Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The heart of Universe lies in its classic point-and-click mechanics, which feel both familiar and refreshingly polished. Players guide Boris Verne through a richly detailed parallel world, interacting with objects, solving puzzles, and piecing together clues to uncover the lost star. Movement is smooth and intuitive: a single click moves Boris to the desired location, while right-clicking opens the inventory or examines key items. Seasoned adventure gamers will appreciate the straightforward interface, and newcomers will find it easy to learn without lengthy tutorials.

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Puzzle design in Universe strikes a balance between logical challenges and playful ingenuity. You might barter with a mysterious alien merchant, decode an ancient script etched into floating monoliths, or figure out how to power a long-dormant portal. Each task encourages lateral thinking, and solutions often rely on combining mundane items in unexpected ways. While a few puzzles demand pixel-perfect precision—requiring careful examination of the background—most blend seamlessly into the narrative, rewarding exploration and experimentation.

Boris’s interactions with the environment are enhanced by the Rotoscope system, which lends a fluidity to character animations rarely seen in games of this era. His gestures, from inspecting a lever to brushing aside cosmic dust, convey personality without slowing down the action. Dialogue choices also play a subtle role: though not branch-heavy, they influence how NPCs react and can open up hidden hints. Overall, Universe’s gameplay loop—explore, interact, solve—remains engaging from start to finish, with a well-paced difficulty curve that keeps players motivated.

Graphics

Visually, Universe is a standout example of 256-colour artistry. Every scene bursts with vibrant hues, whether it’s the neon glow of an alien bazaar or the muted tones of an ancient, crumbling temple. The Rotoscope system brings characters to life, ensuring their movements are smooth and expressive. Even in areas with limited color palettes, clever shading and attention to detail prevent the world from feeling flat.

Backgrounds are beautifully illustrated, featuring layered parallax scrolling that adds depth to each locale. As Boris moves through lush forests or atop floating sky-cities, the sense of scale is immersive. Small touches—a flicker of starlight on a distant spire or the rhythmic motion of mechanical gears—create a living, breathing environment. Animations for environmental effects, such as swirling dust or flowing water, are well-executed and never distract from the exploration.

Character portraits deserve special mention. Close-up illustrations during dialogue scenes capture subtle facial expressions and emotions, making conversations feel more personal. Though the roster of characters is modest in size, each one boasts unique visual flair—from the Golden King’s ornate armor to the enigmatic starlight merchants’ shimmering robes. In every frame, Universe demonstrates how much can be achieved within the constraints of a 256-colour palette.

Story

Universe centers on Boris Verne, an unassuming everyman thrust into a parallel cosmos by his uncle’s Virtual Dimension Inducer. What begins as a curious experiment quickly morphs into an epic quest: locate the fabled lost star and confront the tyrannical Golden King. The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing players to savor world-building moments and uncover hidden lore in optional side quests.

The writing strikes a harmonious balance between whimsy and gravitas. Lighthearted banter with eccentric NPCs provides comic relief, while revelations about the universe’s origins and the Golden King’s ambitions inject genuine stakes. The game doesn’t shy away from philosophical musings, exploring themes of ambition, power, and the nature of reality. As Boris pieces together cryptic prophecies and deciphers ancient runes, the story deepens in unexpected ways.

World design supports the narrative beautifully. Each new region feels distinct—lush bioluminescent jungles speak of forgotten civilizations, icy wastelands echo with the silhouettes of lost explorers, and colossal machine-cities hum with unspoken secrets. Environmental storytelling is often more compelling than text-based lore, encouraging players to interpret story beats through visual clues. The climax, a showdown in the Golden King’s citadel, delivers a satisfying payoff that unites plot threads and tests the player’s mastery of the game’s mechanics.

Overall Experience

Universe is a love letter to classic adventure gaming, marrying old-school point-and-click simplicity with sophisticated visuals and a memorable narrative. Its strengths lie in polished puzzle design, fluid Rotoscoped animations, and a story that rewards curiosity. Even decades after its original release, it still manages to charm with its authentic retro feel and surprising depth.

As a purchase for modern audiences, Universe offers excellent value. The interface remains accessible, the puzzles engage the mind without undue frustration, and the world-building encourages multiple hours of exploration. Sound design and a suitably atmospheric score round out the package, immersing you in strange realms from the first click. While hardcore action fans might miss faster-paced gameplay, adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to love.

In sum, Universe stands out as an exemplary retro adventure that remains relevant today. Its blend of challenging puzzles, rich visuals, and a compelling storyline makes it a must-play for anyone drawn to narrative-driven exploration. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or diving in for the first time, Boris Verne’s journey across parallel dimensions is an experience that’s both timeless and uniquely rewarding.

Retro Replay Score

7/10