Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X-Men: Mutant Wars delivers classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up action with a Marvel twist. Players can cycle through five iconic mutants—Wolverine, Storm, Iceman, Gambit, and Cyclops—each boasting unique abilities that shape how you tackle hordes of enemies. The core combat loop revolves around pairing standard punches and kicks with devastating mutant powers, from Storm’s lightning strikes to Wolverine’s feral claws, creating satisfying combos as you advance.

A standout feature is the seamless character-switching mechanic. Each mutant’s power meter depletes with use, so swapping out your hero not only restores their strength but also encourages strategic play. Certain sections of levels demand specific powers—like using Iceman’s ice slides to cross hazardous terrain—adding a layer of puzzle-style decision-making to the otherwise straightforward brawling.

Beyond the normal story mode, Mutant Wars offers a challenging “Boss Rush” variant. Here, you must defeat every major villain one after another, and once a character’s power bar empties, they’re gone for good. This puts real stakes on each encounter, transforming routine punches into calculated attempts to conserve your favorite mutant for the final showdown.

Graphics

The pixel art in Mutant Wars strikes a nostalgic chord, evoking the golden age of arcade beat-’em-ups while incorporating modern flourishes. Bright, well-defined sprites depict each X-Man and enemy with surprising detail—Wolverine’s retractable claws sparkle, and Storm’s cape flutters dynamically when she summons a storm. Backgrounds range from a futuristic Danger Room to a crumbling Sentinels’ factory, each layered with animated elements like flickering lights and whirring machinery.

Special effects for mutant powers truly shine. Iceman’s frost breath leaves a misty trail; Cyclops’s optic blasts carve glowing swaths through hostile lines; and Gambit’s charged cards crackle with purple energy. These visual cues not only look impressive but also help you read the battlefield quickly, an essential asset when waves of enemies converge.

Character animations feel both fluid and weighty, giving every punch, kick, and power strike a tangible impact. Boss sprites tower above the playable mutants, creating dramatic showdowns against villains like Magneto and Sentinels. While the visual style leans retro, the color palette and lighting effects keep things fresh, ensuring the game doesn’t feel dated by today’s standards.

Story

Mutant Wars keeps its narrative lean but effective. The central premise sees the X-Men responding to a mutant crisis orchestrated by Magneto, unleashing an assortment of rogue mutants and mechanical monstrosities. Cutscenes between levels provide quick insights into each stage of Magneto’s plan, giving context to your mission without bogging you down in exposition.

Individual character dialogues inject personality into the proceedings. Storm’s composed leadership contrasts with Wolverine’s gruff quips, while Gambit’s playful banter lightens the mood. These brief exchanges reinforce the X-Men’s camaraderie and help you connect with each hero as you swap between them in battle.

The optional Boss Rush mode strips away the standard narrative checkpoints, instead framing the experience as a final gauntlet imposed by Magneto himself. This alternate storyline twist is minimal but effective, turning the story into a high-stakes, all-out challenge that tests your mettle and your roster management skills.

Overall Experience

X-Men: Mutant Wars masterfully blends nostalgic beat-’em-up mechanics with superhero flair. The ability to seamlessly switch between five distinct characters keeps combat fresh and encourages experimentation. Whether you’re unleashing an all-out Cyclops laser barrage or slipping through enemies on Iceman’s ice slides, each playstyle feels rewarding.

Replay value is strong thanks to the dual modes and unlockable difficulties. The Boss Rush mode in particular adds a layer of strategic depth, since you must decide when to conserve or expend each mutant’s energy. Plus, finding hidden pathways that require a specific power adds optional exploration to the linear levels.

For fans of classic side-scrolling brawlers and Marvel enthusiasts alike, Mutant Wars offers a compelling package. Its charismatic cast, vibrant graphics, and tight combat systems come together in an experience that both honors its arcade roots and introduces nuanced strategic elements. If you’ve been waiting for a beat-’em-up that lets you truly feel like an X-Man, this title is well worth adding to your collection.

Retro Replay Score

5.1/10