Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Trog! delivers a frenetic, arcade-style experience where quick reflexes and split-second decisions are the keys to victory. Up to four players—enjoyed most with friends gathered around—dash across maze-like caveman villages, scooping up eggs of their colour before their opponents. The simple “gather and escape” premise belies a depth of strategy as you navigate tight corridors, avoid hazards and outwit rival players.

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The clash between Trogs and Dino-Mites introduces a dynamic risk-reward system. Cavemen deploy rudimentary inventions like fire traps and rolling wheels to slow you down, while power-ups scattered across the stage let dinos fight back. Chomping on a pineapple transforms your dinosaur into a hulking T-Rex, able to trample Trogs, and a hot tamale grants a scorching breath attack to clear paths or fend off attackers.

With a variety of stage layouts, from open plains to winding cave systems, each round feels fresh. The paper-thin veneer of simplicity hides subtle tactics: baiting opponents into traps, timing your power-up consumption, and mastering the art of dashing just ahead of a pursuing T-Rex. Single-player mode throws AI-controlled Trogs at you in increasing numbers and cunning, ensuring that even solo adventurers find a solid challenge.

Graphics

Graphically, Trog! embraces its arcade roots with vibrant, cartoonish sprites that pop against prehistoric backdrops. The colour palette is bold—bright reds for Trogs, vivid greens and blues for dinosaurs—making it easy to spot friend or foe at a glance. Although it’s pixel art by today’s standards, the characters are full of personality, each Trog stomping with comical menace and each Dino-Mite letting out an enthusiastic roar.

The animations are surprisingly fluid for a game of its era. Chomps, stomps and fire-breathing sequences play out with satisfying detail, lending tangible weight to every power-up. Stage transitions use fun cutscenes that show eggs being whisked away or Trogs chasing after stranded dinos, injecting a light-hearted charm that keeps the tone upbeat even amid a frantic scramble.

Environmental hazards—like rolling wheels, flames and collapsing platforms—are animated clearly so you can react in time. This level of visual feedback is crucial when milliseconds matter. Background details such as swaying palm trees, flickering campfires and distant dinosaur roars add atmosphere without distracting from the core action.

Story

At its heart, Trog! is a playful fable of prehistoric rivalry. The land of Og is under siege by hungry one-eyed cavemen—Trogs—who will stop at nothing to devour precious Dino eggs. In response, four brave Dino-Mites—Spike, Bloop, Rex and Gwen—mount a daring rescue mission, transforming each stage into a battleground of tooth and claw.

The narrative unfolds simply but effectively: you progress through increasingly complex levels, each representing a new region in Og. Brief story snippets between stages hint at the high stakes—eggs stolen, dinos captured or fried by cavemen contraptions—motivating players to push onward. It’s not Shakespeare, but the campy, tongue-in-cheek tone suits the premise perfectly.

Character variety adds another layer to the tale. Each Dino-Mite sports a unique personality and slightly different movement quirks, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Meanwhile, the Trogs themselves seem to grow in cunning with each chapter, unleashing more elaborate traps and strategies that keep you engaged in the evolving prehistoric saga.

Overall Experience

Trog! excels as a party game and a solo challenge alike. Its pick-up-and-play nature makes it ideal for quick rounds, while the depth beneath the surface ensures that no two matches feel identical. Whether you’re unleashing T-Rex destruction on unsuspecting Trogs or narrowly evading a fire-breathing rival, every session delivers adrenaline-fueled fun.

The balance between simplicity and strategic nuance is where Trog! shines. Beginners can enjoy the basic egg-collecting chaos, while veterans can delve into advanced tactics like lure-and-trap plays or perfecting power-up timing. The satisfaction of securing your last egg with a well-timed pineapple-induced stomp never gets old.

For anyone seeking a taste of retro arcade flair combined with modern multiplayer thrills, Trog! is a standout choice. Its colorful visuals, infectious soundtrack, and competitive spirit create an experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. Jump in, gather those eggs, and may the fiercest Dino-Mite claim victory!

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10