Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Apprentice offers classic side-scrolling platform action that feels right at home on a 16-bit console. You step into the shoes of Marvin, a young wizard’s apprentice, and set off across six distinct worlds, each divided into three themed stages on land, sea, and in the air. Your primary mission is always the same—fetch a magical artifact at the end of the level—but the varied environments and cleverly placed obstacles keep each stage feeling fresh.

What sets this title apart are the transformation mechanics and the ever-changing arsenal. In underwater levels Marvin morphs into a frog, granting him more agile swimming but also introducing new hazards to dodge. In the aerial stages he dons a flying helmet, allowing for three-dimensional movement and new aerial enemy formations. Meanwhile, every world equips you with a different weapon—from a trusty magic wand to a bouncy rubber ball, a high-pressure water pistol, and even a sci-fi laser gun—ensuring your approach must evolve as you progress.

Level design strikes a good balance between challenge and accessibility. Each stage concludes with a unique boss encounter that tests your mastery of that world’s core mechanic, be it underwater speed, mid-air precision, or ground-based platforming finesse. Between the main stages you’ll find bonus rounds that reward careful timing and pattern recognition with extra lives or power-ups, offering a satisfying break from the main quest and encouraging replay to perfect your scores.

Graphics

Visually, The Apprentice leans into bright, cartoony sprites that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis. Backgrounds are richly detailed, with lush forests, shimmering underwater reefs, and cloud-streaked skies that bring each environment to life despite the CD-i’s modest hardware. Character animations are smooth and expressively designed, giving Marvin a playful bounce whether he’s hopping across platforms or firing off spells.

The color palette is vibrant without ever feeling garish. Enemies stand out clearly against the scenery, making hazards easy to identify even in busier stages. Special effects—bubbles in underwater scenes, sparkles around magical items, or the glow of the laser gun—add visual flair without overwhelming the action. Even though the CD-i wasn’t known for powerhouse graphics, The Apprentice manages to look polished and consistent throughout.

Transitions between stages and the inclusion of small animated cutscenes help maintain a sense of continuity from one level to the next. While you won’t find ultra-realistic textures or 3D models here, the hand-drawn aesthetic is charming and cohesive. Retro enthusiasts will appreciate the nods to 16-bit classics, and newer players can still enjoy the clear, colorful presentation.

Story

At its core, The Apprentice keeps its narrative light and whimsical. Marvin is tasked by his absent-minded master, Mr. Wandburner, to retrieve various magical artifacts scattered across different realms. The premise is simple, serving mainly as a framework to justify the platforming action and diverse level themes. There’s no deep lore to unravel, but the playful dialogue and little narrative touches—like Mr. Wandburner’s running commentary—add enough personality to keep you invested.

Each world carries its own mini-story: a sunken temple haunted by mischievous sea spirits, a sky kingdom plagued by rogue automatons, or a dense enchanted forest teeming with mischievous critters. These settings aren’t just backdrops but integrate into the narrative, explaining why Marvin needs to earn that new weapon or adopt a new form. The game never takes itself too seriously, leaning into a lighthearted tone that’s perfect for casual play sessions.

While hardcore RPG fans might crave deeper character development or plot twists, The Apprentice’s story does exactly what it needs to: give context to your quests, introduce you to each new mechanic, and deliver a few chuckles along the way. It’s memorable enough to tie the levels together and charming enough to leave a smile on your face when you reach the end.

Overall Experience

The Apprentice delivers a tightly crafted platforming adventure that stands out on the CD-i library for focusing on solid gameplay over multimedia gimmicks. Its blend of classic level design, varied mechanics, and colorful presentation make it an enjoyable romp for both retro collectors and newcomers looking for a straightforward, well-made side-scroller.

Audio complements the visuals with upbeat, melodic tunes that shift effortlessly between environments—light and bubbly for forest levels, mysterious and echoing underwater, then airy and adventurous in the skies. Sound effects are crisp, with satisfying thwacks for rubber balls and crackles for magic spells, reinforcing the arcade-style action.

While the fetch-quest structure may feel familiar, the clever transformations, diverse weapons, and playful level themes inject enough variety to keep you engaged throughout. Bonus rounds and boss battles offer additional challenges for those seeking to master every stage. In short, The Apprentice is a delightful throwback to the golden age of platformers, ideal for players who appreciate tight controls, memorable visuals, and a bit of whimsical charm in their gaming experience.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10