Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Trolls’ gameplay revolves around precise platforming and strategic collection. You guide your Troll through a series of side-scrolling levels, each brimming with hazards and hidden routes. Your primary goal is to rescue a set minimum of baby Trolls before you can exit via the Pigstop—this adds a clear objective to every stage and keeps you engaged in exploring every nook and cranny.

Early on, you begin unarmed, forcing you to rely solely on jumps and timing to avoid enemies and environmental traps. Once you pick up a Yo-Yo, the dynamic shifts: this versatile tool can be used to defeat foes, break through weak blocks, and even latch onto ceilings to swing across large gaps. Mastering the Yo-Yo’s momentum and range not only feels rewarding, but also opens up secret shortcuts and bonus areas hidden throughout the levels.

Trolls introduces an inventive letter-collection mechanic that spices up gameplay further. Snagging the letters B, O, N, U, S or B, O, G, U, S from balloons or defeated foes grants you access to special stages at the end of each level. The “Bonus” stage rewards extra lives, while the “Bogus” stage delivers a timed escape challenge—complete with rising hazards—that tests your reflexes under pressure. This dual-path bonus system encourages replaying levels to improve your collection strategy and tackle more difficult challenges.

Graphics

Though Trolls debuted in an era of limited color palettes, it manages to present a charming and cohesive visual style. The levels are brightly colored and packed with cute details: pastel clouds drift overhead, mushrooms bob up and down, and the little Troll sprites bounce adorably when idle. This aesthetic choice reinforces the game’s whimsical atmosphere, making it appealing to younger players and nostalgic adults alike.

Animation-wise, the Troll and enemy sprites move fluidly within the hardware’s constraints. The Yo-Yo has a convincing arc when thrown, and the breaking blocks shatter with satisfying pixel bursts. While the backgrounds remain fairly static, occasional parallax scrolling effects—like distant hills moving at a slower pace—add a subtle sense of depth to the stages.

Level design is thoughtfully varied, with distinct themes such as forest glades, icy caves, and boiler-filled factories. Each environment comes with its own palette and hazard set—slippery ice patches or hot steam vents—which keeps the visual experience fresh. Despite occasional sprite flicker when too many objects appear on screen, the game generally maintains a steady frame rate that supports precise platforming.

Story

Trolls keeps its narrative simple and straightforward: your goal is to rescue kidnapped baby Trolls scattered across enchanted lands. There’s no deep lore or branching plot—to many, this simplicity is part of its charm. The aim is clear, and each level’s backdrop hints at the dark influence behind the baby Trolls’ abduction, whether it’s a mysterious factory or a misty swamp.

Inter-level text screens provide brief snippets of context, often delivered in playful Troll-speak. These little touches inject personality into otherwise straightforward gameplay and give you a reason to push forward: every stage you clear brings more youngsters back to safety. It’s enough narrative framing to keep the action moving without bogging you down in exposition.

While advanced gamers might crave a deeper storyline or character development, Trolls succeeds at delivering a family-friendly adventure that never overcomplicates its premise. The simple tale is perfectly suited to its pick-up-and-play design, making it easy for players of all ages to dive in and understand their mission immediately.

Overall Experience

Trolls offers a delightful blend of challenge and charm that will resonate with fans of classic platformers. Its tight controls and inventive Yo-Yo mechanics make each encounter feel purposeful, while the bonus stage system adds layers of replayability. Whether you’re aiming to clear every level, find all secret areas, or simply enjoy the whimsical presentation, there’s plenty of content to keep you busy.

The game’s pacing strikes a good balance between accessible early levels and tougher challenges later on. Newcomers can quickly get a feel for platforming basics, whereas veterans will appreciate the precision required to chain swings, defeat foes, and snag every letter. And while its graphics and sound might not compare to modern releases, Trolls’ upbeat soundtrack and vibrant visuals retain a nostalgic appeal.

Ultimately, Trolls is a solid choice for players seeking a family-friendly platformer with distinctive mechanics and a lighthearted atmosphere. Its straightforward story, varied level design, and hidden rewards ensure you’ll enjoy multiple playthroughs. If you’re after a cheerful, slightly retro adventure that rewards both exploration and skill, Trolls delivers an engaging experience from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10