Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Suske en Wiske: De Tijdtemmers delivers a dynamic blend of puzzle-solving and arcade-style action that keeps players on their toes from start to finish. Each level challenges you to navigate environmental hazards—falling rocks in the Stone Age, shifting sand traps in ancient Egypt, and laser security systems in the near future—while piecing together scattered Time Machine components. The pacing strikes a nice balance, alternating between brain-teasing conundrums and adrenaline-pumping run-and-jump sequences.

One of the game’s standout features is the choice between playing as Suske or Wiske, each endowed with unique traits. Suske boasts a bit more speed and a smidgeon of extra health, making him ideal for players who prefer nimbler movement through obstacle courses. Wiske, on the other hand, has a special item—her trusty parasol—that can stun small enemies or trigger distant switches, rewarding more strategic play. This asymmetry adds replay value, as you may approach the same level in two distinct ways.

The controls are responsive and intuitive. Basic running, jumping, and attack commands map neatly to your controller or keyboard, with context-sensitive buttons for picking up time-shard pieces or activating levers. The learning curve is gentle; the first few tutorials ease you into each new mechanic without ever feeling patronizing. As you progress, combos and timed switches become more complex, but the game always offers just enough guidance—via visual cues or friendly voiceovers—to keep frustration at bay.

Level design shines particularly when puzzle and platforming elements converge. In one memorable Egyptian stage, you’ll redirect beams of light through mirrored obelisks to unlock secret doorways while evading rolling boulders. Later, in the near-future world, you manipulate gravity panels to traverse upside-down platforms, combining quick reflexes with spatial reasoning. These set pieces never overstay their welcome, and each time period feels distinct in challenge and theme.

Graphics

Visually, De Tijdtemmers captures the charm and vibrant palette of Willy Vandersteen’s classic comics. Character sprites of Suske and Wiske are faithful to their drawn counterparts, sporting bold linework and lively animations. Their expressions change dynamically—eye rolls when a puzzle resets, triumphant fist pumps after collecting a Time Machine gear—adding personality to every jump and landing.

The various time-period backdrops are rendered in lush 2D art with subtle parallax scrolling, lending depth to each scene. The Stone Age levels feature craggy rock formations and hand-painted flora, while ancient Egypt dazzles with sunlit pyramids, hieroglyph-adorned walls, and drifting sand particles. In the near future, neon-lit cityscapes and floating platforms glow against a star-speckled sky. Transitions between eras feel seamless, marked by a brief warp animation inside the Time Machine that builds excitement.

Attention to detail extends even to smaller touches: falling pebbles that kick up dust clouds, animated hieroglyphs that light up as you pass, and weather effects like swirling sandstorms or drifting snow in optional bonus stages. The frame rate remains stable on modern hardware, and load times between levels are minimal. Overall, the art direction is not just a nostalgic nod to comic book fans but a fully realized world that invites exploration.

Complementing the visuals is a bubbly soundtrack that adapts to each era. Primitive drumbeats underscore the Stone Age, while reed flutes and harpsichord motifs accompany you through Egypt. In the future stages, synth arpeggios and pulsing beats underscore the sense of high-tech intrigue. Sound effects—clang of collected gears, roar of awakened stone guardians—are crisp and well-balanced, creating an immersive audiovisual package.

Story

De Tijdtemmers sets its narrative in motion with a classic Suske & Wiske premise: their friend Lambik has been kidnapped by the nefarious Crimson, and the only way to save him is to reassemble the shattered Time Machine. The opening cutscene, styled like a moving comic strip, quickly establishes stakes without heavy exposition. Crimson’s diabolical laugh echoes as he scatters the machine’s parts across eras, laying the groundwork for a time-spanning pursuit.

While the core storyline is straightforward, it’s enriched by playful character interactions and occasional cameos from series staples. Suske’s earnest determination contrasts amusingly with Wiske’s cheeky commentary, and brief in-game dialogues reveal small bits of backstory—like why Crimson harbors a grudge against their group and how each world’s inhabitants react to these two visitors from another time. These narrative touches prevent the plot from feeling too thin.

Each time period brings its own mini-arc, often involving local side characters with quests that deepen the lore. In the Stone Age, you assist a mammoth-herder in escaping cave raiders, while in Egypt you decode a hieroglyphic prophecy foretelling Crimson’s ultimate plan. Such diversions may award bonus gears or hidden collectibles, encouraging players to explore rather than sprint through. They also underscore the game’s theme: that every era has its own secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Although the ending is predictably triumphant, it delivers satisfying closure. You’ll witness a final showdown with Crimson inside a fractured time-stream, highlighted by a clever boss fight that synthesizes all learned mechanics. A closing epilogue, again presented in comic-panel style, teases possible future adventures without feeling like a hollow cliffhanger. For fans of the original series, the story feels lovingly authentic, and for newcomers, it remains accessible and engaging.

Overall Experience

Suske en Wiske: De Tijdtemmers offers a polished package that will appeal to longtime comic fans and newcomers alike. The varied gameplay—mixing brain-bending puzzles with fast-paced platforming—keeps each level feeling fresh. Character choice adds replayability, and hidden areas reward curiosity. Whether you’re exploring prehistoric caves or neon-lit future cities, the game strikes a gratifying balance between challenge and charm.

Graphically, the title nails the vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic of Vandersteen’s originals while infusing modern touches—parallax effects, dynamic lighting, and smooth animations. Accompanied by an era-appropriate soundtrack and crisp sound design, you’re transported convincingly from one period to the next. It’s a visual and auditory feast that respects its source material without feeling dated.

The narrative, though straightforward, is enlivened by witty dialogue, engaging side quests, and a satisfying resolution. Character chemistry shines through playful banter, and each world tells its own micro-story, adding texture to the overarching quest. Even if you’re not steeped in Belgian comic lore, the plot provides enough context to stay invested in Lambik’s rescue.

Overall, De Tijdtemmers stands as a delightful family-friendly adventure with enough depth for hardcore platformer fans. The difficulty curve is welcoming, but optional challenges and collectibles beckon completionists. If you’re seeking a time-traveling romp filled with colorful characters, inventive puzzles, and heartfelt homage to a beloved comic duo, this title should be near the top of your wishlist.

Retro Replay Score

null/10