Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tarzan Goes Ape! throws you directly into an action-packed jungle quest as our hero Tarzan has been mysteriously transformed into a monkey by a sinister witch doctor. Your primary goal is to scavenge six key ingredients—a necklace, a mask, a plant, crossbones, a bottle, and a gem—to brew a potion in Tarzan’s cauldron and restore him to his human form. Along the way, you’ll contend with a variety of wildlife adversaries, from slithering snakes to swooping birds, as well as the occasional lizard and cannibal. The only defense at your disposal is a simple but satisfying stone-throwing mechanic, which requires both timing and positioning to land a hit.

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The level design blends exploration with constant threat: ingredients are often hidden in hard-to-reach platforms or tucked behind obstacles, encouraging careful navigation of each stage. Scattered fruit provides valuable bonus points, offering an incentive to deviate from the main path and explore every nook. Adding tension are two distinct skulls scattered throughout the environment—one that temporarily reverses your controls and another that instantly costs you a life. These traps demand precision, turning even a straightforward platform jump into a nerve-wracking gamble.

After collecting all six ingredients, you transition to a bonus level where the pace quickens. Here, Tarzan must gather a quota of shimmering gems before the clock runs out, combining your mastery of movement with split-second decision-making. This break in the action not only refreshes the core loop but also rewards players who have honed their skills in the main levels. Overall, the gameplay is a tight, old-school platformer experience: simple to learn but challenging to master, with enough variety in enemy types and stage hazards to keep you on your toes.

Graphics

Visually, Tarzan Goes Ape! embraces a vibrant, cartoon-inspired pixel art style that captures the dense, colorful essence of the jungle. Both Tarzan and his adversaries are rendered in bold, easily distinguishable sprites, ensuring clarity during hectic moments. The foliage sometimes sways, and subtle parallax effects in the background lend a sense of depth without overtaxing the hardware, creating an immersive backdrop for your quest.

Enemy animations are delightfully exaggerated: snakes coil menacingly before striking, birds flail in mid-air after being hit, and cannibals perform brief victory dances if you linger too long. Tarzan’s own movements are fluid, with a satisfying arc to each stone throw and a distinct crouch before leaping between platforms. Collectible items, from the six key ingredients to the bonus fruit and skulls, flash or sparkle just enough to catch the eye without feeling garish.

Despite its retro presentation, the level art avoids feeling repetitive. Each stage introduces slight variations in color palette or background details—whether it’s a waterfall mist in the distance or ancient ruins jutting from the vines. While some stages reuse enemy types, the thoughtful placement of hazards and secret alcoves ensures that each level feels fresh. Overall, the graphics strike a strong balance between nostalgia and functionality, making it easy for players to focus on gameplay without sacrificing visual charm.

Story

At its core, Tarzan Goes Ape! offers a straightforward narrative: a witch doctor’s curse has reverted the legendary hero to his simian roots, and only six mystical ingredients can reverse the magic. While the storyline is minimalistic, it serves as an effective framing device for the game’s platforming challenges, providing clear motivation and a sense of progression as each ingredient is recovered.

Character development is largely implicit, conveyed through animation and level context rather than dialogue. Tarzan’s determined jumps and swift stone-throwing convey his resolve, while the witch doctor makes occasional cameo appearances to remind you of the looming threat. The absence of lengthy cutscenes keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, though players seeking deeper lore may find the worldbuilding somewhat light.

Despite its brevity, the plot fosters a satisfying loop: each retrieved item brings you one step closer to breaking the curse, and the bonus levels offer a playful interlude that reinforces the narrative’s urgency. While the story won’t rival heavyweight RPGs or cinematic adventures, it perfectly complements the core gameplay, providing enough context to keep players invested without diluting the action.

Overall Experience

Tarzan Goes Ape! stands out as a tight and engaging retro platformer that marries simple mechanics with challenging level design. Its core loop—stone throwing, item collecting, and obstacle dodging—remains compelling from the first vine swing to the final gem in the bonus round. The thoughtful pacing, mixed with occasional spikes in difficulty, maintains tension and encourages repeat plays as you learn enemy patterns and skull placements.

Strengths include its vibrant pixel art, varied stage hazards, and fun bonus levels that break up the main quest. The game’s nostalgic charm is balanced by responsive controls and clear visual cues, ensuring the experience feels fair even when challenges grow tough. On the flip side, players seeking deep narrative or expansive worldbuilding may find the story a bit thin, and the absence of weapon upgrades or multiple playable characters limits long-term variety.

Ultimately, Tarzan Goes Ape! is an excellent pick for fans of old-school platformers and anyone looking for a bite-sized adventure with a high replay value. Its blend of action, exploration, and timed bonuses offers a well-rounded package that remains fun session after session. Whether you’re chasing high scores or just want a vibrant jungle romp, this game delivers a delightfully challenging journey through Tarzan’s untamed world.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10