Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Bitmap Brothers Compilation delivers a remarkable assortment of gameplay experiences, drawing from some of the most iconic titles of the early ’90s. From the dungeon-crawling puzzles in Cadaver and its expansion Cadaver: The Payoff to the pulse-pounding action of Gods, each title brings its own unique mechanics. You’ll find yourself strategizing your next move in the labyrinthine corridors of a medieval fortress one moment and reflex-testing shoot-’em-up action in a futuristic alien domain the next.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Magic Pockets offers a delightfully whimsical platforming challenge, tasking you with recovering your stolen toys through imaginative levels filled with bouncy creatures and hidden surprises. Speedball 2, on the other hand, flips the script entirely with its breakneck, cyberpunk-infused sports gameplay, where precision passes and brutal tackles can shift the balance of a match in seconds. Xenon 2 Megablast closes the roster with down-the-barrel space combat, demanding razor-sharp reactions as waves of enemies close in, accompanied by a legendary soundtrack that drives you ever forward.

This compilation shines in its variety and fidelity to the original designs. Each game’s control schemes have been faithfully preserved, meaning veterans will feel right at home while newcomers can appreciate how tight, responsive inputs defined early action titles. The ability to swap between six distinct genres—action RPG, platformer, sports, and shoot ’em up—without ever leaving a single disc is testament to the Bitmap Brothers’ diverse design prowess.

Graphics

Despite their age, these Bitmap Brothers classics still stand out visually thanks to their bold pixel art and distinctive color palettes. Cadaver’s claustrophobic stone walls and torch-lit chambers create an immersive medieval atmosphere, while Gods’ moody, gothic environments feel almost haunting in their detail. When you switch to Magic Pockets, the tone shifts dramatically to bright, cartoonish backdrops teeming with characterful enemies and whimsical animations.

Speedball 2’s gritty, neon-drenched arenas contrast sharply with Xenon 2’s kaleidoscopic space vistas, showcasing just how far the Bitmap Brothers pushed the limitations of 16-bit hardware. The compilation preserves these visual signatures at a crisp resolution, and the optional scanlines or sharp filtering allow modern setups to display each frame exactly as intended—or with a polished sheen that suits today’s HD screens.

Overall, the graphical presentation remains a highlight throughout the collection. The developers have ensured that loading times are minimal and that each game runs smoothly, even on contemporary hardware. You’ll appreciate small touches like animated menus, in-game cut-ins, and cinematic transitions that once wowed audiences in arcades and home computers—now packaged neatly for a new generation of players.

Story

Storytelling in early Bitmap Brothers titles is often more a framework for action than a deep narrative journey, but each game offers enough lore to keep you engaged. Cadaver and Cadaver: The Payoff cast you as a resourceful thief navigating a treacherous castle to locate a legendary artifact, with witty NPC dialogue sprinkled throughout your quest. Gods positions you as a hero who must defeat rival deities and save mankind, using both brawn and brains to overcome mythical trials.

Magic Pockets tells a simple yet charming tale: a young hero discovers his pockets are bottomless, filled with all manner of whimsical powers. As you rescue stolen toys, the story unfolds in playful text sequences and colorful boss encounters. Speedball 2’s narrative is minimal—the year is 4028, and you’re part of a brutal futuristic sport—but its rulebook and team backstories add enough context to make each match feel consequential. Xenon 2 forgoes exposition in favor of fast-paced action, though its opening screens hint at interstellar conflict that fuels your high-octane mission.

While none of these games pursue an epic, multi-hour storyline, they excel at delivering concise plots that bolster the gameplay. Between levels, you’re given just enough context to feel invested in the next challenge without wading through lengthy cutscenes. In a way, this brevity enhances replayability—each session feels focused, driven by clear objectives and a dose of 16-bit era charm.

Overall Experience

The Bitmap Brothers Compilation is a treasure trove for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering six timeless experiences on one accessible CD-ROM. From the mind-bending puzzles of Cadaver to the frenetic sports mayhem of Speedball 2 and the galactic battles of Xenon 2, this collection highlights the creative range of one of gaming’s most beloved studios. The user interface is intuitive, letting you swap titles instantly, and modern conveniences—like customizable controls and save states—have been thoughtfully integrated.

Emulation quality is rock solid. You won’t encounter jarring frame drops or sound glitches; instead, each game runs as smoothly as it did on original hardware, with crisp audio and faithfully reproduced music tracks that spark nostalgia. Bonus content such as scanned manuals or developer notes would have been a welcome addition, but the sheer scope of six diverse games more than compensates for any perceived omissions.

Whether you’re a collector seeking to complete your library or a curious player eager to explore gaming history, The Bitmap Brothers Compilation delivers exceptional value. The variety of genres, high replayability, and enduring design principles make this a standout package. It’s an invitation to journey through a foundational era of game development—one polished pixel at a time.

Retro Replay Score

null/10