Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Grandad 2: In Search of Sandwiches delivers a classic point-and-click adventure experience that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh. Players take on the role of Grandad, guiding him through a series of interconnected screens in Funland, the local park where he’s misplaced his lunchtime sandwiches. Movement and interaction are handled through simple keyboard controls—arrow keys to walk, spacebar to examine objects, and a rudimentary inventory system for combining items and solving puzzles.

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The core loop revolves around exploration and problem solving. You’ll gather clues, retrieve useful items and piece together cryptic hints left behind in park benches, concession stands and flowerbeds. Puzzles range from straightforward fetch quests—such as retrieving a lost trinket from a duck pond—to more involved sequences that require using one item on another in the correct order. While some early-stage tasks feel intuitive, later challenges demand careful observation and trial-and-error, offering a satisfying difficulty curve for adventure veterans.

Replayability is modest but present. There are a few branching puzzle solutions—like deciding whether to befriend the grumpy ice-cream vendor or sneak past him—which slightly alter the order in which you find sandwich pieces. Though there’s no true time limit, a simple in-game clock tracks afternoon hours, encouraging efficient exploration if you aim for a swift playthrough. Overall, the gameplay strikes a nice balance between laid-back wanderings and brain-teasing conundrums.

Graphics

Visually, Grandad 2 embraces a charming 16-color palette typical of STOS titles on the Atari ST. The environments are rendered with hand-drawn sprites that evoke the tactile feel of pixel art hand-painted on graph paper. From the lush green lawns of Funland’s meadow to the swirling carnival rides in the distance, each screen feels lovingly crafted, with small animations—fluttering birds, bouncing children and the occasional juggling clown—bringing the world to life.

Character sprites are delightfully caricatured: Grandad himself, perched precariously on his trike, sports exaggerated facial expressions that convey shock, delight or confusion depending on which puzzle you’re attempting. NPCs—like the chatty gardener and the seagull that snatches lost coins—add personality through occasional animated gestures. While resolution is low by modern standards, the art direction channels a retro whimsy that fans of vintage adventure games will appreciate.

Technical limitations of STOS are occasionally apparent—some backgrounds exhibit minor flicker when too many sprites overlap, and the color transitions can feel abrupt. However, these quirks only enhance the old-school authenticity. The game’s map scrolling is generally smooth, and loading times between areas are minimal. Overall, the graphical presentation strikes a pleasing balance between nostalgia and playability, making Funland a delightful place to explore.

Story

At its heart, Grandad 2 is a simple yet endearing tale: an elderly gentleman, fed up with staying indoors, sets out for a breath of fresh air and promptly misplaces his cherished sandwiches. Far from a grand epic, the narrative unfolds in bite-sized vignettes, each triggered by finding a missing sandwich ingredient—be it a slice of ham hidden beneath a park bench or a stray tomato discovered in the ghost train.

Dialogue is presented through brief text boxes, often laced with dry humor and the occasional pun. As you collect clues, Grandad mutters about “the folly of midday haste” or laments “the cunning of sandwich‐stealing squirrels,” giving the story a lighthearted tone. Side characters contribute small subplots: a forlorn balloon seller seeking lost strings and a magician who dropped his top hat, each adding context and providing side quests that enrich the world without derailing the main objective.

Despite its brevity—most players will finish in one to two hours—the narrative feels complete. The storybook structure, with a clear beginning (packing the sandwiches), middle (the search through Funland) and end (the triumphant lunch), offers a satisfying payoff. It’s a straightforward premise, but the charming writing and well-placed comedic touches help Grandad’s mild escapade resonate beyond its minimal runtime.

Overall Experience

Grandad 2: In Search of Sandwiches succeeds as a lovingly crafted retro adventure that will appeal primarily to fans of pixel-perfect nostalgia. Its straightforward puzzles, accessible controls and whimsical art style make it an excellent entry point for newcomers to classic point-and-click games, while seasoned players will appreciate its subtle twists and occasional logic leaps.

The game’s modest length ensures you won’t be bogged down by filler content—each new area in Funland feels purposeful, and the absence of needless backtracking preserves a gentle pacing. A light chiptune soundtrack underscores the whimsical atmosphere, while sparse sound effects—such as the tinkle of an ice-cream bell or the clatter of a dropped spanner—add just the right amount of auditory spice.

While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, Grandad 2 offers a refreshing dose of old-school charm packed into a tight, enjoyable package. If you’re seeking a short, sweet adventure that marries simple mechanics with endearing characters and a playful story, then helping Grandad recover his sandwiches is a journey worth taking. Perfect for retro enthusiasts and casual gamers alike, this sequel stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic adventure design.

Retro Replay Score

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