Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Elf delivers a classic platform-action experience infused with light adventure elements that keeps each level feeling fresh. Players guide Cornelius through a series of forest glades, treacherous ruins, and dark caverns, using his magical ring to fire projectiles at a variety of creatures. This core combat loop is intuitive, yet enriched by the ability to upgrade attack patterns, speeds, and spell effects, giving the ring a satisfying sense of power progression.

Beyond straight-up platforming, Elf introduces an inventive pet and herb collection system. As you explore, you’ll rescue animals and gather rare plants that can be traded in colorful shops for upgrades. These interactions add a light RPG layer, rewarding thorough exploration and encouraging you to revisit previous stages once new abilities—like a flying machine device or improved magic—open hidden paths.

Perhaps the most compelling mechanic is the game’s morality tracking. Elf monitors whether you choose to slay or spare non-hostile NPCs, assigning a dynamic “kindness rating” that directly influences the ending you receive. This subtle yet meaningful choice system adds replay value and emotional weight to encounters that might otherwise feel routine, making you consider the long-term consequences of every action.

Graphics

Visually, Elf pays homage to 16-bit classics while adding its own vibrant polish. Forest sections burst with leafy greens and dappled sunlight, whereas Necrilous’s lair is cloaked in deep purples and swirling mist. The variety of environments—ranging from mossy treehouses to snow-covered mountain passes—showcases the developers’ eye for color and mood.

Character sprites are expressive and fluid, giving Cornelius a good range of animation frames for running, jumping, and firing his ring. Enemy designs stand out with distinctive silhouettes, making it easy to anticipate dangerous foes from afar. The pets you collect also exhibit adorable animations, making them feel like genuine companions rather than mere inventory icons.

Special effects, such as the ring’s magic bursts, healing herbs glowing in moonlit caves, and screen-shaking boss strikes, enhance the action without overwhelming the hardware. Elf runs smoothly on a wide variety of systems, and its crisp pixel art ensures that details remain sharp even on modern high-resolution displays.

Story

At its heart, Elf tells a straightforward yet heartfelt tale: Cornelius’s beloved Elisa has been kidnapped by the sinister Necrilous the Not-Very-Nice. This simple premise sets the emotional stakes high from the outset, motivating each jump, attack, and puzzle as players empathize with Cornelius’s quest to reunite with his love.

Along the journey, the game introduces a cast of memorable NPCs whose fates intertwine with your choices. From a haunted woodcutter seeking forgiveness to a mischievous forest sprite in need of rescue, these side characters lend depth to the world and reinforce the moral themes at play. Fulfilling their requests offers tangible gameplay rewards, but also shapes the overall narrative tone.

The branching ending system ensures that the story doesn’t conclude the same way for every player. Depending on how merciful or ruthless you’ve been, Cornelius may face a bittersweet reunion—or a triumphant celebration worthy of a fairy tale. This narrative flexibility underscores the impact of your in-game decisions, making each playthrough feel distinct.

Overall Experience

Elf strikes a delightful balance between old-school platforming and modern design touches. Its controls are tight and responsive, while the ring-based combat system strikes a satisfying mix of immediacy and strategy. Collecting pets and herbs adds an engaging layer of exploration, and the morality mechanic elevates routine encounters into meaningful choices.

Replayability is one of Elf’s standout qualities. Between hunting down every hidden pet, maxing out ring upgrades, and pursuing all three possible endings, there’s plenty of reason to revisit stages long after your first playthrough. The game’s save-between-stages feature also makes it easy to pick up and play in short bursts without losing momentum.

For fans of platformers who appreciate a touch of adventure and moral nuance, Elf offers an adventure that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. Whether you’re drawn in by the charming pixel art, the heartfelt rescue mission, or the layered upgrade systems, Cornelius’s journey to save Elisa is one you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10