Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gobliiins offers a delightful blend of point-and-click puzzle mechanics and light adventure elements. Players take control of three distinct goblins—Oups, Ignatius, and Asgard—each endowed with unique abilities. Oups can wield brute force to hit things, Ignatius excels at object manipulation, and Asgard, the mystical one, can cast unpredictable spells. Switching between these characters on the fly is key, as most puzzles require carefully timed, coordinated actions to progress.

The interface is straightforward: action icons line the bottom of the screen, letting you walk, use items, cast spells, or interact with the environment. Energy levels for each goblin add an extra layer of strategy—fall into traps or make too many unsuccessful attempts, and your goblin may faint, forcing you to restart the puzzle or backtrack. This subtle resource management keeps even simple tasks engaging, as careless clicks can lead to a comical (but costly) failure.

Across 22 stages, Gobliiins steadily ramps up the challenge. Early levels introduce basic interactions—picking up objects, hitting levers, or casting harmless spells—but soon you’re juggling multiple actions and timing moves precisely. While some puzzles hinge on trial and error, most reward thoughtful observation and experimentation. The variety of situations—from navigating booby-trapped corridors to outwitting bizarre creatures—ensures that no two puzzles feel the same.

Graphics

Visually, Gobliiins is a pixellated treat rooted in the early ’90s aesthetic. The game’s hand-drawn backgrounds teem with vibrant colors and quirky details, from twisting vines to anthropomorphic mushrooms. Each screen feels like a miniature diorama, inviting players to scrutinize every nook for hidden clues or interactable items.

The goblin sprites are endearingly animated, conveying personality through simple gestures and facial expressions. Watch Ignatius grin triumphantly as he picks up a key, or see Oups’ eyes glaze over when his energy is depleted—these small touches inject charm into what could otherwise be a dry puzzle grind. Transitions between screens are seamless, keeping the pace brisk and the immersion intact.

While the resolution and color depth won’t rival modern titles, Gobliiins’ art direction holds up thanks to its whimsical style. There’s a deliberate cartoonish quality that helps obscure technical limitations. Fans of retro gaming will appreciate the nostalgia factor, and newcomers may find a fresh appeal in its classic pixel-art presentation.

Story

At its heart, Gobliiins weaves a lighthearted tale of magical mishaps and heroic goblins. When a voodoo doll drives King Angoulafre to insanity, it falls on Oups, Ignatius, and Asgard to gather four enchanted components scattered across the realm. Only Niak the Wizard can reverse the curse, so the trio embarks on a quest filled with whimsical dangers and oddball characters.

The narrative unfolds mostly through environmental storytelling rather than lengthy cutscenes. Each stage hints at previous goblin blunders or teases the next magical ingredient you must retrieve. The plot’s simplicity allows the puzzles to shine, and the sparse dialogue—often just a few choice words or grunts—reinforces the game’s comedic tone without bogging down the action.

Despite its brevity, the story provides enough motivation to keep you invested. Every successful puzzle completion feels like a narrative victory, bringing you one step closer to restoring the king’s sanity. The quirky premise and playful humor ensure that even repeated failures generate a smile rather than frustration.

Overall Experience

Gobliiins remains a standout title for puzzle aficionados seeking a whimsical, brain-teasing adventure. The fusion of unique character abilities with cleverly designed stages creates a satisfying sense of progression. Difficult sections occasionally require pixel-perfect timing or unorthodox solutions, but surmounting these hurdles is all the more rewarding.

The game’s pacing strikes a comfortable balance: you’ll spend enough time pondering your next move but rarely feel lost thanks to consistent visual cues and intuitive controls. Limited goblin energy adds tension without feeling punitive, and the ability to switch characters at any time ensures that you’re rarely stuck waiting for one goblin to finish an animation or recover health.

For modern players, accessibility can be a minor hurdle—original DOS or Amiga versions may require emulation. However, various re-releases and fan patches have made it easier than ever to experience this classic. Whether you’re a veteran of early ’90s adventures or a newcomer drawn by its reputation, Gobliiins delivers a charming, clever journey well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10