Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Combination Lock recreates the tension and excitement of a classic ’90s TV gameshow by challenging players to answer trivia questions and unlock a vault full of cash. You can face off against a friend in local multiplayer or go up against a computer-selected opponent drawn from the game’s 1,000-question database. Each match consists of two distinct rounds—Number Seeker and Combination Cracker—culminating in a high-stakes Bonus Round where you risk it all to make a clean getaway with your hard-earned winnings.

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In Round 1, the Number Seeker gameboard displays nine numbered boxes (1–99) hiding four possible outcomes: LOCKED, OPEN, CASH or BURGLAR. Correctly answering a question grants you the right to pick a box; a misstep can cost you dearly if you uncover the BURGLAR. OPEN picks reveal one of the three vault combination numbers and award tiered cash prizes (higher stakes in Match 2), while CASH picks add bonus money directly to your total. Finding all three combination numbers ends the round and sets the stage for the puzzle that follows.

Round 2, Combination Cracker, ups the ante by presenting six possible three-number combinations based on what you uncovered in the first round. Players must once again answer trivia to earn the chance to spin the safe dial. If your chosen combination opens the vault, you bank a significant cash reward—more in Match 2 than in Match 1. Miss too many times, and your opponent can seize momentum. Finally, the Bonus Round pits the leading contestant against a 15-box vault board in a thrilling push-your-luck sequence, where each grab could be pure profit or a total bust if you hit a BURGLAR.

Strategic decision-making shines in every phase. Do you play conservatively to protect your lead, or gamble aggressively for a chance at a runaway victory? The simulated studio environment, complete with buzzer sounds and highlight animations, keeps you on your toes. With both casual and competitive modes available, Combination Lock delivers a balanced mix of trivia skill, risk assessment and head-to-head rivalry that will keep you—and a friend—coming back for more.

Graphics

Built on mid-’90s technology, Combination Lock’s visual presentation offers a nostalgic throwback to the era of early CD-based PC games. The gameboard graphics are bright and color-coded, clearly distinguishing LOCKED, OPEN, CASH and BURGLAR outcomes with simple but effective iconography. Transitions between question screens and board reveals are smooth, lending a broadcast-style polish that belies the game’s pilot status.

Character portraits and host animations are modest yet expressive, capturing the energy of a TV studio without overwhelming the interface. Scoreboards, timers and question prompts sit neatly at the screen edges, ensuring that players’ focus remains on the gameboard. While the backgrounds are largely static images of a soundstage, occasional camera-panning effects add a sense of depth and immersion.

One of the graphics’ strengths is clarity: every element—from the numbered boxes to the trivia text—is easy to read at a glance. Although the resolution and texture detail feel dated by modern standards, the UI design remains intuitive, making navigation effortless even for first-time players. Overall, the visuals strike a fine balance between period charm and functional design, supporting the gameplay without distracting from it.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven adventures, Combination Lock’s “story” unfolds through the lens of a gameshow scenario rather than a scripted plot. The sense of progression comes from your journey through Matches 1 and 2, the reveal of each combination number, and the rising tension as you inch toward the ultimate vault heist. The pilot format gives the game a unique authenticity, as though you’re participating in an episode of an unheard-of CBS show from 1996.

Trivia questions span a wide array of topics—history, pop culture, science—so there’s a sense of intellectual exploration as you compete. The overarching theme of burglary and vault-cracking provides a fun narrative thread, turning each box selection into a mini-story beat: will you discover cold, hard cash or get thwarted by a lurking BURGLAR? The occasional host quip and celebratory animations reinforce that storyline, making you feel like the star of your own studio production.

Though there’s no deep character development or branching dialogue, the game’s light narrative framing effectively channels the excitement of a television taping. A rising scoreboard, dynamic host reactions and the looming “MOST WANTED LIST” for top scorers give your actions meaning beyond mere point totals, creating a modest but enjoyable story arc that culminates in the high-pressure Bonus Round getaway.

Overall Experience

Combination Lock offers an engaging blend of trivia challenge, strategic decision-making and game-show theatrics. The two-match format keeps players invested in a steady progression of stakes, while varied question topics and the push-your-luck vault mechanics inject fresh tension into each playthrough. Local multiplayer adds a social dimension that’s perfect for game nights, and the computer opponent’s adjustable difficulty ensures solo players aren’t left behind.

While the graphics and sound design are undeniably dated, they exude a charm that will appeal to retro enthusiasts and trivia buffs alike. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for newcomers to dive in without a steep learning curve. A library of 1,000 questions provides solid replay value, and the “MOST WANTED LIST” leaderboard encourages you to refine your strategy and climb the ranks over multiple sessions.

Ultimately, Combination Lock succeeds as a faithful adaptation of an unaired TV pilot, delivering addictive gameplay loops and that unmistakable 1990s gameshow flair. Whether you’re a trivia veteran or just looking for a competitive, risk-reward experience, this title offers an approachable yet captivating package that stands the test of time—no remote control required.

Retro Replay Score

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