Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Daleks offers a deceptively simple yet deeply strategic experience. You control the Doctor on a top-down grid populated by relentless Daleks, each move prompting these cyborg antagonists to close in on you. The “ex-ter-min-ation” threat is mutual: if the Doctor and a Dalek collide, both are destroyed, leaving behind hazardous rubble that can ensnare future pursuers.

The core loop revolves around luring Daleks into each other or into existing debris. Every step you take is a calculated gamble — you must anticipate multiple Dalek paths to engineer collisions. Complicating matters, you wield a limited-use Sonic Screwdriver that instantly eradicates any Dalek within a one-square radius. This tool rewards tactical timing but must be conserved for desperate moments.

To keep the chaos in check, you also possess a teleport function that transports you to a random grid cell. While teleportation can extricate you from tight spots, it can just as easily deposit you adjacent to a fresh wave of Daleks. Some versions of the game even introduce a “Last Stand” command, locking you in place and granting Daleks unlimited moves until they collide or exterminate you — a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that can yield hefty score bonuses.

Graphics

Visually, Daleks exists in multiple incarnations. Earlier ports rely on text-mode characters to represent the Doctor, Daleks, and debris, giving the game a charmingly retro roguelike appearance. Later adaptations upgrade to graphical tiles, offering sprites for the Doctor and Dalek units, detailed rubble animations, and subtle particle effects upon collisions.

Although the tile-based versions lack high-definition polish, they deliver clear, readable visuals that emphasize grid positioning. Color contrast is thoughtfully applied: your character often appears in a distinct hue, while Daleks and their wreckage adopt darker palettes, making it easy to track multiple foes at a glance. Animations are quick and functional, providing instant feedback when units collide or when you activate your Sonic Screwdriver.

Sound effects, when included, range from simple beeps and bleeps to unlicensed Doctor Who samples. These are optional and not always present, but when implemented, they add a dash of nostalgic immersion. Overall, Daleks’ graphical presentation serves its tactical design, ensuring you never struggle to distinguish critical elements on the board.

Story

Daleks doesn’t deliver a sprawling narrative; instead, it channels the spirit of Doctor Who through its mechanics. Your role as the Doctor is largely thematic, built around the iconic pursuit of exterminating Daleks. Each level represents another frantic skirmish, staking your survival against ever-increasing numbers of enemies.

The absence of cutscenes or dialogue places the emphasis squarely on emergent storytelling. You learn the hard way why teleportation can be as dangerous as facing Daleks head-on, and every successful wave becomes its own triumphant chapter. The lack of regeneration means that a single misstep can abruptly end your run, reinforcing the tension that permeates each grid.

Fan service arrives in subtle touches: the Sonic Screwdriver’s visual spark, the Daleks’ clamorous approach sounds, and the thematic “crawl” of debris across the board all evoke Doctor Who lore. While purists might miss canonical narrative beats, puzzle enthusiasts will appreciate a story told through escalating challenge rather than exposition.

Overall Experience

Daleks excels as a quick-to-learn yet hard-to-master puzzle game. Its turn-based cat-and-mouse dynamic keeps you engaged for short sessions or marathon runs. The interplay between baiting Daleks into collisions and judiciously using your limited tools creates a satisfying tension that’s rare in minimalist grid games.

The user interface is straightforward, whether you prefer keyboard-driven movement with optional diagonals or point-and-click controls surrounding the Doctor’s avatar. Though some versions restrict diagonal moves, each variant maintains a consistent feel: calculating Dalek paths and predicting their convergence is always the heart of the experience.

In sum, Daleks delivers an addictive blend of strategy and suspense, ideal for fans of classic grid-based puzzles and Doctor Who aficionados seeking a casual tribute. Its minimalist presentation belies a rich tactical core that will keep you plotting “ex-ter-min-ations” long after your first wave. For anyone seeking a bite-sized yet challenging puzzle romp, Daleks remains a compelling choice.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10