players during high-frequency brawls. Nevertheless, mastering Superman’s cape-based gliding and heat vision beams brings substantial reward, delivering the exhilarating sensation of embodying a superhero.

Graphics

Visually, Superman embraces a colorful, pixel-art style reminiscent of classic 16-bit era titles. Metropolis is rendered in vibrant blues and greys, punctuated by fiery reds and yellows whenever destruction occurs. The city backdrop scrolls smoothly as Superman soars overhead, with parallax layers suggesting depth and scale.

Character sprites are recognizably faithful to the comic-book icon, from the curl in Superman’s signature hairstyle to Lex Luthor’s imposing armored silhouette. Animation frames for flight and combat are fluid, though certain transitions—particularly between walking and running—feel slightly stilted. Minor sprite flicker may appear when multiple enemies converge, but it rarely detracts from the overall visual spectacle.

Environmental details, such as crumbling bridge pillars and street-level debris, enhance immersion without overwhelming the screen. Dynamic elements like rotating Kryptonite satellites and swinging streetlights provide interactive set-pieces. Although not cutting-edge by today’s standards, the graphics deliver nostalgic charm and clear visual feedback essential for precise gameplay.

Story

The narrative is straightforward yet effective, casting Lex Luthor as the mastermind behind Metropolis’s latest crisis. His sabotage of the city’s main bridge sets a ticking clock scenario: repair the structure before civilian panic reaches a critical level. While simplistic, this premise underscores Superman’s dual role as hero and protector of everyday citizens.

Supporting characters, notably Lois Lane, fill vital narrative and gameplay functions. Beyond delivering exposition, Lois serves as a health-restoration checkpoint; finding her not only drives the plot forward but also reinvigorates Superman when Kryptonite weakens him. This weaving of story and mechanics keeps players invested in locating each ally.

Although dialogue is sparse—limited to brief text interludes at mission start and end—the sense of urgency remains palpable. Lex Luthor’s taunts flash across the screen, providing personal stakes and encouraging players to thwart his every scheme. The storyline may not boast intricate twists, but its clear objectives and iconic rivalry deliver satisfying progression.

Overall Experience

Superman offers an exhilarating taste of superhero power, blending ground-level brawling with high-speed aerial adventures. While the control scheme occasionally feels dated, successfully navigating through Kryptonite traps and airborne foes fosters genuine accomplishment. Fans of retro action games and comic-book adaptations will find plenty to appreciate in this straightforward yet colorful package.

The game’s pacing strikes a balance between tense rescue missions and exploratory flight segments, preventing monotony. Time-sensitive objectives keep players on their toes, while the pressing need to find and repair broken infrastructure emphasizes Superman’s role as both builder and defender. Replay value remains high for completionists aiming to dismantle every one of Luthor’s devious contraptions.

Despite some technical limitations, the overall experience shines through nostalgia and faithful representation of Superman’s core abilities. The game excels at invoking the essence of the Man of Steel, allowing players to flex both heroism and strategic problem-solving. For enthusiasts curious about early superhero titles, this adaptation delivers an engaging glimpse into the dawn of comic-based gaming.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10