Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Incredibles for the Game Boy Advance delivers classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up action that feels both accessible and challenging. You start the adventure controlling Mr. Incredible, brawling through waves of henchmen with basic attacks, combos and jump maneuvers mapped to the main face buttons. As you progress, the family expands your arsenal: Dash’s speed bursts, Violet’s force fields and invisibility, and Helen’s stretchy arms each introduce new combat tactics.

Special “incredi-moves” add strategic depth by tapping the R button, unleashing powerful signature abilities that can turn the tide during tougher encounters. These moves draw from a separate meter that refills when you collect colorful icons scattered across stages or when you dispatch groups of enemies. Managing your incredi-energy becomes a key part of higher-difficulty play, especially in boss encounters.

Beyond standard brawling, the game sprinkles in variety with chase sequences starring Dash, forcing you to dash through obstacle-filled corridors at breakneck speed. Multiple enemy types wielding clubs, guns and futuristic gadgets keep each level fresh. When you fall in battle, the password system lets you pick up close to where you left off, ensuring the 30+ levels remain approachable without becoming a grind.

Graphics

Rather than attempting to replicate the movie’s polished 3D look, The Incredibles adopts a vibrant, hand-drawn comic-book aesthetic. Enemies and backgrounds pop in bold outlines and saturated colors, evoking the film’s stylized art direction while playing to the strengths of the GBA hardware. The result is a distinctive visual flair that stands out among other licensed titles.

Character sprites are well-animated, with smooth transitions between punching, jumping and special moves. Mr. Incredible’s muscle-bound frames flex convincingly during his power attacks, while Violet’s force field shimmers with clear pixel highlights. Even the minor bad guys exhibit varied walk cycles and reaction animations, making each skirmish feel visually dynamic.

Level designs range from lush jungle vistas on Nomanisan Island to the cramped corridors of Syndrome’s lair. Each environment is detailed with clever foreground and background elements—shadows slither across the walls, vines sway in the breeze, and tech panels flash ominously. These layered backdrops reinforce immersion and reward exploration, even in a linear beat-’em-up format.

Story

The game closely follows the film’s premise: after being summoned to Nomanisan Island for a clandestine mission, Mr. Incredible uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by Syndrome. While the storytelling is pared down to fit GBA constraints, cutscenes presented as static comic panels with caption text effectively convey key plot beats.

As you advance through the early stages, you’ll unlock playable versions of Dash, Violet and Elastigirl, each joining the effort to thwart Syndrome’s plan. Familiar faces like E and the bomb-wielding Bomb Voyage appear as mini-bosses, injecting nostalgia for fans of the movie. These cameo battles add fun variety and remind you why this family stands out in the superhero genre.

Though the narrative is straightforward, it succeeds in framing each level with purpose—rescue civilians, disable island defenses, infiltrate secret lairs—and culminates in a climactic showdown with Syndrome himself. The pacing is snappy, ensuring that story beats never overstay their welcome and keep the action front and center.

Overall Experience

The Incredibles on GBA captures the spirit of the movie while delivering solid, old-school beat-’em-up gameplay. Controls feel responsive, and the learning curve strikes a good balance: newcomers can pick up basic combos quickly, while completionists can master incredi-moves and meter management for higher replay value. The inclusion of over 30 levels and password saves means you’ll get plenty of mileage from the cartridge.

Visually engaging, mechanically robust and laden with fan-service moments, this adaptation fares better than many licensed titles of its era. The comic-book art style endows it with character, and the playable roster keeps combat varied across multiple playthroughs. While some stages can feel repetitive if tackled in rapid succession, pacing your sessions with the password system helps mitigate fatigue.

Ultimately, The Incredibles is an entertaining package for fans of the film and beat-’em-up enthusiasts alike. Its faithful depiction of beloved characters, combined with tight controls and a distinctive art direction, makes it a standout on the GBA. Whether you’re revisiting the island of Nomanisan or stepping into Frozone’s ice-cold shoes, there’s enough charm and challenge here to justify adding this title to your collection.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10