Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

From the moment you take control of Elliott and E.T., the gameplay anchors itself in a balance of exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth. Players spend much of their time scavenging suburban backyards, schoolyards, and forests for the scattered parts of E.T.’s communicator. This search-and-collect mechanic may sound straightforward, but the game layers it with environmental hazards and obstacles that demand thoughtful planning.

One of the standout features is the ability to switch between Elliott’s human abilities and E.T.’s unique powers. While Elliott relies on running speed and bicycle endurance, E.T. can levitate, heal plants, and momentarily stun pursuing foes with a glowing finger beam. This dual-character design keeps each level feeling fresh, as you weigh when to deploy E.T.’s gifts versus the more predictable—but safer—approach of using Elliott.

The tension ramps up in the later stages when you must evade fast-moving police cars, inquisitive FBI agents, and curious scientists. Simple patrol patterns and limited hiding spots ensure that a rushed approach often ends in capture. As a result, the game rewards patience; learning enemy routes and using decoys becomes a satisfying puzzle in its own right.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Advance hardware, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial delivers surprisingly vibrant visuals that capture the film’s atmosphere. Character sprites for Elliott and E.T. are charmingly detailed, complete with E.T.’s glowing finger and Elliott’s red hoodie. Each environment—be it a suburban cul-de-sac, a dimly lit science lab, or the forest under a starry sky—uses a rich palette that distinguishes one area from the next.

Background details, like garden fences, shed rooftops, and school hallways, are rendered with crisp lines and occasional parallax scrolling, lending a subtle sense of depth. While some textures appear a bit repetitive after prolonged play sessions, the overall aesthetic feels faithful to Spielberg’s vision. Cutscenes between levels use static images with text captions that evoke the movie’s key moments, bridging gameplay sections in a nostalgic way.

Animating enemies and environmental hazards is handled with care; running cops wave flashlights, scientists hold clipboards as they search, and patrolling cars swivel their headlights realistically. Though the GBA’s 240×160 resolution limits fine detail, the art direction ensures clarity in tight chase sequences and complex puzzle rooms. As a result, players can focus on strategy rather than struggling to identify on-screen elements.

Story

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on GBA doesn’t attempt to retell the movie verbatim. Instead, it cherry-picks pivotal moments—assembling the communicator, hiding from the authorities, and the iconic bike chase—to craft an episodic adventure. This selective approach means you revisit the film’s emotional high points without wading through every subplot.

Each level begins with a brief text introduction that sets the scene: you’re either Elliott racing against time to find gold bricks to power the transmitter, or E.T. using his powers to soothe agitated plants so you can sneak by searching scientists. The narrative passages are concise but effective, ensuring players always understand their immediate objective without wading through lengthy exposition.

By focusing on the central “phone home” goal, the game retains the film’s core emotional theme: friendship across worlds. Moments like E.T. reviving wilting flowers or Elliott fearing for his alien friend’s safety add genuine warmth. Though there isn’t much original dialogue, the musical cues and on-screen prompts evoke that classic longing for connection and the bittersweet farewell.

Overall Experience

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial for GBA is a nostalgia-driven title that marries light puzzle-solving with stealth mechanics. Its strength lies in offering bite-sized levels reflecting the movie’s most memorable scenes. While veteran gamers seeking deep, action-packed sequences might find the pacing a touch leisurely, fans of the original film will appreciate revisiting these moments in interactive form.

The learning curve remains approachable, with early levels serving as gentle tutorials before escalating into more intricate hide-and-seek scenarios. Save points are conveniently placed, reducing the frustration of replaying entire stages. Moreover, the ability to freely toggle between Elliott and E.T. keeps the experience dynamic and prevents monotony throughout the roughly six-hour campaign.

Ultimately, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial stands as a charming, well-executed licensed game. It might not redefine the puzzle-stealth genre, but it delivers a heartfelt journey that captures the spirit of Spielberg’s classic. For collectors, retro enthusiasts, or families looking for a kid-friendly adventure, this GBA title remains a delightful—and occasionally challenging—trip to “phone home.”

Retro Replay Score

4.9/10