Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Alive ….Behind the Moon…. offers a richly layered point-and-click adventure that balances exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival elements. The game’s interface is divided into multiple windows, from the main viewfinder where you interact with the environment and characters, to inventory panels on either side. Clicking on objects in the scene brings them into closer view for manipulation, while icons beneath let you choose actions like looking, speaking, or fighting.

(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 👍)

Puzzles span a wide range of types, from logical inventory combinations to conversational riddles that require you to choose the right dialogue options with the Gouaks, Wounks, and Amazon tribes. Some challenges are timed or can lead to instant death if handled carelessly, so inventory management—keeping track of food, water, and medicine—feels genuinely tense. Every decision can tip the balance between survival and a grisly game over screen, making each successful solution deeply satisfying.

Movement across the lunar surface is guided by an on-screen mini-map, which contemporizes the classic 1991 layout and helps you track objectives without losing immersion. Encounters range from negotiating with alien factions to defending yourself in improvised skirmishes. The stamina, health, hunger, and fatigue bars down the left flank constantly remind you to weigh exploration against self-preservation, giving the gameplay a weighty sense of reality that extends beyond puzzle rooms.

The remake also streamlines previously cumbersome mechanics: drag-and-drop inventory combinations and context-sensitive cursors keep you focused on the story rather than interface fiddling. Occasional hints and quality of life features, such as auto‐saving on key milestones, smooth out the learning curve without sacrificing the original’s unforgiving spirit. For players who crave classic adventure design with modern polish, Alive ….Behind the Moon…. delivers gameplay that is both nostalgic and refreshingly challenging.

Graphics

Visually, Alive ….Behind the Moon…. breathes new life into Lankhor’s 1991 Amstrad CPC original. Environments are richly detailed, with craggy moon landscapes rendered in high-contrast palettes that evoke both wonder and desolation. Character portraits during conversations leap off the screen with expressive line work and subtle animations, bringing James Butterfield, his injured companion Sven, and the alien inhabitants to vivid life.

The enhanced remake introduces dynamic lighting effects that highlight the eerie glow of the unknown cosmic element permeating the lunar atmosphere. Shifting shadows and ambient particle effects enhance immersion, especially in underground caverns where bioluminescent flora reacts to your torchlight. Cutscenes have been redrawn with crisp pixel art, framing key story beats with cinematic flair without betraying the original’s retro charm.

Items you collect are displayed as pixel-perfect icons in your inventory, making it easy to distinguish between similar objects and reducing the frustration of accidental misclicks. The UI windows themselves have been overhauled with transparent backgrounds and neatly organized panels, ensuring you never lose sight of the moon’s stark beauty while juggling your health, hunger, and fatigue meters.

The overall effect is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and contemporary design. Fans of classic titles will appreciate subtle nods to the 1991 visuals—such as the distinctive Gouak glyph motif—while new players can marvel at details that simply weren’t possible on the Amstrad CPC. The graphics strike a perfect balance between retro fidelity and modern sensibilities, making every lunar vista a pleasure to explore.

Story

At its core, Alive ….Behind the Moon…. weaves a narrative of redemption and survival. James Butterfield, a disgraced astronaut, is promised a million-dollar reward if he can investigate the mysterious atmospheric changes on the far side of the moon. Joined by his loyal friend Sven, James’s ship crashes into an alien terrain teeming with flora, fauna, and intelligent species that flourish in the shadow of Earth’s gaze.

The initial goal—finding medicine to save Sven—quickly expands into diplomacy and world-building as James encounters the Gouaks, Wounks, and Amazons. Each faction has its own culture, language quirks, and moral code, and you’ll need to read subtle clues in dialogue choices to win their trust. Conversations are rich with humor, tension, and occasional philosophical musings on humanity’s place in the cosmos.

Story pacing is handled deftly, alternating between high-stakes action sequences (like fending off hostile creatures) and quieter moments of exploration and conversation. Side quests reveal the alien societies’ struggles and hint at the true nature of the cosmic element. As you uncover hidden lore, you begin to question whether you’re merely a mercenary in a cash-driven mission or a key player in a far grander cosmic drama.

Despite its retro lineage, the remake enriches the narrative with new text, character art, and plot threads that deepen motivations and raise the emotional stakes. Moments of genuine surprise—trust-shattering betrayals, rare glimpses of beauty in moonlit valleys—make the journey more than just a job. It becomes an odyssey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and wonder that resonates long after the credits roll.

Overall Experience

Alive ….Behind the Moon…. succeeds in marrying the charm of early ’90s adventure gaming with modern enhancements that respect the original’s spirit. The user interface is more approachable yet retains a satisfying complexity for veterans who relish meticulous inventory puzzles. The pacing, while deliberate, encourages careful observation and rewards patience with plenty of “aha!” moments.

Sound design complements the visuals beautifully: a sparse ambient score underlines the moon’s solitude, while creature calls and radio crackles remind you of the ever-present unknown. Voice snippets in key scenes add emotional weight without overwhelming the text-based dialogue boxes, maintaining a balance between atmosphere and interactivity.

Some may find the occasional trial-and-error challenge or sudden death outcome harsh, but this high-stakes tension fuels the adventure’s addictive quality. The inclusion of modern save options, hint toggles, and adjustable difficulty settings means both newcomers and hardcore puzzle fans can tailor the experience to their tastes.

In sum, Alive ….Behind the Moon…. is a must-play for fans of retro adventures and anyone seeking a thoughtfully crafted lunar odyssey. Its combination of engaging gameplay, striking graphics, and a richly woven narrative makes for an experience that is at once nostalgic and distinctly new. Whether you remember the original or are discovering it for the first time, this remake is a lunar landing well worth making.

Retro Replay Score

4.4/10