Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Austin Powers: Oh Behave! offers a surprisingly diverse lineup of mini-games and features that keep players engaged. The centerpiece, “International Man in a Platform Game,” casts you as the swinging secret agent himself, running through levels while dodging police hats, soccer balls, and various disco-themed hazards. Controls are simple and responsive, making it easy for newcomers to pick up but challenging enough to demand precise jumps and well-timed dodges as levels ramp up in difficulty.

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Beyond the platformer, the cartridge includes Austin-inspired takes on classic titles like Pac-Man, Othello, and Rock/Paper/Scissors. The Pac-Man variant substitutes ghosts for groovy henchmen and power pellets for miniature Shagadelic power-ups, injecting humor into a familiar formula. Othello’s straightforward strategy gameplay gains a cheeky makeover through themed tokens and witty in-game quips, while Rock/Paper/Scissors uses animated icons of Austin, Dr. Evil, and Mini-Me, making every round feel like a battle of personalities rather than mere shapes.

Adding to the appeal are novelty features such as the Shagulator calculator and Austin’s Pad word processor. These utilities may seem out of place in a video game, but they reinforce the tongue-in-cheek absurdity of the Austin Powers brand. The infra-red messaging system and Game Boy Printer support provide a rare social angle, allowing you to share taunting notes or high-score bragging rights with friends. Though these extras don’t massively extend playtime, they offer delightful diversions and underscore the cartridge’s playful intention.

Graphics

Given the Game Boy Color’s limitations, Oh Behave! does an admirable job translating Austin Powers’ psychedelic aesthetic onto the handheld screen. The platformer levels are awash in bold purples, electric blues, and bright yellows, evoking the swinging ’60s atmosphere without sacrificing clarity. Character sprites for Austin, enemies, and power-ups are easily distinguishable, although background details can occasionally blur during faster sections.

The mini-games maintain their own visual identities while still feeling cohesive in the overall package. Pac-Man’s maze walls feature mod motifs and floor tiles reminiscent of 60s dance floors, while Othello’s board and pieces boast charmingly over-the-top icons. Even the utility screens, like Austin’s Pad, sport retro-styled borders and fonts that fit the series’ campy humor. Screensavers and wallpapers accessible through the built-in Windows-like environment add a customizable flair, letting you deck out your GBC with psychedelic posters or moving disco balls.

Animation is serviceable if not spectacular. Austin’s platformer movements have an extra bounce that captures his charismatic swagger, but some enemy sprites repeat frames noticeably when turning or attacking. Cutscenes are minimal, relying on text and static images rather than full animation, yet they include amusing commentary that complements the game’s lighthearted tone. Overall, the graphics are more about style and personality than technical prowess, and they succeed at delivering a distinctly Austin Powers vibe on limited hardware.

Story

Rather than a deep narrative, Oh Behave! emphasizes comedic flavor through brief text interludes and parody-driven scenarios. The platformer begins with Dr. Evil’s nefarious plot to steal the world’s mojo, sending Austin on a mission across various groovy locales. Each level is introduced with playful text bubbles that set the scene, peppered with puns and pop-culture nods but never overloading players with exposition.

The mini-games and utilities loosely tie back to the Austin Powers universe, presenting themselves as gadgets and diversions Austin might carry on a secret mission. For instance, using the Shagulator in the midst of a Pac-Man session feels like having a spy tool at your fingertips, even if it’s ultimately just a calculator. The internet-style feature provides a tongue-in-cheek “official” dossier on the two films, complete with quirky trivia and animated icons, reinforcing familiarity for franchise fans.

Although you won’t find branching story paths or dramatic character development, the game’s charm lies in its unwavering commitment to Austin Powers humor. Villains pop up in mini-games as disco-era caricatures, and successful high scores unlock cheeky catchphrases or contraband-style posters for your handheld. The narrative thread is deliberately thin, but it’s more than adequate to frame each activity and keep the franchise’s cheeky spirit alive.

Overall Experience

Austin Powers: Oh Behave! stands out as a novelty title that balances mini-game variety with franchise fan service. If you’re seeking a deep, immersive adventure, this isn’t it. However, as a portable laugh-inducing diversion packed with classic arcade homages and goofy utilities, it delivers commendable replay value. Short play sessions shine, making it ideal for bus rides, waiting rooms, or quick breaks between more demanding titles.

Casual gamers and Austin Powers aficionados will appreciate the attention to thematic detail—from funky music loops and pun-filled text boxes to the infra-red messaging feature that encourages social interaction. While the absence of a unified progression system might disappoint completionists, the sheer amount of content—including multiple games and customization options—ensures there’s always something new to explore.

In the crowded landscape of licensed Game Boy Color titles, Oh Behave! carves its niche by offering more than a single retread of movie scenes. Its eclectic mix of platforming, board games, utilities, and social features makes for a well-rounded package that’s as much a toybox as it is a video game. If you’re looking for a lighthearted portable experience drenched in swinging 60s style and spy-spoof silliness, this cart is definitely worth a spin.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10