Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

HesGames delivers an all-encompassing multi-event sports simulation that faithfully recreates six classic track and field and strength disciplines. Players can tackle the 100m sprint, 110m hurdles, long jump, diving, archery, and weightlifting in any order, making it easy to tailor a single competition or a full Olympic-style gauntlet. Up to six human competitors can go head-to-head, while solo athletes can hone their skills by replaying each attempt or by watching simulated recordings of the day’s world records for pointers on pacing and technique.

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The sprint events—100m and 110m hurdles—rely on the familiar joystick-waggling mechanic, demanding rapid, rhythmic input to build speed. In the hurdles, timing is equally crucial: a poorly timed jump costs precious milliseconds, while a perfect clearance can shave entire tenths off your time. Long jump follows the same waggling formula for the run-up, then switches to a precision-based input as you lean forward at takeoff and aim for a balanced landing.

Off the track, the challenges shift toward finesse and strategy. Diving lets you pick the complexity of your chosen dive, with higher-risk flips and twists offering greater scoring potential if executed cleanly. Archery tests your aim and steadiness as you load, draw, and release arrows at targets set at varying distances—holding down fire charges your shot, and the moment you release determines accuracy. Weightlifting combines a speed-press mechanic during the snatch phase with rapid button presses in the clean-and-jerk segment, requiring both raw strength and endurance to keep the barbell under control.

Graphics

Visually, HesGames strikes a balance between functional clarity and retro-inspired charm. Each discipline is presented on a crisp, neatly rendered field of play, whether it’s the bright green track lanes, the gleaming pool for diving, or the stark weightlifting platform. Character sprites are intentionally stylized, offering enough detail to distinguish uniforms, national colors, and basic body motions without overwhelming the frame rate.

Animation is smooth and purposeful: you can clearly see your sprinter pumping arms and driving knees, your diver tucking or piking mid-air, and your weightlifter straining under the barbell’s weight. Subtle cues—like an archer’s bowstring flexing or the hurdle’s top bar tipping slightly if clipped—add a layer of polish that deepens immersion. Meanwhile, the overhead scoreboard and on-screen indicators update in real time, giving instant feedback on distance, height, or score.

The sound design complements the visuals with enthusiastic crowd noises, clear button-click confirmations, and event-specific audio cues (splashing water in diving, the clang of weights, the thud of a landing). Menus and training replays use simple transitions, ensuring you spend more time competing and refining your technique than navigating through screens.

Story

HesGames does not follow a narrative arc in the traditional sense. Instead, it casts you in the role of an all-around athlete fighting for gold across six distinct events. The implicit storyline unfolds through progression—improving your personal bests, knocking down simulated world records, and outpacing friends or AI rivals in local tournaments.

Between events, you experience a loose tournament structure that mimics the buildup and excitement of major athletics meets. Commentary snippets and on-screen banners celebrate standout performances, providing a sense of momentum even without a scripted plot. This light framing keeps the focus squarely on athletic achievement rather than on character drama or cutscenes.

While there is no deep character customization or moral choices, players can adopt a “career mode” mindset by tracking improvement over time, aiming for consistency across all six disciplines. This self-driven approach to storytelling—where each personal record or flawless dive becomes a chapter—gives the game its own quiet narrative reward loop.

Overall Experience

HesGames shines as a pick-up-and-play sports compilation that caters both to competitive groups and solo enthusiasts. Party sessions come alive when you challenge friends to relay sprints or dive duels, while the training replays and world-record simulations provide a structured path for skill mastery when you’re flying solo.

Repetition is part of the package, as true athletic performance requires practice, but the variety of control styles keeps each discipline feeling fresh. Even after hours of button-mashing in the sprints, the switch to a delicate archery shot or a precise diving rotation reinvigorates the challenge. The risk-reward balance in diving and weightlifting ensures no single event overstays its welcome.

For anyone seeking a well-rounded sports title that rewards coordination, timing, and quick reflexes, HesGames offers terrific value. Its straightforward presentation, combined with an accessible yet deep control scheme, makes it an ideal choice for retro sports fans, casual gatherings, or anyone aiming to claim virtual gold across a full slate of athletic events.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10