Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ulises delivers a classic side-scrolling platform experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly challenging. Players guide Ulysses from left to right, hurling his magical hammer at an unending procession of mythological foes. The absence of discrete levels means the game unfolds as one expansive stage divided into distinct sections, each presenting new obstacles and enemy patterns to master.

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The controls are tight and responsive, offering simple inputs for running, precise jumps, crouching, and hammer-throwing attacks. Timing is crucial: misjudge a leap over a deep chasm or mistime an attack against a flying harpy, and you risk losing one of your precious lives. Each rescued damsel grants an extra life, encouraging players to press onward despite the steep difficulty curve.

Without any form of save or checkpoint system, Ulises demands concentration and persistence. The three-life starting allowance can feel punishing, especially in later segments where platform precision and swift reactions are paramount. However, coaxing each extra life from rescued virgins provides a tangible sense of progression. The result is a gameplay loop that balances frustration with the gratification of overcoming formidable challenges.

Graphics

Ulises showcases vibrant pixel art that captures the spirit of ancient Greece while embracing a distinctly retro aesthetic. Backgrounds depict rocky shorelines, dense forests, and eerie caverns, all rendered in a bold color palette that ensures environmental hazards and enemy sprites stand out clearly. The contrast between serene blue seas and the looming shadows beneath gorges heightens each jump’s stakes.

Character animations are surprisingly fluid given the era and budget. Ulysses’s running stride, hammer throw, and crouching posture all convey weight and intent, helping players judge distance and timing with confidence. Enemy designs draw from classical mythology—snarling wolves, winged spirits, and enchanted statues—each animated with just enough detail to keep encounters visually engaging.

While the graphical fidelity doesn’t rival modern productions, Ulises leverages its pixel charm to full effect. Scenery transitions feel natural as you progress through different biomes, and subtle touches—like fluttering leaves or rippling water—add atmosphere without distracting from the action. For fans of retro platformers, the visuals hit the nostalgic sweet spot without feeling dated.

Story

The narrative premise of Ulises harkens back to epic Greek legends: the witch Circe has imprisoned twelve virgins for a dark ritual, and the washed-ashore hero must rescue them to return home. Though the game features virtually no in-game text, the underlying storyline provides context and motivation for Ulysses’s perilous journey.

Most of the tale is conveyed through an introductory manual or a brief opening scene, leaving players to infer the stakes as they battle through each cursed environment. This hands-off approach to storytelling may leave some craving more exposition, but it also places the focus squarely on gameplay. Every rescued damsel becomes a small narrative beat, rewarding perseverance.

For those who appreciate mythic backdrops without lengthy cutscenes, Ulises’s pared-down story is a feature rather than a flaw. The minimalism ensures that players remain immersed in the action, while the promise of returning to Ithaca—and the knowledge that each virgin saved brings Ulysses one step closer—drives the urgency of every hammer toss and perfectly timed jump.

Overall Experience

Ulises stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of straightforward, skill-based platformers. Its blend of relentless enemy waves, precision platforming, and rudimentary but effective power-ups creates a gameplay rhythm that’s easy to pick up yet difficult to master. The lack of a save system intensifies every encounter, making each victory feel well-earned.

Despite its challenging reputation, Ulises offers moments of pure satisfaction. Discovering an extra life after a tense rescue or nailing a series of perfect jumps across wide chasms brings a rush that few modern titles capture. The game’s difficulty can be a barrier for casual players, but for platforming enthusiasts, it provides ample incentive to sharpen reflexes and memorize enemy patterns.

In the absence of a high-definition polish, Ulises relies on solid design and a compelling mythological premise to keep players engaged. Its evocative pixel art, unyielding gameplay, and succinct storytelling create an experience that honors its retro roots while standing on its own merits. For anyone seeking a tough yet rewarding side-scrolling adventure, Ulysses’s odyssey is well worth undertaking.

Retro Replay Score

null/10