Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Orcs & Elves marries classic grid-based dungeon crawling with a refined turn-based combat system derived from the improved DOOM RPG engine. Each move—whether stepping one square forward, strafing to the side, or rotating 90 degrees—is deliberate, encouraging strategic positioning and careful resource management. You’ll quickly learn to balance exploration with caution, as every corridor may hide traps, puzzles, or ambushes by orcs, goblins, and other subterranean terrors.

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Combat unfolds at a steady, measured pace. Every swing of Elli’s sword, every fireball cast by the wand Ellon, and every enemy movement occurs in discrete turns, giving you time to assess threats and plan your next action. Inventory management also becomes a tactical layer: limited healing potions, scrolls, and weapon durability force you to decide when to fight and when to fall back. Ammo and item scarcity heighten the tension in deeper levels of the dwarven citadel.

Puzzle elements are woven seamlessly into the dungeon design. From pressure plates that open hidden passages to block-pushing challenges and rune-based locks, each section of the citadel tests both your wits and your combat readiness. The simplicity of the movement grid belies the depth of these environmental riddles, making every new room feel fresh. Optional side paths reward the curious with rare items, while backtracking to previous levels is always an option when you discover a switch that hints at secret doors.

Graphics

Visually, Orcs & Elves combines 2D sprite artistry with occasional 3D objects to create a rich, old-school dungeon atmosphere. Enemies and environmental elements are rendered as detailed sprites, each animation frame conveying distinct personality—whether it’s the lumbering gait of an orc or the ethereal shimmer of a magical barrier. These sprite graphics evoke nostalgia for classic titles like Eye of the Beholder while still feeling crisp on modern handheld screens.

The inclusion of a handful of 3D-modeled objects—decorative columns, chests, and magical runes—adds depth to the otherwise flat dungeon corridors. These elements pop against the sprite backdrops, helping the environment feel tangible and lived-in. When Ellon the wand speaks, the brief 3D camera pans and zooms in dynamic cutscenes break up the dungeon monotony, lending cinematic flair to key story beats without overwhelming the core gameplay.

Lighting and shading effects are modest but effective. Flickering torchlight casts moving shadows on the stone walls, while colorful spell animations briefly illuminate the dark corridors in electric blue, fiery red, or ghostly green hues. The color palette shifts subtly as you delve deeper into the citadel—warmer tones in the main halls give way to colder, more oppressive shades in the lower levels, creating an unbroken sense of progression and dread.

Story

At the heart of Orcs & Elves is the unlikely partnership between Elli, a courageous young elf warrior, and Ellon, her wisecracking magic wand. Tasked with investigating the disappearance of dwarven miners within an abandoned fortress, Elli ventures into the citadel’s twisting passages in search of answers—and revenge against the orcish forces responsible for the devastation. This simple premise sets the stage for a surprisingly engaging narrative.

Dialogue between Elli and Ellon brims with personality. Ellon’s sarcastic quips lighten the mood and provide context for puzzles or combat situations, while Elli’s determination shines through her reserved responses. Secondary characters—dwarven ghosts, stranded merchants, and even repentant goblins—populate your journey with side stories that flesh out the world. These encounters enrich the core quest, revealing bits of dwarven history and the tragic fate that befell the citadel’s residents.

The story unfolds at a measured pace. Each dungeon level reveals new lore, whether through murals depicting ancient dwarven rituals or scrolls left behind by fallen explorers. Cutscenes are brief but impactful, using dynamic camera angles and voice snippets to underscore pivotal moments. By the time you reach the citadel’s heart, you’ll feel invested in Elli’s quest, driven not just by loot but by a genuine desire to unearth the truth behind the dwarves’ downfall.

Overall Experience

Orcs & Elves delivers a satisfying blend of nostalgia and polished gameplay. Its deliberate pacing and turn-based mechanics cater to fans of classic dungeon crawlers, while the improved DOOM RPG engine ensures smooth, responsive controls. The game’s bite-sized levels make it ideal for both short play sessions and longer marathons, offering a flexible experience for busy gamers.

Replay value comes from optional puzzles, hidden passages, and alternate combat approaches. Want to conserve arrows and rely on melee? Go for it. Prefer to experiment with fire and ice spells? The game’s loot system richly rewards magical playstyles. Multiple difficulty settings further customize the challenge, allowing newcomers to ease into the grid-based combat or veterans to push their tactical skills to the limit.

Ultimately, Orcs & Elves stands out as a robust handheld RPG that honors its roots while delivering fresh storytelling and refined mechanics. Its atmospheric graphics, engaging narrative, and measured combat make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking an immersive dungeon-crawling adventure on the go. If you’ve been longing for a rich, strategy-driven RPG experience in your pocket, Elli’s journey through the dwarven citadel is one you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10