Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

In Pursuit of Greed delivers a classic 2.5D first-person shooter experience that instantly evokes memories of mid-90s shareware hits. Players take control of one of five members of the Red Hunter acquisition squad, each visually distinct but functionally similar. While the character choice doesn’t dramatically alter your stats, the cosmetic changes and unique dialogue snippets for each operative add a layer of personalization as you charge through each level.

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The core loop revolves around scavenging dangerous environments for high-value targets, ranging from fortified outposts to derelict space stations. You’ll find yourself switching seamlessly between melee daggers for close-quarter takedowns and an array of firearms—from rapid-fire pistols to more powerful long arms. Throwing grenades into tight corridors becomes a satisfying way to thin enemy ranks, though you must manage your limited supply of explosives carefully.

Ammunition and power-up placements feel fresh thanks to randomized spawn points on each playthrough. This unpredictability keeps veteran players on their toes and encourages exploration rather than just following the same beaten path. However, it also means that you’ll occasionally find yourself in tense situations with scarce resources, forcing you to adapt quickly—an aspect that hardcore fans of classic shooters will appreciate.

Graphics

Built on a raycasting engine reminiscent of its era, In Pursuit of Greed offers gritty, low-polygon environments that still hold a certain charm today. Walls and floors are textured with faded metallic plates, industrial piping, and bloodstains, all combining to create a worn, dystopian atmosphere. While textures are sometimes repetitive, well-placed lighting effects help distinguish key areas and guide the player’s eye through each level.

Enemy sprites range from hooded scavengers to cybernetically enhanced brutes, each sporting enough detail to tell a story at a glance. The occasional use of palette swaps and simple animations reminds you that this is a product of the shareware era, yet the overall design effectively conveys the hostility and lawlessness of the criminal underworld. Particle effects for gunfire and grenade explosions are rudimentary by modern standards, but they still deliver satisfying feedback in the heat of battle.

Performance is rock-solid even on modest hardware, with smooth frame rates and near-instant loading between areas. Level geometry can be a bit blocky—stairs, doorways, and ledges rely on right angles—but clever use of textures and ambient sounds elevates them beyond mere geometric constructs. If you enjoy retro aesthetics or want to experience the roots of modern shooters, In Pursuit of Greed’s visual presentation will leave you nodding with appreciation.

Story

The narrative is set in the year 15432, a time when organized crime has spread across star systems and scavenging has become a lucrative but deadly profession. A shadowy consortium known as A.V.C. hires the Red Hunter team to infiltrate heavily guarded sites, retrieve sensitive artifacts, and disrupt rival syndicates. From the very first mission briefing, the tone is gritty and urgent: fame and fortune await, but only if you survive.

Story progression is delivered through in-game text briefings and mission debriefs rather than elaborate cutscenes. This minimalist approach keeps you focused on the action while providing enough background to understand your objectives. Each assignment reveals fragments of A.V.C.’s mysterious plans, hinting at betrayals and hidden agendas that encourage you to replay missions and uncover every secret.

Despite its simplicity, the plot effectively motivates your runs through hazardous facilities. Enemy dialogue and audio cues further flesh out the criminal elements operating in the shadows. While In Pursuit of Greed doesn’t strive for Shakespearean drama, it weaves just enough intrigue to keep you invested in your character’s rise through the underworld ranks.

Overall Experience

In Pursuit of Greed offers a nostalgic trip back to the dawn of shareware shooters, combining fast-paced action with atmospheric level design. Its tight controls, varied weapon roster, and randomized power-up placements make each mission feel unpredictable and engaging. Though the character roster’s impact on gameplay is mostly cosmetic, it adds replay value for completionists eager to see every bit of dialogue.

While modern gamers may find the graphics and sound design primitive, fans of retro shooters will appreciate the title’s authenticity and stability. Load times are virtually nonexistent, and the engine never stutters even in the most chaotic firefights. The game strikes a fine balance between challenge and reward, especially when grenades are scarce and hostile forces close in from multiple angles.

If you’re looking for a no-frills, action-driven experience rooted in classic FPS design, In Pursuit of Greed is well worth exploring. Its blend of scavenging, gunplay, and dark underworld intrigue offers many hours of replayability. Whether you grew up with shareware gems or are simply curious about the origins of modern shooters, this title delivers an entertaining—and at times brutal—journey into criminal infamy.

Retro Replay Score

null/10