Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

“Livingstone, I Presume?” takes the familiar side-scroll adventure blueprint of Goody and elevates it with a deeper, more intricate map design. From the very first level, players are introduced to the titular journalist Henry Morton Stanley’s exploration through varied terrain, each stage branching into multiple paths and secret alcoves. Movement feels crisp and responsive, with Stanley’s walking, running, and jumping animations giving a satisfying sense of weight. The pole, which is available from the outset, adds a unique traversal mechanic that lets you vault over obstacles or reach higher ledges, lending a strategic layer to each jump.

Combat revolves around three interchangeable weapons—each offering distinct attack patterns and strengths—alongside the trusty pole. Swapping between these arms is seamless, encouraging you to adapt quickly when facing different enemy types or environmental hazards. One weapon may excel at crowd control, another at piercing armored foes, and the third at long-range sniping. Mastering this tri-weapon system is crucial, especially in later levels where enemy placements are more devious and require precise timing.

Exploration is richly rewarded: hidden caches of ammunition, extra health pickups, and map fragments lie tucked away in offshoot corridors. The complexity of the map encourages backtracking once you’ve acquired upgraded weapons or found keys, making every corner feel purposeful. Though the learning curve is noticeable—particularly when juggling three weapons and the pole—the sense of accomplishment after overcoming a tricky platforming section or clearing a gauntlet of foes is substantial.

Graphics

Visually, “Livingstone, I Presume?” embraces a retro aesthetic that echoes its technological ancestor, Goody, while introducing more detailed sprites and smoother animations. Character designs are expressive, with Stanley’s trench coat and pith helmet rendered in bold pixels that stand out against richly colored backgrounds. Enemies—from mischievous baboons to rival explorers—boast distinct palettes and recognizable silhouettes that help you react swiftly in heated moments.

Environments vary widely, portraying lush jungles, winding cave tunnels, dusty savannahs, and even colonial riverbanks. Each area features layered parallax scrolling, lending depth to the scenes and immersing you in 19th-century Africa. Animated foliage gently sways, water ripples under Stanley’s pole vaults, and torch-lit caverns flicker with atmospheric shadows. These details create a sense of dynamic world-building rarely seen in contemporaneous platform adventures.

Performance is rock-solid on original hardware and most emulators alike, with no noticeable slowdown even when the screen teems with projectiles and enemies. The color choices are vibrant without feeling garish, and the level of polish on character movements and background loops suggests the developers went the extra mile to polish their maps. While it won’t rival modern HD titles, for retro enthusiasts it’s a visually satisfying journey that respects its 8-bit lineage.

Story

The narrative premise of “Livingstone, I Presume?” pays homage to Henry Morton Stanley’s historic quest to find Dr. David Livingstone in 19th-century Africa. It opens with mission briefings and period-style text interludes that set the tone: colonial expeditions, unfamiliar territories, and the pressing urgency to locate the missing missionary and explorer. Early levels reflect this context through river crossings and tribal villages, making you feel like an intrepid journalist charting unknown lands.

However, as the game progresses, any strict adherence to historical accuracy fades, replaced by lively platform action. By the third act, you’ll be vaulting over mechanical traps, battling steam-powered contraptions, and navigating labyrinthine ruins that bear little resemblance to real African geography. This shift from semi-realistic adventure to pure platform challenge may surprise those expecting a textbook retelling of Stanley’s journey, but it also injects a playful sense of unpredictability.

Dialogue is sparse but direct, conveyed through short passages between levels rather than in‐game speech. While purists might long for deeper character development or richer cutscenes, the brisk storytelling keeps the pace moving and maintains focus on exploration and combat. The occasional historical footnote hints at the real Stanley and Livingstone, offering a small educational perk amidst the platforming thrills.

Overall Experience

“Livingstone, I Presume?” strikes a harmonious balance between adventure narrative and classic platform gameplay. Its expanded map design and multi-weapon system provide a level of depth that both retro gamers and newcomers can appreciate, while the pole vault mechanic adds a novel twist to familiar platform tropes. The game rewards exploration and experimentation, encouraging you to learn enemy patterns and revisit earlier stages with newfound tools.

While its historical framing lends initial charm, the experience ultimately thrives on well-crafted level design and responsive controls rather than storytelling fidelity. The graphics maintain a nostalgic authenticity, and the soundtrack—though subtle—underscores the atmosphere without ever growing repetitive. For players seeking a lovingly crafted throwback to early platform adventures, this title delivers an engaging journey dotted with hidden secrets and challenging encounters.

In the context of similar games of its era, “Livingstone, I Presume?” stands out for the ambition of its map complexity and the versatility of its combat mechanics. It may not satisfy those craving a deep, educational historical sim, but as a platformer with an adventurous flair, it offers substantial replay value and a memorable exploration experience. Potential buyers should come prepared for nuanced level layouts and a moderate difficulty curve, confident that the payoff is well worth the effort.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10