Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypse takes the fast-paced, arena-style action of Quake and injects it with the mutant mayhem of the X-Men universe. As Magneto’s cyborg creation, you wield morphing arm cannons that shift seamlessly between blistering energy blasts, electrified whips, and even seismic shockwaves. This variety keeps each firefight fresh, as you’ll need to adapt on the fly to counter the unique abilities of your adversaries—especially when facing off against clones of the original X-Men.

The single-player campaign spans two episodes filled with labyrinthine corridors, dark strongholds, and hidden chambers ripe for exploration. Each of the twelve boss encounters forces you to learn patterns, exploit weaknesses, and manage resources. The Wolverine clone, for instance, regenerates health rapidly, demanding you juggle direct offense with hit-and-run tactics. Progression feels rewarding as you unlock new arm configurations and discover secret upgrades tucked away in side passages.

Multiplayer transforms the package into a mutant-powered deathmatch playground. With five bespoke arenas—including the iconic X-Mansion—matches can range from frantic free-for-alls to team-based brawls. Choosing from any of the major X-Men unlocks their canonical powers: Storm’s lightning storms, Cyclops’s optic blasts, and Nightcrawler’s teleportation add dynamic layers to traditional frag-fests. Custom weapon loadouts and map-specific strategies ensure longevity and high replay value.

Graphics

Built on the Quake engine, The Ravages of Apocalypse delivers textured environments that feel appropriately gothic and industrial. Walls are etched with circuitry, metal grates, and the occasional X’s insignia, lending atmosphere to each level. While dated by today’s standards, the moody lighting and detailed geometry contribute to a tense ambiance, particularly in narrow passages where ambushes are frequent.

The real visual stars are the mutant models. Each X-Men clone is faithfully recreated: Colossus’s metallic form gleams in reflective chrome, while the glowing red eyes of Pyro signal danger from afar. Animations capture their signature moves—Wolverine’s berserker charges, Rogue’s energy beam. The fluidity of these sequences elevates encounters beyond mere texture swaps to genuine character moments.

Particle effects for the cyborg arm morphs are equally impressive given the era. Electric arcs crackle authentically, explosions bloom in smoky halos, and projectiles leave fleeting trails that help you track fired shots. Even small details, like sparks when your weapon slams into metal or the ripple of forcewaves against stone, highlight the engine’s versatility and the developers’ attention to immersion.

Story

The narrative framework is simple yet effective: Apocalypse, the first mutant, has cloned his own twisted X-Men army and threatens global annihilation. Magneto’s desperation fuels your creation, sending you on a mission to dismantle this abomination from within. While the plot doesn’t delve into deep philosophical territory, it serves as a solid backdrop for nonstop action, giving each level a clear villainous goal.

Progressing through the episodes feels like peeling back layers of Apocalypse’s grand design. Early stages introduce pawns—low-level clones whose powers mimic Angel’s flight or Beast’s agility—before escalating to heavier hitters like Storm-infused arenas with dynamic weather hazards. By the time you confront Apocalypse himself, you’ve collected enough upgrades and lore tidbits to appreciate the stakes and feel prepared for the climactic battle.

Occasional in-engine cutscenes and text interludes flesh out the motivations of rival mutants, hinting at moral ambiguity. Is it right to fight a clone that literally shares the soul of an X-Man? Moments like these, though brief, add texture to what could otherwise be a one-note shooter. Fans of the comics will recognize the nods and references, while newcomers simply enjoy a straightforward heroic journey.

Overall Experience

X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypse delivers a robust blend of classic first-person shooting and Marvel superhero flair. The arsenal of morphing armaments, coupled with authentic mutant abilities, sets it apart from standard Quake mods. Whether you’re hacking through the single-player gauntlet or obliterating friends in mutant deathmatch, there’s a palpable rush to every encounter.

Despite its age, the game remains an engaging tribute to both Quake’s foundational mechanics and the X-Men mythos. Its learning curve is accessible for newcomers—thanks to intuitive controls and clear level objectives—while challenge seekers can master speed runs, discover all secrets, and perfect multiplayer strategies. Community-made patches and dedicated servers still exist, extending its lifespan well beyond release.

For fans of superhero shooters and retro action titles, The Ravages of Apocalypse is a hidden gem that marries inventive gameplay with beloved comic characters. It may not boast modern visual fidelity, but its heart, polish, and mutant-powered thrills ensure hours of memorable mayhem. If you’ve ever wanted to battle Wolverine with empowered energy blasts or duke it out as Storm in the X-Mansion foyer, this conversion is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10