Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hired Guns delivers a robust action RPG experience built on square-based movement reminiscent of classics like Dungeon Master. Players guide up to four mercenaries through grid-locked corridors and open arenas, making strategic use of each character’s unique skills. The split-screen setup allows solo players to juggle all four viewpoints via the mouse, while co-op sessions reduce the micromanagement headache and foster collaboration.

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The flexible multiplayer options are among the game’s strongest assets. In two-player mode, each participant takes control of two characters, sharing the load and covering each other’s blind spots. When three or four enter the fray, controls expand to joysticks, joypads, or keyboard presets, and the screen real estate adapts to display all active viewpoints, ensuring everyone stays immersed in the action.

Movement and combat hinge on tactical positioning. Enemies are genetically engineered monstrosities that require careful crowd control and efficient corridor clearing. A follow mode streamlines group navigation, though veterans of grid-based adventuring may find the occasional pathfinding hiccup a nostalgic nod to retro dungeon crawlers. Inventory management, weapon switching, and item usage all occur through classic menus, preserving the old-school charm.

The game also offers three distinct modes: Training, Short Action, and the full Campaign. Training mode’s five simple maps serve as an excellent tutorial ground for mastering controls. Short Action mode provides 17 bite-sized, timed arenas perfect for competitive multiplayer showdowns. And for those seeking depth, the Full Campaign mode spans over 20 arenas across the Luyten system, blending exploration with extended firefights.

Graphics

Visually, Hired Guns embraces a late-’80s to early-’90s sci-fi aesthetic that will resonate with retro enthusiasts. Environments range from dimly lit industrial hallways to desolate alien landscapes, each crafted with pixel-level detail. While polygon counts are modest by modern standards, textures and lighting effects convey a gritty, lived-in universe.

The four-way split view doesn’t hamper clarity; each viewport remains sharp even when displaying multiple action sequences simultaneously. Enemies sport distinct silhouettes and color palettes, ensuring you can identify threats at a glance. Weapon effects—laser blasts, plasma bursts, and grenade explosions—pop against the darker backdrops, heightening the sense of futuristic combat.

Character sprites, though small, are well-animated and feature unique designs that reflect their mercenary archetypes. Environmental objects like crates, consoles, and health stations are interactable and clearly indicated, preventing frustration during tense firefights. Overall, the graphics evoke nostalgia while still delivering functional clarity for strategic play.

Story

Set in the year 2712, Hired Guns opens with a deceptively simple hostage rescue mission on the planet Graveyard. Four mercenaries arrive expecting trapped civilians but soon discover they’ve been lured into elaborate proving grounds. What begins as a straightforward extraction evolves into a fight for survival against genetically engineered beasts.

The narrative unfolds through mission briefings and sparse in-game texts rather than heavy cutscenes, preserving a streamlined pace. Briefing rooms and intermission screens deliver world-building details: you learn about the Luyten planetary system, the shadowy corporation behind the trials, and the nefarious purpose of the fusion power core rings. This minimalist storytelling keeps the focus on tactical action while providing enough context to stay invested.

As players progress through over 20 theaters of engagement, small narrative twists and environmental cues reveal the true scope of the conspiracy. Collecting the four fusion power core rings becomes more than a mechanical goal—it hints at a deeper motive that culminates in a climactic showdown at the Spaceport. Though the plot won’t rival blockbuster sci-fi epics, it strikes a solid balance between intrigue and action.

Overall Experience

Hired Guns caters to fans of tactical dungeon crawlers and cooperative shooters alike. Its blend of grid-based movement, four-player split-screen action, and sci-fi trappings offers a unique niche experience. Solo players appreciate the follow mode and streamlined inventory, while groups can delight in the chaos of shared screen combat.

The game’s pacing is versatile, thanks to distinct modes that suit both quick skirmishes and lengthy campaigns. Training mode eases newcomers into the mechanics, Short Action mode adds replay value through time-attack challenges, and the full Campaign immerses you in a sprawling mercenary saga. This structure ensures there’s always a fresh way to engage with the core gameplay loop.

While the visuals and narrative lean into retro conventions, Hired Guns remains accessible to modern audiences through its responsive controls and clear interface. The difficulty curve can spike unexpectedly, so teamwork and communication are paramount in multiplayer sessions. For those seeking a throwback action RPG with cooperative flair, Hired Guns stands out as a satisfying journey into a hostile, futuristic proving ground.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10