Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Electroman’s core gameplay loop revolves around guiding its titular hero, Jacek, through eight increasingly treacherous levels. At its heart, the game combines classic platforming with brain-teasing puzzle elements. You’ll leap across hazardous terrain, activate teleporters to bypass obstacles, and engage hostile robots in quick-fire shootouts. To stay in fighting shape, you must constantly scavenge for weapon power-ups, since each firearm steadily downgrades until it can’t shoot at all.

The game’s checkpoint system offers a unique twist on difficulty. Every time you hit a checkpoint, you lose all your accumulated weapons, forcing you to adapt with minimal firepower until the next power-up appears. While this mechanic prevents backtracking tedium by preserving collected microchips, it also introduces fresh stress—especially in later stages where enemies surround you from above and below. The tension of losing your arsenal at a crucial moment lends a “do-or-die” intensity to each run.

Precision platforming is central to Electroman, partly because Jacek’s jumps follow a fixed trajectory with no mid-air course correction. Timing is everything: one mistimed leap into a hovering drone or a malfunctioning teleporter can send you plummeting back to your last checkpoint. With just three microchips to collect per level, every move––from puzzle-solving to combat––must be executed with exacting care. For players craving a steep learning curve, this design shines, though newcomers should prepare for a hefty dose of trial and error.

Graphics

Electroman embraces a retro-inspired visual palette, combining crisp pixel art with vibrant color schemes. Each level has its own distinct theme, from neon-lit corridors to rusted factory floors swarming with mechanical hazards. The backgrounds are layered thoughtfully, creating depth without overwhelming the action area. Enemy sprites are easily distinguishable from the environment, allowing you to anticipate threats at a glance.

Character animation is smooth, if somewhat minimalist. Jacek’s running and jumping motions feel snappy, and weapon firing is punctuated by clear visual feedback. Though some players might find the sprite work less detailed than modern indie titles, the straightforward aesthetic suits the game’s old-school sensibilities. Subtle screen shakes and flashing effects heighten the sense of impact when enemies explode or teleporters activate.

On the downside, Electroman offers little in the way of dynamic lighting or advanced visual flourishes. Aside from the static backgrounds, only the final—mostly non-playable—level breaks the silence with a full soundtrack, leaving earlier stages feeling a bit quiet. Still, the graphical choices reinforce the game’s retro charm, and performance remains rock-solid even during the busiest on-screen moments.

Story

While Electroman’s narrative takes a backseat to its puzzle-platform action, it establishes a simple yet motivating premise: Jacek, a cybernetic hero nicknamed “Electroman,” has been dispatched to infiltrate an enemy stronghold and recover stolen microchips critical for his home city’s power grid. Each level represents a new sector of the fortress, with three microchips hidden in devious locations.

The storytelling is conveyed almost entirely through environmental detail and the occasional text prompt between levels. There are no voiced cutscenes or elaborate in-game dialogues; instead, the plot unfolds as you advance, letting level design speak for itself. Collecting all microchips and reaching the exit becomes your primary objective—every recovered chip feels like a small narrative victory, pushing you deeper into the facility’s heart.

Though minimalistic, the game’s approach to story maintains focus on gameplay without unnecessary distractions. If you’re seeking a rich, character-driven adventure, Electroman might feel sparse. However, for players who appreciate old-school platformers with just enough context to propel the action, the straightforward plot provides sufficient motivation and a clear sense of progression.

Overall Experience

Electroman delivers a challenging yet rewarding platforming experience for those who relish precise controls and puzzle-oriented level design. The game’s mechanics—downgrading weapons, checkpoint-based disarmament, fixed-trajectory jumps—create an unforgiving environment that rewards patience and practice. Each successful run through a tricky section yields a genuine sense of accomplishment.

On the flip side, the steep difficulty curve and lack of mid-air control may frustrate casual players or those unaccustomed to retro-style unforgiving platformers. The sparse soundtrack (limited to the title screen and final credits level) leaves earlier stages feeling a little empty. Still, the solid frame rate, cohesive art style, and clever level puzzles help Electroman stand out among indie platformers.

Ultimately, Electroman is best suited to hardcore fans of precision platformers who enjoy piecing together solutions under pressure. If you’re ready to embrace its high-stakes checkpoint system and challenging enemy encounters, you’ll find a tightly crafted, nostalgic adventure that tests your reflexes and wits at every turn. Just be prepared: in Electroman’s world, every jump and shot counts.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10