Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Saban’s Iznogoud places you squarely in the silk-lined shoes of the scheming Grand Vizier, tasking you with navigating a series of lush platforming stages brimming with pitfalls, traps, and a colorful roster of foes. Your primary actions—running, jumping, crouching, and dodging—feel responsive, though mastering the timing on leaps to avoid spikes or moving platforms can require repeated attempts. The inclusion of throwable weapons adds an extra strategic layer: you must decide whether to conserve limited ammo for tougher enemies or clear smaller threats with your bare hands.

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Each level is structured around a straightforward goal: reach the end, defeat the stage boss, and grab the password that unlocks the next challenge. While the note-based password system may feel retro, it’s cleverly integrated, giving you a tangible sense of progression. The time limit hovering at the top of the screen keeps you on your toes, forcing you to weigh the risk–reward of detouring to collect bonus coins and power-ups. Grabbing life-extension items scattered in hidden alcoves or breaking certain crates adds an enjoyable exploration incentive beyond just sprinting to the exit.

The boss encounters stand out as highlights, each boasting unique attack patterns that require memorization and nimble reflexes. From towering golems that slam the ground to flying carpet-riding henchmen who launch projectiles, these minibosses break up the regular platforming loops and demand a shift in tactics. Although some bosses telegraph their moves clearly, the occasional “surprise dash” or split-second transformation can catch you off guard, raising the tension and rewarding quick adaptation.

Graphics

Visually, Saban’s Iznogoud delights with a palette dominated by rich desert hues—burnt oranges, sandy yellows, and vibrant turquoises—evoking a stylized, storybook take on medieval Baghdad. The character sprites, particularly Iznogoud himself, are well-animated: his exaggerated sneer and signature turban bob appropriately during movement, giving him strong personality. Enemies vary from mischievous scorpions to guard captains in ornate armor, each designed with enough detail to be distinct and memorable.

Backgrounds are layered effectively to provide depth, featuring crumbling city walls, distant minarets, and bustling market stalls. Parallax scrolling is used sparingly but to good effect, creating the illusion of sprawling cityscapes behind platforms. Minor animation touches—like fluttering pennants and drifting sand—add to the atmosphere without distracting from the action. Even in the most frenetic moments, the frame rate remains stable, ensuring that visual polish doesn’t come at the expense of performance.

While the game opts for a classic 2D aesthetic rather than pushing into more modern graphic territory, its art direction feels purposeful: colors contrast vividly against foreground elements, making it easy to spot enemies and hazards. The level themes evolve appropriately—oasis resorts give way to moonlit rooftops and eventually the opulent palace courtyard—so the visuals stay fresh across multiple stages. For fans of retro platformers, Saban’s Iznogoud offers a satisfying blend of nostalgia and craftsmanship.

Story

At its core, Saban’s Iznogoud is driven by a delightfully wicked premise: you are Iznogoud, the Grand Vizier whose sole ambition is to usurp the Caliph’s throne. The narrative unfolds in snippets of witty dialogue delivered through title cards before each level, setting up familiar contexts—such as infiltrating the palace kitchens or sabotaging a royal festival—and framing your villainous exploits with tongue-in-cheek humor. This lighthearted tone keeps the story engaging, even when you’re simply maneuvering through yet another spike-filled corridor.

Each stage’s setting ties back to Iznogoud’s obsessive schemes, whether it’s pilfering scrolls from an arcane library or thwarting the Caliph’s afternoon hunt. The sense of purpose is clear, and while you’ll rarely pause to question why a vizier is scaling palace walls or storming kitchens, the game’s self-awareness lends charm. The simplicity of the narrative means there’s little confusion about your objective: dethrone the Caliph by any means necessary, level by level.

Although there are no major plot twists or cinematic cutscenes, the episodic structure—complete with distinct environments and end-of-level boss showdowns—creates a progression that feels almost serialized. Unlocking passwords between levels adds to this feeling, as if you’re turning the page to the next mischievous chapter in Iznogoud’s quest. For players seeking a platformer that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still offers a coherent through-line, the story provides just the right backdrop.

Overall Experience

Saban’s Iznogoud delivers an overall experience that balances challenge, charm, and classic platforming sensibilities. Its concise level design keeps play sessions engaging without overstaying its welcome—most stages can be completed in just a few minutes, making it ideal for both short bursts and marathon runs. The password feature encourages replayability, urging you to revisit earlier worlds with newfound skills and a keener eye for hidden collectibles.

Control responsiveness is a standout, with Iznogoud responding accurately to directional and jump inputs—essential for navigating narrow ledges and evading sudden hazards. While the difficulty curve ramps up noticeably in later levels, occasional checkpoints and extra life items prevent frustration from spiraling out of control. The boss battles, in particular, provide satisfying peaks of intensity, offering a sense of achievement once patterns are mastered and health is conserved.

For platformer aficionados and fans of Iznogoud’s comic-book antics, this title represents a polished yet unpretentious offering. Its combination of colorful visuals, tight controls, and steady progression make it accessible to newcomers while still presenting enough depth for veterans. Whether you’re drawn by the comedic premise or simply in search of a well-crafted 2D adventure, Saban’s Iznogoud proves to be a worthy journey through the corridors of medieval mischief.

Retro Replay Score

4.7/10