Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Relentless: Twinsen’s Adventure strikes a compelling balance between classic point-and-click exploration and dynamic action sequences. From the moment you step into Twinsen’s shoes, you’ll be toggling between four distinct behavior modes—Normal, Aggressive, Athletic, and Discreet—to tackle the variety of challenges littered across Twinsun. This mode-switching system adds a layer of strategic depth, encouraging you to consider whether to parley, punch, parkour, or sneak past obstacles.

Puzzles in Relentless are woven seamlessly into the world, often requiring a blend of dialogue, inventory manipulation, and physical finesse. While some situations demand precise timing in Athletic mode—leaping across platforms or scaling walls—others reward clever item combinations and well-timed Aggressive or Discreet maneuvers. The freedom to approach many encounters in multiple ways imparts a true sense of agency, inviting replay to discover alternate solutions.

Combat is brisk but never overwhelming, acting more as a spice than the main course. Twinsen’s punches and kicks land with satisfying impact, yet it’s rare to be bogged down by endless battles. Instead, action sequences punctuate exploration, keeping the pace brisk without sacrificing the thoughtful problem-solving that defines the genre. Whether you’re slipping past guards in Discreet mode or engaging in a quick skirmish in Aggressive mode, each mechanic feels polished and purposeful.

Graphics

At a time when many titles still clung to 2D sprites, Relentless charted a bold course with fully 3D character models roaming an isometric world. The result is a crisp, distinctive look that still holds up decades later. Twinsen’s exaggerated animations and expressive faces breathe life into every interaction, from casual chats to dramatic cutscenes.

The environments are richly detailed, with vibrant color palettes distinguishing the lush forests, bleak laboratories, and bustling towns of Twinsun. Thanks to the isometric tile system, each area feels meticulously crafted, offering clear sightlines for puzzle clues and hidden collectibles. Environmental storytelling abounds—from broken statues of the outlawed goddess Sendell to the ominous glow of Funfrock’s cloning facilities.

Owners of the CD version enjoy an extra layer of polish through pre-rendered animated sequences that bookend major story beats, alongside a fully orchestrated soundtrack and professional voice acting. These assets elevate immersion and underscore key narrative moments, although the floppy disk version remains visually and mechanically faithful, simply trading cinematic flair for smaller file size.

Story

Relentless spins a classic underdog tale against a richly imagined sci-fi backdrop. Twinsun was once a beacon of peace for its four diverse races, but Dr. Funfrock’s rise to power has cast a shadow of fear and oppression over the land. His ban on the goddess Sendell’s worship sets the stage for Twinsen’s personal journey from carefree everyman to reluctant savior.

What begins as a rebellious dream evolves into a high-stakes quest filled with memorable characters and moral quandaries. Each race has distinct motivations, and the game’s dialogue menus deftly reveal factional tensions without bogging you down in exposition. The legend of Sendell serves as both a narrative throughline and a beacon of hope, lending emotional weight to Twinsen’s mission.

Plot pacing is generous, punctuating exploratory detours with urgent escapes and escalating revelations. You’ll find yourself genuinely invested in freeing imprisoned allies, sabotaging Funfrock’s cloning labs, and restoring faith in Sendell’s benevolence. The steady ramp-up of stakes culminates in a climax that feels earned, rewarding your mastery of the game’s mechanics and the bonds you’ve formed along the way.

Overall Experience

Relentless: Twinsen’s Adventure stands out as a milestone in adventure-action hybrids, delivering a smooth learning curve and robust systems that invite experimentation. Whether you’re a puzzle-lover, a platforming aficionado, or a narrative seeker, the game caters to multiple playstyles without diluting its core identity. Its blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and inventive mechanics ensures few moments feel repetitive.

While few modern titles replicate its isometric 3D look, Relentless still feels fresh thanks to its timeless art direction and flexible gameplay. Controls remain intuitive even by today’s standards, and the four behavior modes are accessible yet deep enough to challenge seasoned players. The absence of steep difficulty spikes keeps frustration at bay, making it a welcoming experience for newcomers and veterans alike.

Ultimately, Twinsen’s journey is as much about personal growth as it is about planetary salvation. Relentless: Twinsen’s Adventure offers a generously sized world to explore, a cast of quirky allies to befriend, and a memorable villain to outwit. For anyone seeking an engaging blend of adventure, action, and story in a single package, this classic deserves a place on your shelf.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10