Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Thunderbirds
Item: Thunderbirds
Author: Retro Replay

The core of Thunderbirds lies in its collection of seven distinct mini-games, each themed around one of the Tracy Family’s iconic vehicles. From the moment you lift off in Thunderbird 1 to the final race in FAB1, the game constantly shifts perspective and style, offering a nostalgic trip through side-scrolling shooters, top-down puzzles, vertical-scrolling arcade blasts and subterranean exploration. This structure keeps the pacing brisk and ensures that no two missions feel the same.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

In the TB1 segment, you pilot a recon and combat craft in a classic side-scrolling format. Bombing ground installations, strafing enemy aircraft and spotting stranded civilians tasks you with juggling offense and rescue in equal measure. Controls are responsive, though veteran players may find the aim and drop mechanics a touch forgiving, making the learning curve gentle for newcomers.

Every other mission introduces a fresh challenge: TB2’s top-down rescue craft emphasizes puzzle-solving and open-ended exploration, while TB3’s space shuttle delivers a satisfying vertical shooter trial. TB4’s submarine dives you into side-on combat and scavenging, and The Mole channels Dig Dug–style digging, resource gathering and subterranean skirmishes. Each of these modes feels like a lovingly crafted retro throwback, complete with simple but engaging mechanics.

Finally, FAB1’s time-based, top-down driving sequences capture that Chase HQ adrenaline rush as you thread narrow streets and avoid hazards. Meanwhile, the Tracy Family Space Station segments offer narrative interludes and mission briefings, allowing Brain to drop intel and story hints. The combination—and occasional overlap—of these seven mini-games across exotic locales like Egypt, Nepal and the Amazon provides a diverse gameplay palette, though some players may wish for deeper progression systems within each mode.

Graphics

Thunderbirds embraces a pixel-art aesthetic that harks back to the golden age of 16-bit consoles. Each mini-game boasts its own palette and art direction, ensuring environments—from arid desert ruins to dense rainforest canopies—feel distinct. Character sprites are minimal, but the focus on vehicles and hazard design keeps the action clear and readable, even in the busiest sequences.

The animation is smooth, with each craft exhibiting flourish in its movement—bomber arcs in TB1, the Mole’s dirt-churning digs and FAB1’s skidding turns all convey weight and momentum. Backgrounds feature subtle parallax scrolling that adds depth without overwhelming the foreground action. Occasionally, some set pieces feel a little repetitive (notably in later TB1 bombing runs), but overall the visuals strike a pleasing balance of nostalgia and clarity.

Brightness and contrast are tuned to ensure hazards are highlighted and collectibles stand out, which is particularly important in the puzzle-heavy TB2 levels or the cramped corridors of The Mole’s subterranian digs. While purists seeking high-definition textures will find the retro style limited, fans of old-school arcades will appreciate the lovingly drawn pixels and atmospheric color schemes.

Supplementing the core visuals are occasional animated cut-ins on the Tracy Family Space Station, where Brain appears in a more detailed cel-shaded style. These interludes feel a little disconnected from the 8-bit action, but they help establish the Thunderbirds atmosphere and break up the rhythm of nonstop arcade gameplay.

Story

Thunderbirds’ narrative is light by design, serving primarily as glue to connect the diverse mini-games. The Hood’s nefarious plot unfolds through a series of mission briefings delivered by Brains on the Tracy Family Space Station. While dialogue is sparse and functional, it offers enough intrigue to motivate each mission: decipher the Hood’s clues before he puts his plan into motion.

The global settings—Egyptian pyramids, Bermuda’s mysterious Triangle, the Himalayas, Amazon jungles and metropolitan London—provide a cinematic backdrop that feels faithful to the classic series. Occasional mission-specific cutscenes reveal pieces of The Hood’s master scheme, but the overall plot never threatens to outshine the gameplay. Players who grew up with the original Thunderbirds will enjoy spotting Easter eggs and familiar character references sprinkled throughout.

Character development takes a backseat here: the Tracy siblings are largely avatars for the vehicles they pilot, and The Hood remains an enigmatic figure whose motivations are hinted at but never laid bare. That said, the episodic structure mirrors the beloved TV format, making each level feel like a self-contained adventure in its own right.

For those seeking a deep narrative, Thunderbirds may feel thin; however, this simplicity allows for uninterrupted action and variety. Story enthusiasts will find enough breadcrumbs to piece together a cohesive antagonist arc, while players more focused on gameplay can dive straight into the next mission without worrying about lengthy cutscenes.

Overall Experience

Thunderbirds succeeds most when it leans into its strength: delivering bite-sized, arcade-inspired fun across a roster of distinctive mini-games. The variety ensures that the gameplay loop rarely grows stale, and each vehicle’s controls are tuned to evoke classic gaming memories. Though each mode is fairly short, repeated playthroughs—for chasing high scores or discovering all intelligence fragments—add replay value.

The sound design and music reinforce the old-school vibe, with chiptune tracks that shift to match each environment and mode. Explosions, engine roars and digging effects are crisply rendered in 8-bit style, lending audio cues that aid in gameplay as well as atmosphere. Occasional voice snippets from Brains and Lady Penelope add a polished touch, reminding players of the larger Thunderbirds universe.

On the downside, some mini-games lean toward repetition if you spend too long in one mode, and there’s no deep upgrade system or branching pathways to extend longevity beyond arcade leaderboards. Players seeking a modern, open-world experience will likely find the linear structure limiting. However, for families, retro enthusiasts and fans of the Thunderbirds franchise, this title offers a charming blast of nostalgia.

In summary, Thunderbirds is best enjoyed in short bursts—perfect for tabletop sessions or handheld play. Its simple yet varied gameplay, coupled with faithful visual and audio design, makes it an engaging title for those who remember the original series or anyone looking for a compact, arcade-style adventure. While it may not revolutionize the mini-game compilation genre, it stands out as a heartfelt tribute to one of television’s most enduring super-rescue teams.