Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Highlander’s gameplay distills the epic fantasy of the cult film into a series of tense one-on-one sword duels. You step into the immortal boots of Connor MacLeod and face three escalating challenges: first his mentor Ramirez, then the mysterious Fizir, and finally the formidable Kurgan. Each opponent brings unique attack patterns and timing windows, forcing you to learn and adapt your strategy. Victory depends on both aggressive strikes and well-timed parries, creating a satisfying push-and-pull dynamic.

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The control scheme is deceptively simple. Standing and crouching stances each offer light and heavy slashes, along with thrusts that vary by joystick direction. Landing hits drains your foe’s energy meter, while blocked blows punish reckless offense. The result is a finely balanced system where reading your opponent’s moves is just as crucial as mastering combos. For newcomers, there’s a brief learning curve, but it’s quickly rewarding once you’ve locked in the timing.

Adding to the appeal is the local two-player mode, where friends can settle their own Highlander grudges head-to-head. This feature extends replay value far beyond the three-match campaign, turning every backyard beatdown into a test of skill. While there’s no extensive roster, the three characters feel distinct enough to keep each duel fresh—especially when facing off against a real person rather than AI.

Graphics

Visually, Highlander taps into the arcade aesthetic of the mid-’80s. Character sprites are well-defined, capturing MacLeod’s kilt and the Kurgan’s hulking frame with surprising detail. Movements are fluid enough to convey the swing of a broadsword or a quick parry, though occasional frame drops can occur during more elaborate exchanges. Backgrounds are minimal but evocative, often hinting at misty moors or castle interiors to maintain a Highlander atmosphere.

Color palettes stick to moody grays, deep blues, and flashes of red when swords clash, reinforcing the game’s dark fantasy vibe. While it won’t rival modern pixel art, the presentation holds a certain vintage charm. Subtle animations—like the slow flicker of torchlight or the warping of a battlefield horizon—help immerse players in the setting without distracting from the action.

Special effects for winning moves and energy depletion are straightforward but effective. Sparks fly when weapons collide, and a dramatic slow-motion moment underscores the final blow. Though pared down compared to contemporary fighting games, Highlander’s graphics succeed in translating the film’s swordfights into a digital arena.

Story

Storytelling takes a back seat in Highlander, focusing squarely on the film’s signature battle scenes. There’s no branching narrative or dialogue sequences—just a linear progression through three iconic matchups. This simplicity may disappoint players seeking deeper lore or cinematic cutscenes, but it also streamlines the experience into pure combat thrills.

Fans of the movie will recognize key characters and appreciate the nods to the 1986 cult classic. Ramirez’s wise demeanor and the Kurgan’s menacing posture come through in brief pre-fight introductions, lending a touch of personality. However, newcomers unfamiliar with the Highlander mythos may find the context thin; you’ll mainly be chasing new high scores rather than unraveling a complex plot.

Despite its narrative brevity, the game captures the essence of “There can be only one.” Each duel feels weighty, as if you’re one swing away from immortality. The sparse storytelling frees the developers to focus on tight combat mechanics, which is a fair trade-off for players prioritizing action over exposition.

Overall Experience

Highlander offers a concise yet compelling fighting-game experience rooted in a beloved film franchise. Its strength lies in well-balanced swordplay, where timing and strategy outweigh button-mashing. Though the campaign spans just three battles, the inclusion of two-player duels adds significant longevity, making it a fun party game for retro enthusiasts.

Graphically, the game embraces its era with moody pixel art and satisfying combat effects. While it won’t dazzle modern audiences, its nostalgic charm and faithful character design will appeal to classic gaming fans. Story elements are minimal, but the focus on core swordfights ensures a streamlined, adrenaline-fueled journey.

For potential buyers, Highlander is a niche gem: ideal for those who appreciate straightforward, skill-based fighters and retro visuals. If you’re wooed by the promise of immortal sword duels and local multiplayer showdowns, this adaptation honors its cinematic roots and delivers memorable combat sequences you’ll revisit time and again.

Retro Replay Score

4.1/10