Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Austin Powers: Welcome to My Underground Lair! puts you in the diabolical shoes of Dr. Evil, offering a playful spin on the traditional platformer by weaving together a variety of mini-games and a main bike-racing adventure. The heart of the experience lies in guiding Dr. Evil along twisting underground tunnels on his sleek motorcycle, where you collect stacks of cash, avoid explosive barrels, and outpace pursuing secret agents. Controls feel intuitive on the Game Boy Color, with responsive d-pad steering and simple A/B button inputs for accelerating and jumping.

Beyond the adrenaline-fuelled bike races, the lair itself acts as a hub for three twitchy, nostalgia-driven games: a Pac-Man-style maze-chase, an Othello-inspired tile strategy challenge, and a quickrock/paper/scissors clash. Each mini-game captures its namesake’s essence while adding a cheeky, “evil genius” twist—ghosts replaced by mini-henchmen, discs shaped like gold coins, and animated hand symbols dripping with villainous flair. These diversions break up the racing segments nicely, providing short bursts of variety that keep the pacing brisk.

For players seeking extra depth, the lair’s utilities menu houses PC-style tools like a document maker, calculator, and an infrared messaging feature unique to the GBC. While these programs aren’t games per se, they contribute to the immersive atmosphere of running a real supervillain operation. Craft a faked ransom note, calculate your evil tax deductions, or beam taunting taunts to a friend’s Game Boy—these playful touches extend the playtime and showcase the game’s tongue-in-cheek personality.

Graphics

Visually, Welcome to My Underground Lair! pushes the Game Boy Color’s palette to its limits, bathing Dr. Evil’s hideout in shades of neon green, deep purple, and sinister black. Character sprites are charmingly caricatured, with Dr. Evil’s trademark bald head and raised pinkie instantly recognizable, even on the tiny screen. The background details—winding pipes, flickering computer screens, and rotating security cameras—help evoke the feel of a high-tech fortress without ever feeling cluttered.

Each mini-game boasts its own distinct aesthetic. The Pac-Man homage features maze walls that pulse like electricity conduits, while the Othello board glows with a metallic sheen as pieces flip in rapid animation. The motorcycle stages are where the visuals truly shine: a parallax effect imparts depth to the tunnels, and cleverly timed sprite animations—like falling stalactites and darting laser beams—add drama to each high-speed run. The occasional full-screen splash art of Dr. Evil issuing orders underscores the game’s comic-book vibe.

While the graphics won’t rival handheld titles on more advanced systems, they’re more than serviceable for the era and platform. Animations are smooth, sprites maintain clarity even in the most hectic moments, and color choices consistently reinforce the “mega-villain” theme. Frame rates remain stable throughout, ensuring that gameplay never hiccups, even when multiple objects crowd the screen.

Story

The narrative in Welcome to My Underground Lair! is light on exposition but heavy on personality, perfectly capturing the absurd humor of the Austin Powers franchise. Dr. Evil has finally grown tired of being the underdog and decides to give fans a direct peek into his secret headquarters. There’s no lengthy cutscene marathon—just a series of tongue-in-cheek interludes that nod to the films, complete with quips about laser beams, world domination, and the woes of sharing a volcano lair.

Between levels, you’re treated to brief video clips and stills that recap moments from the first two Austin Powers movies, tying the game’s antics back to the silver screen. These multimedia segments are surprisingly crisp for GBC standards, and they serve as a fun reward for completing key challenges. The inclusion of screensavers and character bios further immerses you in Dr. Evil’s world, giving a sense of continuity even if the plot itself remains secondary to the gameplay.

Though the storyline doesn’t evolve dramatically—there’s no epic boss showdown or shocking plot twist—the game’s wry commentary and self-awareness keep it engaging. You never feel like you’re merely shuttled from one level to the next; instead, each segment feels like a mission in the larger scheme of your diabolical master plan. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the little Easter eggs—miniature fembots darting across the screen, or a cameo from Mini-Me tucked into a corner of the lair.

Overall Experience

Austin Powers: Welcome to My Underground Lair! stands out as a whimsical love letter to 1960s spy spoofs and 1990s tech culture, wrapped up in a portable package that’s as entertaining as it is offbeat. The blend of racing action, strategic mini-games, and playful utilities creates a well-rounded experience that’s longer and more varied than your average Game Boy Color title. Whether you’re zipping through tunnels or plotting your next evil scheme, there’s always something new to explore.

The game’s humor is its greatest selling point—its cheeky dialogue, garish color schemes, and goofy animations ensure that even repetitive sections feel fresh. While some players may find the difficulty curve a tad inconsistent—certain mini-games can be unforgiving, and collision detection in the bike stages occasionally feels tight—the overall ride is smooth and decidedly fun. Add in the novelty of infrared messaging and printable stationary, and you’ve got a package that feels more like a villainous utility belt than a simple cartridge.

For prospective buyers today, Welcome to My Underground Lair! offers a nostalgic trip back to the late 1990s handheld heyday. It’s not a blockbuster blockbuster, but it’s a charming, well-executed tie-in that stands on its own merits. If you’re a fan of Austin Powers, classic arcade mechanics, or just enjoy offbeat GBC fare, this game is well worth a spin in your portable collection.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10