Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Xenon Ranger + The Enforcer compilation delivers two distinct gameplay experiences that will appeal to fans of retro action. In Xenon Ranger, players take control of a lone pilot traversing a horizontally scrolling battlefield. The core loop revolves around shooting down waves of enemy craft, dodging projectiles, and grabbing power-ups to enhance your weapons. The pacing is relentless from the first stage, offering a solid challenge that ramps up as you progress through increasingly elaborate aerial formations.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Switching gears, The Enforcer drops you into a side-scrolling beat ’em up set in the gritty streets of a fictional metropolis. Here, combat centers on hand-to-hand brawling, combo strikes, and weapon pickups. The controls feel tight, with responsive inputs that let you chain punches, kicks, and throws. Although the enemy variety isn’t vast, the inclusion of environmental hazards and occasional boss encounters adds enough spice to keep each level engaging.

Both games benefit from crisp collision detection and intuitive control schemes. Whether you’re strafing alien fighters or laying the smackdown on street thugs, the challenge curve remains fair yet demanding. Difficulty spikes do occur—particularly in the later levels of Xenon Ranger—but the inclusion of generous checkpointing and limited continues helps offset potential frustration. Overall, the gameplay package here delivers bite-sized action bursts that remain satisfying even on repeat playthroughs.

Graphics

Visually, Xenon Ranger embraces vibrant 16-bit color palettes and finely detailed sprites. The environments zip by in a blur of neon-tinged skies, industrial complexes, and alien strongholds. Explosions bloom with satisfying flashes, and enemy ships exhibit distinct silhouettes that make target-acquisition straightforward, even amidst hectic onscreen chaos.

The Enforcer, by contrast, opts for a grittier urban aesthetic. Backgrounds depict graffiti-streaked alleyways, flickering streetlights, and rundown warehouses, all rendered in moody earth tones. Character sprites boast smooth animations—each punch, kick, and flip is crisply illustrated. Minor environmental details, like shutters clattering or barrels toppling, give the stages a palpable sense of life.

While neither title has undergone a major graphical overhaul for this compilation, both games benefit from modern display support. Upscaling options reduce pixelation on large screens without smudging the original art. On top of that, scanline filters and CRT emulation modes are included for purists who want to recapture that old-school cathode-ray charm. These display tweaks ensure the retro visuals strike the right balance between nostalgia and present-day clarity.

Story

True to many arcade-style titles of their era, both Xenon Ranger and The Enforcer feature straightforward narratives that serve primarily as context for the action. In Xenon Ranger, an intergalactic militia dispatches you to repel an alien armada threatening human colonies. Mission briefings are concise but paint a clear “lone hero against the odds” scenario, setting the stage for each intense aerial assault.

The Enforcer’s plot is equally direct: a rogue crime syndicate has seized control of the city streets, and you play the titular enforcer sent in to restore order. Story beats arrive between stages via short text scrolls and static character portraits. While dialogue is minimal, the sprite-work and stage designs effectively evoke a ’90s action-movie vibe, complete with shady back-alley bosses and climactic rooftop showdowns.

Neither game aspires to deep character development or intricate lore. Instead, they rely on fast-paced action, colorful archetypes, and occasional boss monologues to keep you engaged. For players seeking heavy narrative immersion, this might feel light. However, for those drawn to arcade simplicity and straightforward stakes, the setup is more than adequate.

Overall Experience

As a package, Xenon Ranger + The Enforcer offers solid value for fans of classic action genres. You get two full games—each with its own identity—wrapped in a single compilation. The varied gameplay keeps sessions fresh: switch from bullet-hell skies to street-fighting brawls without ever feeling repetitive. This diversity enhances replayability, especially for players who appreciate short, challenge-driven stages.

The modern presentation features quality-of-life improvements that veteran retro enthusiasts will appreciate. Save-state support, rewind functionality, and customizable display filters make both titles more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a newcomer curious about ’90s arcade design or a seasoned retro gamer looking to revisit familiar thrills, this compilation caters to both audiences.

Ultimately, Xenon Ranger + The Enforcer shines as a love letter to classic action fans. While neither game breaks new ground narratively or mechanically, each delivers tight, responsive controls and bite-sized levels that stand the test of time. If you’re in the market for a no-frills, high-adrenaline trip through retro shooter and beat ’em up territory, this dual release is well worth a look.

Retro Replay Score

null/10