Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Necropolis places you in the worn boots of Ms. Lilian Trevithick, guiding her through a labyrinth of 25 procedurally generated levels. The core mechanics revolve around exploration, trap disabling, and resource management. Using the cursor keys for movement, one key for trap disarmament, and another for sipping health tonics, the controls are straightforward yet demand precision as you navigate ever more treacherous corridors.

(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 👍)

The thrill of exploring each level lies in its unpredictability. Every playthrough feels fresh because you never know where the next pitfall, hidden chest, or deadly trap will be. This procedural generation keeps tension high: you might uncover a cache of health tonics or stumble upon a cleverly concealed spike pit that puts you on the back foot in an instant.

Progression is driven by finding hidden levers that open stairways to deeper floors. While you could rush through to advance, Necropolis rewards careful players who thoroughly scour their surroundings. Chests scattered throughout the dungeon contain disposable tools to disable traps, gold for purchasing new gadgets, and clothing or equipment that boost your Dodge, Disable, and Detect abilities.

As you improve these attributes, your capacity to survive grows significantly. A higher Detect rating helps you spot traps before springing them, while better Disable makes disarming swift and safe. Dodge quality becomes critical in higher levels where traps trigger faster and enemies swarm more aggressively. The balance between risk and reward keeps each decision meaningful throughout your descent.

Graphics

Visually, Necropolis adopts a top-down perspective with a minimalist but effective art style. The dungeon tiles are rendered in muted stone grays and warm torchlight hues, creating an atmospheric contrast that emphasizes the steam-powered aesthetics of Ms. Trevithick’s gear. Despite the limited palette, details such as flickering shadows, trap animations, and gear icons feel polished and purposeful.

On the right side of the screen, a neatly organized panel displays vital statistics—health tonics, current gold, and ability levels—ensuring you have critical information at a glance. The interface remains uncluttered, allowing you to focus on your surroundings while keeping an eye on resources. A text log at the bottom adds depth by describing events and discoveries, reinforcing immersion without pulling you out of the flow.

Animations are crisp: levers snap into place with satisfying metallic clinks, trapdoors open abruptly, and consumables vanish from your inventory with a subtle flourish. Though no cutting-edge 3D models are present, the deliberate art direction captures the gritty steampunk dungeon vibe. Lighting effects, such as torch glows and trap sparks, further enhance the mood.

Overall, the graphics serve functional clarity and atmospheric storytelling. They complement the gameplay loop rather than overshadow it, ensuring that each room’s traps and treasures are easily identifiable while still feeling embedded in a mysterious, dangerous underworld.

Story

At its heart, Necropolis weaves the tale of Ms. Lilian Trevithick, a bold steam technician whose ingenuity matches her fearless spirit. The discovery of the Necropolis of Ao sets the stage for a classic expedition: delve deeper, uncover secrets, and emerge unscathed—or not at all. Though the narrative thread is light, it provides enough context to justify each plunge into the darkness.

The world-building hints at a broader steampunk universe. References to advanced tinkering, mechanical contraptions, and arcane traps suggest that the Necropolis was once a hub of innovation and danger. Through textual descriptions at the bottom of the screen, you learn snippets about collapsed machinery, warded chambers, and the Lost Artisans who may have built this sprawling network.

While there is no branching storyline or dialogue trees, emergent storytelling arises through gameplay. Each run tells its own tale: a close call with a near-fatal trap, the relief of finding a rare tonic, or the frustration of narrowly missing a hidden lever. These micro-narratives keep you invested in Lilian’s plight and curious about the secrets lying ahead.

Fans of steampunk themes will appreciate the subtle lore woven into item descriptions and environmental cues. If you’re seeking a deep, character-driven plot, Necropolis may feel thin. However, its focus on exploration and survival suits the spirit of a dungeon crawler, delivering just enough story scaffolding to make your descent feel purposeful.

Overall Experience

Necropolis offers a compelling blend of challenge and reward. Its roguelike elements—procedural levels, permadeath tension, and randomized loot—foster high replayability. Each session tests your trap-spotting reflexes, resource prioritization, and willingness to explore every nook for hidden treasures. Even veteran adventurers will find themselves on edge as they push deeper into the Necropolis of Ao.

The difficulty curve is fair but firm. Early levels teach you the basics of movement, trap disarming, and resource use; later floors ramp up the complexity and enemy density. With each successful descent, you’ll upgrade Lilian’s abilities, making subsequent forays slightly less punishing. This sense of growth keeps you returning, driven by the question: “How much further can I go this time?”

While its minimalistic presentation and lack of sprawling narrative might not suit every taste, Necropolis excels at delivering focused dungeon-crawling fun. Its streamlined UI, atmospheric text log, and consistent challenge loop combine to form an experience that’s easy to pick up yet hard to master.

For players who relish methodical exploration, strategic trap disarming, and incremental character progression, Necropolis is a worthy purchase. It captures the essence of classic roguelikes in a concise package, with enough steampunk flair to stand out among dungeon exploration titles. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a game that rewards curiosity, caution, and perseverance, Ms. Lilian Trevithick’s adventure into the Necropolis of Ao awaits.

Retro Replay Score

null/10