Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cecco Collection brings together four classic titles—Cybernoid, Cybernoid II: The Revenge, Exolon, and Stormlord—each showcasing Raffaele Cecco’s knack for tough, rewarding mechanics. Cybernoid’s intense shoot-’em-up stages test your reaction time as you dodge enemy fire and navigate hazardous environments, while the sequel adds clever puzzle elements that keep you on your toes. Exolon switches things up with run-and-gun action, granting you rapid-fire weapon upgrades and jetpack boosts that feel satisfying to master. Stormlord contrasts both with a blend of platforming and light exploration as you rescue trapped fairies across perilous landscapes. Together, they form a varied gameplay platter that remains accessible yet challenging even decades after their original release.

All four games support modern features like save states, rewind functionality, and customizable difficulty, making them far more approachable than their original incarnations. Whether you’re stuck on a notoriously fiendish boss in Cybernoid II or constantly running out of fuel in Exolon, quick saves and the ability to rewind mistakes keep frustration at bay. These quality-of-life improvements ensure that new players can experience classic difficulty curves without the relentless arcade coin-op grind of the 1980s.

Multiplayer might not be a central focus—only Exolon and Stormlord offer simultaneous two-player modes—but each single-player campaign provides a robust challenge. High-score boards and hidden secrets in each title encourage repeat runs, offering a sense of progression as you learn enemy patterns and level layouts. Fans of speedruns will appreciate how the collection preserves frame-perfect controls, allowing for precise maneuvers that seasoned players will relish.

Finally, the smooth transition between titles via an integrated menu system means you can switch from one adventure to the next in seconds. This seamless design creates an arcade-style marathon experience in the comfort of your home, encouraging you to discover how each game’s mechanics complement and contrast with its predecessors.

Graphics

Visually, Cecco Collection captures the pixel-perfect charm of the original 8-bit releases while offering modern enhancements. Texture filtering, CRT scanline filters, and multiple display options allow you to tailor the look to your preference—whether you crave the authentic blocky sprites of yesteryear or a cleaner, smoothed-out presentation. Character animations remain fluid, and the vibrant color palettes—especially in Stormlord’s enchanted forests and Cybernoid’s neon-lit corridors—pop on today’s screens.

Each game retains its unique visual identity: Cybernoid’s cold metallic backdrops stand in stark contrast to Exolon’s desert war zones and Stormlord’s mystical realms. The collection also includes screen-covering overlays and customizable bezels that echo the feel of original arcade marquees and home computer bezels. These thoughtful touches elevate the graphic experience, transforming a simple emulator interface into a polished front end.

While the core art assets remain unchanged—preserving Cecco’s original pixel artistry—you can toggle scaling shaders on the fly. This flexibility accommodates purists who prefer crisp 1:1 pixel mapping as well as newcomers seeking a smoother image. Performance is rock-solid across all supported platforms, with consistent frame rates and zero hitches, ensuring that graphical fidelity never comes at the cost of playability.

Overall, the collection’s visual presentation strikes a perfect balance between retro authenticity and modern convenience. Whether you’re showing off on a big-screen TV or playing on a handheld device, the games look and feel right at home, honoring Cecco’s artistry while embracing contemporary display standards.

Story

Storytelling in Cecco Collection varies widely from title to title, reflecting the arcade-driven design philosophy of the 1980s. Cybernoid and its sequel offer minimal narrative context—you’re a lone pilot in a heavily armed craft, battling space pirates and recovering stolen treasure. While the plot is straightforward, the in-game manuals and brief cut-scenes provide just enough context to keep you invested in each mission’s stakes.

Exolon, on the other hand, introduces a futuristic soldier named Raz as he infiltrates enemy bases to dismantle an alien threat. Dialogue is sparse and conveyed mainly through level intros, but the relentless pace and weapon-rich environments tell a story of escalating warfare. The sense of progression comes more from weapon upgrades and tougher enemies than from textual exposition, harkening back to an era when gameplay was the primary narrative driver.

Stormlord stands out as the most story-oriented title in the collection. You play as the titular Stormlord on a quest to rescue trapped fairies from dark forces. Platforming, puzzle-solving, and light exploration weave together to create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Occasional narrative interludes and atmospheric music lend emotional weight to your mission, making each fairy rescued feel like a triumph rather than a mere level completion.

Across all four games, narrative depth takes a back seat to gameplay, yet the lightly sketched stories provide enough motivation to push forward. The simplicity of the storytelling also makes these titles timeless—new players can jump right in, while veterans can savor the nostalgia without revisiting dense lore or dialogue trees.

Overall Experience

Cecco Collection is more than a nostalgic trip; it’s a curated anthology that highlights Raffaele Cecco’s influential design legacy. The selection of four varied titles ensures there’s something for every retro enthusiast: high-octane shooters, methodical puzzle-shooters, run-and-gun action, and exploratory platform adventures. The modern interface ties them together seamlessly, providing online leaderboards, achievements, and behind-the-scenes galleries that add historical context.

Soundtracks have been faithfully reproduced, preserving the chiptune charm that defined these games. You can toggle original audio or choose remastered tracks, enjoying everything from Exolon’s pounding electronic beats to Stormlord’s eerie, ethereal melodies. Audio options like balance controls and per‐game volume settings ensure that each soundtrack shines without drowning out sound effects.

Accessibility features, including customizable controls and difficulty adjustments, lower the barrier for newcomers while retaining optional hardcore modes for purists. The inclusion of developer interviews, concept art, and game design notes in a built-in museum mode further enriches the package. These extras deepen appreciation for the creative process and showcase how Cecco’s approach to level design and difficulty balancing remains relevant.

In summary, Cecco Collection offers a robust, well-presented slice of 8-bit history that’s been thoughtfully updated for modern audiences. Whether you’re chasing high scores, exploring hidden secrets, or simply soaking in retro atmosphere, this anthology delivers hours of engaging gameplay. It’s a must-own for fans of classic gaming and a compelling introduction for those curious about the foundations of arcade and home-computer shooters.