Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Bitmap Brothers Volume I offers a trio of distinct gameplay experiences that showcase the versatility and creativity of its developers. Xenon brings fast-paced vertical shooting action, challenging players to navigate hordes of enemy ships and dodge relentless fire. Its upgrade system adds depth, encouraging strategic weapon selection as you climb through increasingly difficult stages.

Switching genres, Cadaver plunges you into an isometric action-adventure world filled with puzzles, traps, and combat encounters. Here, you guide the magician’s apprentice Karadoc through the sprawling castle of Androth, solving brain-teasing riddles and carefully managing limited resources. The deliberate pacing and environmental hazards demand thoughtful exploration and patience.

Rounding out the collection is Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, a high-octane futuristic sports title that blends handball, hockey, and football with cybernetic brutality. Matches are frenetic, with lightning-fast passing, bone-crushing tackles, and power-ups that turn the tide in an instant. Mastering team tactics and timing special moves is key to dominating the arena.

Despite their differences, all three titles share tight controls and responsive input, even when run on modern systems via emulation. Each game’s unique mechanics and level design remain engaging, offering hours of variety for players who appreciate both reflex-driven shooters and thoughtful adventure challenges.

Graphics

The Bitmap Brothers were pioneers in pixel art, and this compilation highlights their signature style across three distinct visual presentations. Xenon’s metallic ships and neon-infused backgrounds still gleam with a futuristic sheen, giving the shooter a sense of speed and danger. Sprite animations are smooth, and explosions pack a satisfying punch.

Cadaver’s isometric perspective remains impressive, with detailed dungeon corridors, flickering torches, and cleverly disguised traps. Environmental detail and atmospheric shading draw you into the castle’s labyrinthine depths, while the character sprites move fluidly through the castle’s hazards. The muted color palette heightens the sense of mystery and lurking peril.

Speedball 2 delivers cartoonish violence with bold, saturated hues and imaginative arena designs. The slick metallic floors, animated audience, and unflinching blood splatters create a vivid, almost comic-book atmosphere. Player avatars are expressive, their celebratory taunts and injury animations adding personality to every fast break and bone-crunching tackle.

Across all three titles, the compilation preserves original resolutions and aspect ratios, ensuring the artwork remains faithful to its early ’90s roots. Modern enhancements—such as scanline filters and adjustable scaling—let you customize the presentation, but the core pixel perfection shines through without compromise.

Story

While Xenon and Speedball 2 prioritize gameplay over narrative, they each establish a basic premise that frames the action. In Xenon, you pilot a lone starfighter on a mission to destroy an alien fleet, a straightforward setup that keeps the focus on pulse-pounding shooting sequences. Speedball 2 situates its violent sports matches in a dystopian future, hinting at corporate intrigue and underground gambling without delving into lengthy exposition.

Cadaver stands out for weaving a richer storyline. You assume the role of Karadoc, sent into the depths of Androth Castle to rescue the wizard Questor. Dialogue with non-player characters, journal entries, and environmental clues flesh out the lore, creating a sense of purpose that drives exploration. The gradual revelation of Androth’s fate rewards attention to detail and immersion.

Despite the minimal storytelling in two of the three games, this compilation captures the spirit of early ’90s design, where narrative was often secondary to innovative mechanics. The tiny windows of plot are enough to frame a compelling challenge: defeat the aliens, conquer the arena, or escape the cursed castle.

For players who appreciate deeper lore, Cadaver offers a welcome contrast to the arcade-focused titles. Its blend of light role-playing elements and atmospheric storytelling adds emotional weight to your quest, ensuring that the Volume I collection appeals to both action junkies and adventure fans.

Overall Experience

The Bitmap Brothers Volume I stands as a testament to creative diversity in the golden age of home computing. By packaging Xenon, Cadaver, and Speedball 2 together, it delivers a buffet of genres—from shoot ’em up and isometric adventure to sports mayhem—each showcasing tight design and memorable flair. This variety ensures that players can jump in for quick arcade sessions or settle down for longer exploratory adventures.

The compilation runs smoothly on modern platforms, with configurable controls and display options that honor the originals while allowing contemporary convenience. Whether you prefer keyboard, mouse, or gamepad, each title responds precisely, preserving the feel of classic gameplay. Online leaderboards and achievements further extend replayability for those seeking friendly competition.

Loading times are minimal, and emulator-based enhancements such as state saving prevent the frustration of repeating lengthy stages after failure. The bundled manual—digitally scanned—provides design insights and developer interviews that enhance appreciation for The Bitmap Brothers’ craftsmanship.

Overall, this collection offers outstanding value for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The combination of varied gameplay, striking visuals, and period-appropriate storytelling makes The Bitmap Brothers Volume I a compelling purchase. Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or embarking on these legendary titles for the first time, you’re in for a rich, nostalgia-driven journey through gaming history.