Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Masters of the Universe: He-Man – Power of Grayskull delivers a classic beat-’em-up experience that evokes memories of Golden Axe and Gauntlet, but with a distinct Eternia twist. Players guide He-Man through thirteen increasingly challenging levels, each filled with Skeletor’s minions, hidden keys, and warp portals that must be destroyed to halt enemy reinforcements. The pacing strikes a balance between non-stop action and brief respite moments, as you search for keys to unlock doors and free captive allies such as Man-At-Arms or Cringer.

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The combat system is straightforward yet satisfying. He-Man’s sword attacks and shield blocks are easy to execute, and the game rewards careful timing and positioning. Power-up pickups scattered throughout each stage grant temporary boosts to strength or defense, adding a layer of strategy when deciding whether to conserve or expend these buffs. The ability to rescue captured friends doesn’t just bolster your score—it also unlocks special tag-team moves, giving veteran players an incentive to replay levels and uncover every secret.

One of the game’s standout features is the occasional Battle Cat segments, which switch the pace to a side-scrolling “shooter” perspective. Mounting Battle Cat transforms He-Man’s blade slashes into energy blasts, introducing fresh mechanics that prevent the main game loop from feeling monotonous. While these sections ramp up the intensity, they also serve as both a narrative and gameplay bridge, leading you from one visually distinct area of Eternia to the next.

The inclusion of a password save system is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows progress retention across the thirteen-level quest without the need for a battery-backed memory. On the other, jotting down lengthy codes can be cumbersome for players accustomed to modern save features. Nevertheless, it harkens back to ’80s and ’90s gaming culture in a way that many retro enthusiasts will find charming.

Graphics

Power of Grayskull’s visuals draw heavily from the updated Masters of the Universe cartoon, translating bold character designs and vibrant color palettes into crisp, 16-bit–style sprites. He-Man’s muscular frame and flowing blonde locks are faithfully rendered, and Skeletor’s yellow skull visage pops against the darker backdrops of Snake Mountain. Each enemy type is visually distinct, so you’ll quickly learn to recognize Beast Man’s fiery staff or Clawful’s massive pincers before they swat you offscreen.

Backgrounds showcase a variety of Eternia’s locales, from the misty forests surrounding Castle Grayskull to the mechanical corridors of Snake Mountain. Parallax scrolling layers add depth to each scene, while animated environmental hazards—like collapsing platforms or swinging chains—inject life into the stages. Even minor details, such as torches flickering in dim caverns or the shimmer of magical portals, help immerse the player in He-Man’s world.

Character animations are smooth and packed with personality. He-Man’s sword swings feel weighty, and his victory poses conjure the same heroic flourish seen on screen. Enemy movement cycles are unique enough that you can predict attacks, which is crucial in crowded skirmishes. The Battle Cat sections feature a slightly altered art style to mimic a forward-scrolling shooter, but the transition is seamless and visually coherent with the main adventure.

While the game doesn’t break new ground graphically by contemporary standards, it stands out as a polished homage to classic arcade-style visuals. Players seeking a nostalgically styled presentation will appreciate the careful attention to sprite detail, bright color contrasts, and faithfully recreated character likenesses.

Story

The narrative in Power of Grayskull is simple yet effective: Skeletor has unleashed his evil forces across Eternia, captured He-Man’s allies, and seeks to seize the power of Castle Grayskull. As the rightful champion, He-Man must carve a path through thirteen perilous levels to confront the dark lord and restore peace. Though the plot doesn’t stray far from the tried-and-true hero’s quest, it aligns perfectly with the source material’s straightforward good-versus-evil themes.

Each level is introduced with a brief text crawl that sets the scene, reminding players why they’re battling through hordes of Hordak foot soldiers or navigating venomous swamps. Rescuing friends such as Man-At-Arms or Teela is more than just a gameplay mechanic—it reinforces the sense of camaraderie that defines the Masters of the Universe universe. Unlocking these allies provides small narrative payoffs, celebrating the bond between He-Man and his companions.

Boss encounters against iconic foes like Beast Man, Clawful, and Skeletor himself serve as climactic story beats. These fights are woven into the overarching quest rather than feeling like optional challenges, creating a sense of progression both mechanically and narratively. While dialogue is minimal, the game’s visuals, enemy designs, and level transitions convey a coherent storyline that fans of the franchise will easily follow and newcomers can enjoy without prior knowledge.

Overall, the story functions as the scaffolding for the action. It keeps you moving forward, eager to learn which ally might appear next, and ultimately culminates in a satisfying showdown at Castle Grayskull’s gates. It’s a concise adventure that honors its ’80s cartoon heritage while delivering just enough context to elevate each level beyond a simple hack-and-slash.

Overall Experience

Masters of the Universe: He-Man – Power of Grayskull offers a tight, action-packed journey through a beloved fantasy world. Its blend of hack-and-slash combat, exploration for keys and power-ups, and occasional Battle Cat shooter segments ensures a varied playthrough that rarely feels stale. The password save system, while archaic, reinforces the retro charm for players who appreciate classic design sensibilities.

The learning curve is approachable; newcomers can dive in and appreciate the basics, while veterans of beat-’em-ups will find room to refine their combo timing and optimize power-up usage. The visual presentation and faithful character depictions cater to fans of the Masters of the Universe IP, and the straightforward story keeps momentum high without bogging down the action.

Though it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, Power of Grayskull stands as a polished homage to ’80s toy-based adventures and arcade classics. For collectors, retro gamers, or anyone looking for a concise, adrenaline-filled quest as He-Man, this title scratches that nostalgic itch. Its replay value is boosted by hidden areas, rescue bonuses, and the drive to perfect each level’s completion time.

In the end, Power of Grayskull succeeds in capturing the spirit of Eternia. It’s an enjoyable pick for those who love hack-and-slash gameplay wrapped in bright, colorful graphics and a straightforward heroic quest. Whether you’re defending Castle Grayskull for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, He-Man’s latest adventure delivers satisfying sword-and-sorcery action from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10