Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rats! delivers a classic side-scrolling platformer experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Players assume the role of Mr. Raz, a reformed hitman turned farmer, thrust back into action when his beloved Loretta Mozzarella is kidnapped by mob boss Marlon Mozzarella. The basic mechanics revolve around running, jumping, and shooting through five distinct worlds, each comprising 15 tightly designed levels. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that each stage feels meaningful without overstaying its welcome.

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The core loop of collecting pieces of food before the timer hits zero adds a layer of urgency to the typical run-and-gun formula. Scattered throughout each level are cheese wheels, sausage links, and bread loaves that must be acquired to progress. This mechanic forces players to balance careful exploration against the ticking clock, encouraging route memorization and quick reflexes. Power-ups such as temporary invincibility, speed boosts, and multi-shot weapons further spice up the action.

Enemy variety is another strong point. You’ll face off against rogue rats, mechanized farm tools come to life, and even jazz-infused boss battles at the end of each world. The obstacle design ranges from collapsing platforms and spiked traps to razor-sharp cheese graters, demanding split-second timing and precision. While the difficulty curve ramps up noticeably in later worlds, generous checkpoint placement tempers frustration and keeps the momentum flowing.

Additionally, secret passages and hidden bonus rooms reward keen-eyed players who take the time to explore. Finding these treasures often unlocks new weapon skins or bonus food pieces, adding replay value for completionists. Cooperative local play is supported as well, allowing a second player to drop in as “Sidekick Mouse,” making the whole experience more chaotic—and more fun—when shared with a friend.

Graphics

Visually, Rats! strikes a delightful balance between cartoony charm and gritty underworld aesthetics. The countryside farm opening exudes pastoral warmth with rolling fields and chirping birds, but as you delve deeper into the city’s underbelly, neon signs and graffiti-laden backstreets set a grittier tone. Each environment is bursting with color and detail, from cornstalk-lined barns to subterranean sewer networks, ensuring that every world feels unique.

The character animations are smooth and expressive. Mr. Raz’s limber movements—whether he’s vaulting over crates or firing rapid shots—feel perfectly weighty, with subtle recoil on each weapon firing. Enemies, too, are fully animated, scampering, leaping, and retaliating in ways that feel both lively and challenging. Special effects like muzzle flashes, explosion debris, and particle-based confetti when you clear a level add to the visceral satisfaction of each encounter.

Technically, Rats! runs at a rock-solid frame rate, even when the screen is crowded with foes, items, and physics-driven hazards. There are no noticeable slowdowns or hitches, which is crucial when millisecond-precision jumps are required. The game also supports multiple display modes, including a CRT shader for those craving a retro vibe and a crisp HD presentation for modern setups.

On the audio front, the soundtrack deserves mention for its jazzy undertones and driving rhythms. Each world has its own thematic track, from banjo-laden farm tunes to slick urban grooves. Sound effects are punchy, with each weapon sounding distinct and satisfying, and ambient noises—like rats scurrying or distant sirens—help build an immersive soundscape.

Story

The narrative of Rats! intertwines humor, danger, and heartfelt motivation. Mr. Raz’s transition from ruthless hitman to humble farmer paints him as a layered protagonist seeking redemption. His bond with Loretta Mozzarella adds emotional stakes to the rescue mission, making each bullet fired feel personal. It’s a storyline that might sound absurd on paper—cheese-themed surnames and all—but it works because the game leans into its quirky premise.

Dialogues between levels are short but punchy, often delivered through comic-strip–style panels that evoke classic Saturday-morning cartoons. These bits of banter flesh out the characters, introducing eccentric mob goons, undercover informers, and even a rogue rooster who serves as an unexpected ally. The tone remains lighthearted, yet there are genuine moments of tension when Raz is cornered by overwhelming odds.

Boss encounters serve as narrative milestones, each representing one of Marlon Mozzarella’s top lieutenants. From “Big Bobby Bratwurst” in the meat-packing plant to “Neon Nicky” in the city’s jazz underground, every boss has a short backstory that ties into the game’s cheeky underworld lore. Defeating these bosses not only unlocks new gameplay abilities but also propels the rescue mission forward, giving a satisfying sense of progression.

While the main storyline wraps up in a climactic showdown at Marlon’s fortified mansion, optional side objectives and collectible documents scattered across levels hint at deeper conspiracies within the cheese mafioso hierarchy. These extras are perfect for players who crave narrative depth beyond the core rescue plot.

Overall Experience

Rats! offers an engaging blend of fast-paced platforming, challenging combat, and a lighthearted story that never takes itself too seriously. The well-crafted level design, varied enemies, and strategic food-collection mechanic ensure that every minute of play feels purposeful and entertaining. Whether you’re a hardcore speedrunner trying to master each timer or a casual gamer exploring every nook and cranny, there’s something here for you.

The game’s visual and audio presentation further elevate the experience, crafting a world that is both vibrant and full of personality. Technical performance remains rock-solid even during the most action-packed sequences, and the option to play in local co-op adds a social dimension that’s ideal for weekend gaming sessions with friends.

In terms of replayability, the hidden rooms, alternate routes, and challenge modes (unlocked after beating the main story) provide plenty of reasons to revisit the game. Leaderboards for fastest completion times and highest food-collection scores foster a sense of community competition without ever feeling mandatory.

All told, Rats! stands out as one of the more memorable platformers in recent years. Its charming aesthetic, smart gameplay hooks, and memorable cast of characters make it a solid recommendation for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. If you’re looking for an action-packed rescue mission steeped in cheesy humor and rat-infested thrills, you’ll want to give Rats! a spin.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10