Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Treasure Trap delivers a solid blend of action and puzzle mechanics, guiding the player through 100 intricately designed isometric rooms. You step into the flippers of Howard Kelp, an intrepid diver on a mission to reclaim sunken gold from the wreck of The Esmerelda. Your primary objective is to collect gold bars scattered across each chamber, while carefully navigating around—or outsmarting—the marine life that now calls the old cargo vessel home.

Unlike conventional action games, your only true offensive option is a limited supply of “smart fishes,” trained piranhas that decimate all enemies in a room when released. Starting with just two of these precious creatures and only earning an additional fish every time you haul in 80 gold bars, you quickly learn to rely on stealth, precise timing, and clever use of the environment. Leaping over aggressive eels, sidestepping crabs, and stacking crates to block off predators become second nature as you press forward.

The ever-ticking air gauge at the bottom-right corner of the screen injects constant tension into your underwater exploration. Compressed air tanks are sprinkled sparingly throughout the levels, and using them judiciously is essential if you hope to survive the deeper, more labyrinthine sections of the wreck. Additionally, certain doors require geometric-shaped keys, compelling you to revisit earlier rooms and piece together the correct key sequence to unlock hidden compartments and shortcuts.

Graphics

Visually, Treasure Trap embraces a vibrant yet suitably moody palette that evokes the dim, eerie corridors of a sunken ship. The isometric perspective allows for a detailed depiction of rusting metal bulkheads, cavernous holds, and the occasional beam of sunlight filtering down from the surface. Each room feels uniquely crafted, whether it’s cluttered with debris, partitioned by cargo crates, or overtaken by swaying seaweed.

Enemy and object sprites are crisp and expressive, animating smoothly as you hop over perilous crustaceans or deploy your smart fishes in a flurry of pixelated piranha fury. The UI elements—including the air gauge, collected keys, and gold counter—are clearly laid out at the corners of the screen, minimizing distractions while keeping crucial information in easy view. Even after extended play sessions, the graphics remain sharp and readable, a testament to thoughtful design.

Though the technology may remind seasoned gamers of classic 8- and 16-bit titles, there’s more complexity here than in many contemporaries. Depth is suggested through clever shading and object layering, making it easy to distinguish walkable platforms from the lethal waters below. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or someone new to isometric action-puzzlers, the visuals in Treasure Trap will keep you immersed in its sunken-world adventure.

Story

The narrative premise of Treasure Trap is simple yet compelling: in 1829, The Esmerelda sinks beneath the waves with its cargo hold full of gold bullion, and nearly a century later, you, Howard Kelp, dive in to reclaim it. This straightforward setup provides just enough context to make every submersible corridor feel charged with historical intrigue. You can almost hear the creaking timbers and imagine the chaos that befell the ship so many years ago.

Although the story unfolds primarily through the setting itself—broken mast sections, rusted plaques, and scattered journals—you occasionally stumble upon fragments of lore that hint at previous expeditions or the fate of the original crew. These small touches enrich the atmosphere without slowing down the action. They reward the most curious players who search every nook and cranny for narrative details.

Treasure Trap doesn’t burden you with lengthy cutscenes or verbose dialogue trees; instead, it lets the premise of sunken treasure and lurking sea life speak for itself. The result is an understated but effective storytelling approach that keeps the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. For many players, this balance of light narrative and heavy gameplay will feel just right.

Overall Experience

By combining fast-paced action with thoughtful puzzle elements, Treasure Trap offers a rewarding challenge for gamers who relish exploration and resource management. The thrill of narrowly avoiding a pack of eels, the satisfaction of stacking crates to reach a hidden compartment, and the delicate balance of conserving air and smart fishes all contribute to an engaging play loop. You’ll find yourself budgeting each dive like a true treasure hunter.

With 100 uniquely crafted rooms, the game strikes an excellent balance between breadth and depth. Save points every time you collect 50 gold bars help mitigate frustration while still preserving a sense of peril. This pacing ensures that you never stray too far from the action, while also giving you breathing room to plan your next moves carefully.

Fans of retro isometric titles like Head Over Heels will feel right at home, yet Treasure Trap’s thematic focus on underwater salvage and its clever resource mechanics give it a distinctive identity. Whether you’re a long-time genre aficionado or a newcomer seeking an accessible yet challenging adventure, this sunken-ship odyssey is well worth diving into. So strap on your diving helmet, tally your gold intake, and prepare for a deep-sea quest unlike any other.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10