Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Total Eclipse introduces players to a pioneering 3D environment powered by Incentive Software’s Freescape engine. From the moment you step into the polygonal pyramid, the controls offer surprising flexibility: you can adjust your rotation angle for precise turns and even modify your step width to navigate narrow corridors or dodge unseen traps. This dynamic movement system feels remarkably advanced for its time, giving a real sense of agency as you explore the sun-bathed chambers and shadowy halls.

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The core objective revolves around collecting ankhs that act as keys to hidden doors and secret chambers. Each collectible feels hard-earned, often guarded by mummies or concealed behind lock mechanisms that force you to pause and puzzle out your next move. The variety of door types—some requiring gunfire to open, others needing a well-timed action—ensures that your exploration never grows monotonous.

Shootouts are straightforward but tense: your gun allows for both defensive and exploratory interactions. You can blast through certain doors or keep undead foes at bay, but ammunition is limited enough to make every shot count. Meanwhile, managing your water supply adds another layer of resource planning. When your canteen runs dry, dehydration threatens your progress, encouraging you to map out your route carefully and revisit safe zones to refill.

As puzzles ramp up in complexity, you’ll often find yourself backtracking, hunting for missing ankhs, or re-examining previously sealed rooms. The freedom to roam the 3D pyramid without hand-holding gives a true sense of discovery—and occasional frustration—making each unlocked door feel like a personal achievement.

Graphics

Graphically, Total Eclipse stands as a testament to early 3D gaming innovation. The Freescape engine renders the pyramid’s interior in crisp, flat-shaded polygons, producing simple yet immersive environments. Although textures are minimal, the stark geometry creates an eerie atmosphere that complements the game’s dark narrative.

Lighting plays a crucial role in amplifying tension: shadows cast by slanted columns cut across the floor, and flickering torch sconces line certain corridors. The looming darkness at the far end of each hallway feels genuinely foreboding, reminding you that an ancient force stirs within these walls.

Character and enemy designs are similarly minimalist but effective. Mummies shuffle into view with stiff, robotic motions, emphasizing their undead nature. While lacking intricate detail, these spectral foes stand out against the muted backgrounds, making it clear when danger is approaching.

Overall, the visuals may appear dated by modern standards, yet they retain a nostalgic charm. The abstract presentation invites your imagination to fill in the gaps, transforming simple polygons into a vast, mysterious structure waiting to be unraveled.

Story

The narrative thrust of Total Eclipse is deceptively simple: an ebon pyramid has been erected with the nefarious goal of plunging the world into perpetual darkness. As the countdown to the eclipse ticks ever closer, it’s up to you to thwart the builders’ grim design. This high-stakes premise adds urgency to every step you take.

You begin as an unnamed adventurer with little more than a standard-issue firearm and a basic water canteen. Discovering the pyramid’s lore is primarily environmental—you piece together the backstory through hieroglyph-like murals and cryptic room names. This form of silent storytelling rewards players who pay attention to detail, offering a richer experience for diligent explorers.

Each ankh you collect not only opens doors but also advances your understanding of the pyramid’s dark purpose. Mysterious messages hint at hidden rituals, while sudden encounters with undead guardians drive home the supernatural stakes. By the time you reach the final chambers, you’ll feel deeply invested in preventing the eclipse.

Though dialogue is virtually nonexistent, the sparse narrative elements blend well with the gameplay. Total Eclipse trusts you to draw your own conclusions, creating a personal sense of discovery that few early-’90s titles achieve so effectively.

Overall Experience

Total Eclipse remains a uniquely ambitious title that pushes the boundaries of early 3D design. Its combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management creates a layered challenge that still feels engaging decades later. Every new corridor you uncover carries the weight of potential triumph or disaster.

The learning curve can be steep; newcomers may initially struggle with the freeform movement and unconventional interface. However, once you acclimate to the Freescape controls, the sense of immersion deepens significantly. There’s a genuine thrill in mastering the mechanics and confidently navigating the pyramid’s winding passageways.

While modern gamers accustomed to high-definition textures and instant tutorials may find Total Eclipse’s graphical style and minimal guidance archaic, those with an appreciation for gaming history will uncover a gem. The game strikes a delicate balance between challenge and reward, demanding patience but offering a true sense of accomplishment.

For retro enthusiasts and new players eager to experience a landmark in 3D gaming, Total Eclipse delivers a memorable journey into ancient, shadowy realms. Its pioneering engine, atmospheric presentation, and engaging puzzles make it a worthwhile addition to any classic gaming library.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10