Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cabal’s core gameplay is instantly recognizable to arcade veterans: you control a lone commando sliding along the bottom of the screen, taking cover behind destructible barriers while returning fire at relentless waves of enemies. The original arcade version featured a “roll” maneuver that let you dive out of harm’s way, but in the PC port this evasive move was removed. Without the roll, players must rely on quick lateral movement and precise timing to avoid bullets, grenades, and incoming artillery.

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Firing in Cabal is handled through a unique on-screen cursor. As you move the reticle to target enemies and structures, your character mirrors those movements—often leading to high-stakes moments when you find yourself exposed to return fire. This interplay between aiming and positioning creates a tense, hands-on shooting experience that demands both reflexes and situational awareness.

The variety of enemies—foot soldiers, tanks, helicopters—and the occasional end-of-level war machines keep the action fresh across all five stages. You’ll also grab power-ups dropped by foes, from machine guns to shotguns, each altering your firing pattern and strategic approach. Plus, the inclusion of a two-player co-op mode allows friends to team up against the onslaught, adding replay value and split-screen chaos.

Graphics

For a PC title originally designed in the mid-’80s, Cabal’s visuals hold up surprisingly well. Sprites are chunky but detailed, with explosions and debris convincingly conveyed through simple yet effective animations. Every building, enemy tank, and helicopter exhibits a clear silhouette, making it easy to spot threats even amid the chaos.

Levels feature destructible foreground objects—a marquee touch where you can blast away cover or structures to reveal new angles of attack. The surrounding backgrounds, while mostly static, do a competent job of evoking a war-torn landscape, whether you’re storming a desert outpost or infiltrating a jungle fortress. The color palette leans on earth tones and grays, reinforcing the gritty military theme.

On modern displays, the VGA graphics may appear dated, but they carry charm and nostalgia. Screen tearing can occur if you don’t match your refresh rate to the game’s frame pacing, yet this quirk feels more like a blast from the past than a technical flaw. Overall, Cabal’s visual presentation remains functional and endearing—especially for fans of retro shooters.

Story

Cabal’s narrative is minimal by today’s standards: you’re a lone operative sent behind enemy lines to destabilize a hostile regime. There’s little dialogue or cutscenes, and the plot is essentially a backdrop for explosive action. While some modern players may miss a deeper narrative, the simplicity lets you jump straight into the firefight without fuss.

Each of the five levels introduces a different environment—ranging from ruined cityscapes to coastal bases—implying varied mission objectives like destroying command centers or eliminating high-value targets. These level themes serve the gameplay rather than craft a complex storyline, ensuring that the focus remains on blasting through enemies rather than deciphering plot twists.

Boss encounters at the end of each stage—often in the form of massive war machines or heavily armed submarines—provide a pseudo-story beat, signaling that you’re making progress in the campaign. While Cabal won’t win awards for narrative innovation, it offers enough context to keep the action motivated and goal-driven.

Overall Experience

Cabal is a no-nonsense arcade shooter that retains its adrenaline-pumping charm even decades after release. It strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and challenge: newcomers can pick it up quickly, but mastering the delicate dance of aiming while dodging requires practice. The removal of the roll maneuver in the PC version might frustrate players familiar with the arcade original, yet it intensifies the reliance on smart positioning.

The game’s pacing is relentless. With enemies flooding the screen and cover dissolving under your own firepower, each moment feels urgent. Power-up pickups add strategic variety, and the two-player mode ramps up the excitement by introducing cooperative tactics and friendly fire hazards. It’s easy to sink hours into improving high scores or perfecting boss strategies.

While Cabal lacks the narrative depth and graphical polish of modern shooters, its classic gameplay loop remains engaging. For retro enthusiasts and fans of old-school run-and-gun action, it delivers a visceral, unfiltered blast of arcade fun. Those seeking a story-driven experience or high-fidelity visuals may want to look elsewhere, but as a pure test of reflexes and tactical shooting, Cabal stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10