Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gonzzalezz delivers a classic side-scrolling platformer experience that hinges on precise timing and pattern recognition. In the first “nightmare” load, you control Gonzalez through one expansive level divided into seven surreal sections. Each area introduces hazardous obstacles—flying vacuum cleaners, disembodied hands, swinging pendulums—that demand well-timed leaps and knife-edge reactions. Jumping is mapped to the Q key, while movement to the left or right is assigned to O and P, respectively. This control scheme may feel unconventional at first, but it quickly becomes second nature as you learn to navigate each bizarre scenario.

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The second load shifts the focus from dodging nightmares to actively engaging with a stereotypical Mexican landscape. Here, Gonzalez is on a quest to locate his elusive hammock while fending off hostile Indian tribes and wild animals. Weapons and ammunition are scattered throughout interconnected sections; you crouch with the A key to pick up or drop items and use the SPACE bar to fire. This combination of exploration, resource management, and combat adds a welcome layer of depth, forcing you to decide whether to conserve ammo or charge headlong into danger.

Level design in both loads reinforces the game’s emphasis on trial and error. Early sections serve as an introduction to the unique hazards you’ll face, but difficulty ramps up quickly. Each death feels fair—more a result of misjudged timing than cheap tricks—and the generous checkpoint placement prevents excessive repetition. Though the dual-load structure can feel uneven (the nightmare sections are more linear, while the Mexican landscape encourages branching exploration), it keeps the gameplay loop fresh across the game’s duration.

Graphics

Visually, Gonzzalezz walks the line between quirky charm and excessive stereotyping. The nightmare levels showcase a bold, surreal aesthetic: pastel skies littered with floating appliances, twisted architectural elements, and disembodied hands that twitch menacingly. These stages employ high-contrast palettes and exaggerated proportions that underscore the dreamlike atmosphere, proving that the developers have a flair for inventive environment design.

In the Mexican-themed load, the graphics lean heavily into familiar tropes—cacti silhouettes against orange sunsets, jagged mountain backdrops, and caricatured enemy designs. While the bright colors and chunky pixel art remain appealing, the reliance on stereotypes (sombreros, mustaches, random beans on the ground) can feel tone-deaf. Still, the animations themselves are smooth and expressive; Gonzalez’s exaggerated jump arc and recoil animations when firing his weapon add a cartoonish energy that keeps the visuals from feeling static.

Character sprites and background elements benefit from clear readability, which is crucial in a precision-focused platformer. Enemies are distinct from scenery, making it easy to identify which obstacles are lethal. Particle effects—dust trails from jumps, burst animations when enemies are defeated—are simple but effective, enriching the action without overwhelming the screen. Overall, Gonzzalezz’s graphics may not break new ground, but they serve their purpose and convey the game’s strange, offbeat personality.

Story

At its core, Gonzzalezz is a narrative about a man’s obsession with the siesta—an homage to relaxation taken to surreal extremes. The framing device of a nightmare escape followed by a physical search for a hammock imbues the gameplay with a tongue-in-cheek sense of purpose. While the plot is deliberately thin, it provides enough context to justify the shift between dreamland challenges and real-world (albeit heavily stereotyped) peril.

The game’s humor relies on exaggeration and visual gags. In the nightmare segments, everyday household items become grotesque adversaries: vacuum cleaners that swoop in like mechanical vultures, or floating hands that swat Gonzalez back to the beginning of a section. These moments play like a Salvador Dalí painting come to life, blending absurdity with mild horror. In contrast, the Mexican landscape stages trade surrealism for familiar iconography—though the lack of cultural sensitivity in their depiction may raise eyebrows.

Despite its surface-level premise, Gonzzalezz doesn’t delve into deeper themes or character development. The protagonist remains a wandering caricature, motivated solely by his desire to nap. While this simplicity may disappoint players seeking a richer narrative, it aligns with the straightforward pick-up-and-play ethos of retro platformers. The story is best enjoyed as a lighthearted excuse for tight gameplay rather than a compelling drama.

Overall Experience

Gonzzalezz offers a nostalgic trip for fans of 2D platformers, complete with challenging sections and memorable visual set pieces. The two-load structure provides distinct experiences—one steeped in surreal jump-and-dodge action, the other blending exploration with light shooting mechanics. This variety helps the game avoid monotony, even as the difficulty curve climbs sharply in later sections.

However, the game’s reliance on cultural stereotypes may limit its appeal. While some players will appreciate the offbeat humor and vibrant art style, others may find the depiction of Mexican culture reductive. It’s a mixed bag: the creativity of the nightmare levels and the tightness of the platforming are undeniable, but the second half’s thematic choices feel dated and insensitive.

Ultimately, Gonzzalezz stands as a competent indie platformer with moments of genuine charm. Its unconventional controls and level design offer a unique challenge, and the surreal environments showcase the developers’ imaginative vision. If you’re looking for a short, challenging romp infused with dark humor and pixel-art flair—and you’re willing to overlook some culturally problematic elements—Gonzzalezz is worth a try. Just be prepared for a wild ride through nightmares and cacti alike.

Retro Replay Score

null/10