Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Elevator Action Old & New delivers a signature arcade experience centered around vertical traversal and strategic planning. In the “old” version, you control a faceless super-spy from a side-view perspective, navigating a series of floors by changing elevators and stairwells while ducking enemy fire. The non-scrolling stages force you to plan your route carefully: which elevator to call, when to dash across an open shaft, and how to avoid or confront guards.

Core mechanics remain as tight and responsive as ever. Shooting enemy agents, dropping light fixtures to plunge areas into darkness, and timing your elevator rides add layers of risk versus reward. Each level feels like a puzzle, and mastering the guard patterns becomes its own satisfying challenge. Compared to many modern action titles, Elevator Action’s simplicity is a breath of fresh air—it’s easy to learn but hard to truly master.

Switching to the “new” GBA-exclusive arranged version, you’ll notice additional depth without straying from the original formula. Multiple selectable characters each boast unique movement speeds, weapon types, and special attacks—one might dash faster between cars, while another packs a stronger pistol blast. A health bar replaces the one-hit-kill system, offering beginners more room for error. Expanded stages introduce new enemy types like patrolling robots and lumbering zombies, keeping seasoned players on their toes.

Graphics

The re-release respects the classic 8-bit charm of the original Elevator Action, with faithfully recreated sprites and stark, monochromatic floors that scream early arcade era. Enemy soldiers move in predictable yet recognizable patterns, and your agent remains edge-lit for visibility. This retro style is more than nostalgia; it reinforces the gameplay’s emphasis on clarity and split-second decision-making.

In contrast, the “new” arranged mode embraces a colorful, “cute-fied” overhaul tailored to the Game Boy Advance’s palette. Characters are rendered with expressive faces and distinct outfits, making each selectable agent feel alive. Backgrounds gain subtle detail—office curtains, filing cabinets, and illuminated floor indicators all pop against the hardware’s default green screen. Animations, especially elevator doors sliding open and closed, look smoother and more dynamic.

While some purists might prefer the starkness of the arcade original, the updated visuals do more than add flair—they enhance readability. It’s easier to distinguish between regular guards, robot sentries, and the occasional zombie shuffle. Lighting effects from dropped fixtures cast believable shadows, contributing to immersion without sacrificing performance. Overall, the dual presentation caters to both retro enthusiasts and players seeking a modern polish.

Story

At its heart, Elevator Action tells a simple but effective tale: you are a covert agent infiltrating a high-rise stronghold to retrieve secret documents before making a clean getaway. Story beats are minimal, delivered through brief mission intros and a handful of cutscenes. This stripped-down narrative fits perfectly with the arcade spirit—no sprawling lore, just a clear objective and escalating tension from floor to floor.

The arranged GBA mode sprinkles in a bit more context by introducing multiple protagonists, each with a unique backstory hinted at in character selection screens. While these bios don’t dramatically alter gameplay, they do lend personality to your mission. A seasoned field agent may be portrayed as cold and efficient, while a rookie operative might get an encouraging nod from headquarters before diving in.

Neither version aims to be a cinematic espionage thriller, but that works in its favor. The minimalist plot keeps you focused on action beats—dodging bullets, outrunning guards, and timing elevator doors. It’s a lean narrative structure that respects your time and highlights the core gameplay loop. For fans of classic spy tropes, these quick injections of personality are enough to make each run feel distinct without bogging you down in dialogue.

Overall Experience

Elevator Action Old & New strikes a rare balance between retro authenticity and modern enhancements. The dual-package format offers tremendous value: you can enjoy the pure, unadulterated arcade original or jump into the fleshed-out GBA arrangement with its character variety and extended levels. Neither version overstays its welcome—levels are quick, replayable, and built around precision.

Whether you’re a veteran of coin-op cabinets or a newcomer looking for bite-sized thrills on the go, this compilation adapts gracefully. The arcade classic remains a masterclass in minimalist design, while the arranged version respects those roots and introduces fresh content that complements rather than overshadows the source material. The result is an engaging package that feels tailor-made for handheld play, perfect for short bursts or marathon sessions.

For those seeking pure, old-school platform-shooting action, Elevator Action Old & New is a must-play. It captures the immediacy of a vintage arcade hit and breathes new life into it with thoughtful additions. In an era of sprawling open worlds and endless tutorials, its straightforward fun is warmly welcome—simply press start and ascend those floors.

Retro Replay Score

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