Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Game & Watch: Dodgeman faithfully adapts the core mechanics of the original flash arcade title Dodgeman 2, delivering a simple yet addictive dodge-the-falling-objects challenge. The player controls Dodgeman at the bottom of the screen, shifting him left or right to avoid an onslaught of items tumbling from above. Each object that safely exits the bottom boundary awards one point, encouraging careful positioning and split-second decision-making.

(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 👍)

Controls are tight and responsive, whether you’re using the D-pad on a handheld device, arrow keys on a keyboard, or a mouse for point-and-click movement. This flexibility ensures that both casual newcomers and speed-run veterans can find a comfortable setup. Hit detection feels fair: Dodgeman only loses a life when an object truly overlaps his sprite, minimizing frustration and reinforcing the game’s focus on timing.

The two selectable modes—Game A and Game B—offer distinct pacing experiences. Game A eases players in with a steady but manageable object speed, making it ideal for those just discovering the genre. Game B kicks off at the same leisurely pace but rapidly escalates in velocity and object density, creating adrenaline-fuelled runs that demand razor-sharp reflexes. The three-life system keeps each session brisk, while the absence of checkpoints means every move counts.

Graphics

Staying true to the heritage of Game & Watch hardware, Dodgeman employs a crisp monochrome LCD aesthetic. Icons remain sharply defined against a light background, evoking nostalgia for handheld enthusiasts who grew up with simple black-and-white displays. Despite the limited color palette, the game communicates crucial information—remaining lives, current mode, and active time display—with clarity and style.

Animation sequences are deliberately minimal but convey impact effectively. Objects follow predictable, linear paths, and Dodgeman’s little dodge wiggles are satisfying to watch. The subtle “blip” effect when an item vanishes offscreen heightens the tactile feel, as though you’re playing a genuine 1980s handheld. There’s an intentional charm in watching each falling shape disappear with a crisp pixel flicker.

The inclusion of a real-time clock subtly overlays modern functionality onto the retro framework. A small, dedicated “TIME” button reveals the current hour and minute, transforming your game cartridge into a hybrid gaming-timepiece gadget. This dual-use feature not only harkens back to classic Game & Watch devices but also adds genuine utility beyond pure entertainment.

Story

As with many vintage arcade experiences, Dodgeman’s narrative is intentionally thin—there’s no sprawling plot or elaborate backstory. Instead, the “story” emerges from the pure act of survival: objects rain from above, and your goal is simply to stay alive. This barebones approach strips away distractions, letting the tension of each dodge tell its own tale.

Players can imagine Dodgeman as a plucky character in a surreal obstacle field, lending personal context to every near-miss and close call. The lack of cutscenes or dialogue means that every moment on the playfield is open to interpretation: perhaps a lab experiment gone awry, or an alien world raining mysterious artifacts down upon our hero. It’s minimalism as creative canvas.

In the absence of a traditional storyline, progression itself becomes the narrative driver. Every additional second survived under an accelerating onslaught charts your personal high-score saga. Whether you’re edging past your previous best or challenging friends for leaderboard supremacy, the “story” hinges on quantifiable improvement and the sweet satisfaction of mastering a relentless mechanical gauntlet.

Overall Experience

Game & Watch: Dodgeman delivers exactly what it promises: an accessible, hard-to-put-down reflex challenge wrapped in iconic retro styling. Sessions are perfectly bite-sized, making it easy to drop in for five minutes of frantic dodging or settle in for a high-score chase. The instant restart after a game over keeps momentum alive, ensuring skill growth feels organic and rewarding.

For nostalgia-hungry gamers, the authentic LCD presentation and time-display feature offer a genuine throwback to 1980s handhelds. Meanwhile, younger players will appreciate the pick-up-and-play simplicity and tight controls. Few modern titles capture that blend of timeless simplicity and escalating tension so effectively as Dodgeman does.

Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic diversion or a fresh, bite-sized reflex test, Game & Watch: Dodgeman is a smart, budget-friendly addition to any collection. Its blend of straightforward mechanics, polished retro visuals, and high-intensity challenge make it an ideal pick for players who love to measure their improvement in seconds survived and points earned. Give Dodgeman a try—you might find it’s exactly the classic-style time sink you didn’t know you needed.

Retro Replay Score

null/10