Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dalek Attack places you squarely in the leather coat and sonic screwdriver of the Doctor, tasking you with thwarting a Dalek invasion of Earth. Early levels have you hurtling through the damp tunnels of London’s sewers on a hover platform, unleashing precise laser blasts on mutant creatures that scuttle from the darkness. The sense of speed and urgency in these initial stages is palpable, as you dodge hazards and edge ever closer to the source of the extraterrestrial threat.

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As you advance, the focus shifts from high-octane hover combat to classic side-scrolling platform action. On solid ground, you scurry across rooftops, leap over crumbling ledges and infiltrate Dalek strongholds. Your trusty sonic screwdriver serves as both weapon and puzzle-solving tool, while grenades add a welcome layer of strategy against tougher Robomen and armoured Daleks. This hybrid approach keeps the experience fresh, alternating frantic shooting segments with careful platform navigation.

One of the most engaging features is the option to play as three different Doctors, each boasting slight variations in movement speed, jump height and weapon strength. This choice encourages replayability, as you can experiment with each incarnation’s strengths and weaknesses. A second player can also join the fray as one of three companions, turning a solo adventure into a cooperative mission. Teamwork becomes paramount, whether you’re covering each other’s backs or coordinating grenade throws to flush out hidden foes.

Graphics

On platforms of its era, Dalek Attack’s graphics stand out with their crisp pixel art and detailed backgrounds. The sewer tunnels are lined with dripping pipes and flickering lights, creating a sense of foreboding as you navigate the murk. When the action shifts aboveground, the London skyline is rendered in moody hues, with landmarks just recognizable beneath stylized clouds.

The enemy sprites—particularly the Daleks—are lovingly recreated from the BBC television series. Their metallic domes and eyestalks are convincingly animated, and you can clearly see the flash of their energy weapons. The Robomen, too, have a satisfying level of detail in their tattered clothing and jerky movement, making every encounter feel anchored in the Doctor Who universe.

Special effects are modest by modern standards but effective for the game’s aesthetic. Laser beams streak across the screen with a satisfying glow, while explosion animations for grenades punch through the environment and leave scorch marks on walls. Character animations, from the Doctor’s running stride to the companions’ celebratory jumps, are smooth and help imbue the game world with personality.

Story

Dalek Attack’s narrative draws directly from the iconic menace of the Daleks in Doctor Who lore. You begin with a brief animated sequence showing the Doctor’s discovery of the invasion plot, setting the stakes high: if the Daleks breach into London’s infrastructure, humanity could be lost. It’s a simple premise, but it resonates due to the sheer audacity of the Dalek threat.

Throughout the game, in-engine cutscenes and text dialogues flesh out the Doctor’s interactions with each companion. These moments reinforce the characters’ personalities—one companion might offer strategic advice, another peppers you with lighthearted banter—adding emotional weight to the action. The three selectable Doctors also come with small narrative tweaks, making each playthrough feel slightly different.

Pacing is generally strong, with each level ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep playing. Whether you’re disabling Dalek control consoles in dark caverns or racing across rooftops under fire, the sense of purpose remains constant. It may not rival a big-budget cinematic storyline, but for fans of the series and newcomers alike, the game provides an engaging Doctor Who adventure.

Overall Experience

Dalek Attack delivers a blend of action and platforming that captures the spirit of Doctor Who’s greatest adversaries. Its dual gameplay modes—hover platform corridors and on-foot levels—ensure variety, while the sonic screwdriver and grenades offer tactical depth. Co-op play is a standout feature, allowing friends to step into the Doctor’s world together, covering each other’s weaknesses and sharing in triumphant victories over Dalek hordes.

Visually, the game remains appealing thanks to detailed sprites and atmospheric level design that evoke a dark, alien invasion of London. The animations and sound effects, though rooted in early 1990s technology, still convey excitement and danger. Fans of retro gaming will appreciate the craftsmanship, and newcomers can admire how the title folds series lore into every pixel.

While certain levels may feel repetitive and the difficulty curve can spike unpredictably, the ability to choose from multiple Doctors and companions alleviates some of that frustration. Replay value is bolstered by hidden collectibles and alternate routes, encouraging exploration even after you’ve beaten the main campaign. For anyone seeking a classic Doctor Who experience in video game form, Dalek Attack remains a compelling adventure worth revisiting.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10