Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Superman delivers a classic sidescrolling action experience that will feel familiar to fans of 2D platformers, but it adds a unique twist by giving you the power of flight. Each level challenges players to collect a set number of keys hidden throughout the environment or dropped by defeated foes. Once you’ve gathered enough keys, you’ll face a mini-boss or environmental challenge before stepping on a marked exit pad to progress. This loop of exploration and combat keeps the pace brisk and encourages careful navigation of each area.

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The controls are straightforward: Superman can walk, jump and punch, and by holding the jump button he can soar overhead to bypass obstacles or attack from above. Punching not only damages enemies but also deflects incoming projectiles back at them, which adds a satisfying layer of timing to every encounter. However, those who rely too heavily on flight will discover that Superman’s airborne mobility can be a double-edged sword—some levels employ forced scrolling with floating bombs and electrical barriers, making aerial maneuvers as hazardous as they are powerful.

The game strikes a balance between ground-based platforming and aerial combat. On the ground, you’ll tackle classic platforming challenges—leaping over chasms, avoiding environmental hazards, and delivering combos to waves of gun-toting henchmen. In all-flying stages, the pace shifts to a vertical shoot-’em-up style, where precise positioning and sustained pressure on the fly button are essential to keep Superman aloft. While there’s no ranged attack, the flight segments demand constant attention to hazards that can chip away at your health if you’re not careful.

Graphics

Visually, Superman captures the bold, graphic aesthetic of Superman: The Animated Series. Character sprites are sharply defined, with Superman’s bright red-and-blue costume and flowing cape standing out crisply against the darker backgrounds. Villains and generic enemies are drawn in a style faithful to the show, ensuring that iconic characters feel instantly recognizable. The game’s environments vary from rooftop cityscapes to industrial interiors, each rendered in rich, block-colored palettes that evoke the animated series’ art direction.

Animation is smooth for the most part, with Superman’s punches, flight frames and impact reactions feeling weighty and responsive. When you deflect bullets or smash through crates, the visual feedback is immediate and satisfying. Boss encounters challenge the hardware with larger sprites and more elaborate attack patterns; while occasional flicker can occur during heavily populated screens, it rarely interferes with the gameplay flow.

Backgrounds often feature parallax scrolling layers, lending depth to the 2D presentation. From buzzing power plants to nighttime Metropolis skylines, each level sets its own mood with subtle lighting effects and atmospheric touches. Though the hardware limits detail when you zoom out to survey the level, moments of close-up combat allow the game’s art team to shine, showcasing crisp outlines, vibrant colors and well-designed animations that bring Superman’s world to life.

Story

Superman’s narrative is straightforward, acting as a functional backdrop to the action. The premise revolves around an upsurge of supervillains and hidden threats across Metropolis, prompting Superman to swoop in and restore order. While there’s no deep dialogue or cutscenes, text interludes set up each stage’s objective—track down stolen technology, rescue hostages or shut down a rogue power grid. This simplicity keeps the game moving but may leave players wishing for more narrative depth.

Fans of the animated series will appreciate the cameo appearances of familiar villains and the nods to classic episodes. Whether you’re battling Lex Luthor’s henchmen or confronting mechanical traps set by Brainiac, each level feels like a mini-episode where you’re the star. Though the story segments are brief, they maintain a consistent tone and make good use of the source material’s visual style and character designs.

While the game doesn’t delve into complex character arcs or moral choices, it captures the essence of Superman’s heroism. The structure of each mission—finding keys, overcoming obstacles, clearing a boss—mirrors the series’ themes of perseverance and using power responsibly. In the absence of lengthy cutscenes, the gameplay itself tells the story: flying to the rescue, deflecting danger, and triumphing over evil, all delivered with the earnest spirit of the Man of Steel.

Overall Experience

Superman stands out as a solid adaptation of a beloved franchise, delivering responsive controls, varied level design and a faithful visual style. The blend of platforming and aerial combat keeps players on their toes, while the key-collection mechanic adds an element of exploration rarely seen in similar sidescrollers. Although the difficulty spikes in later levels—thanks to tighter scrolling sections and relentless hazards—the challenge feels fair rather than frustrating.

The game’s presentation may not rival more modern titles, but its faithful homage to the animated series gives it a timeless charm. Music and sound effects are functional and reinforce the on-screen action, though die-hard fans might wish for more iconic themes from the show. Still, the game’s upbeat pace and colorful aesthetics make for an engaging experience that works well in short bursts or longer play sessions.

For buyers seeking a straightforward action-platformer with the Superman license prominently on display, this title delivers. It’s not a sprawling open-world epic or a narrative heavy-hit, but it excels at what it sets out to do: let you play as the Man of Steel, punch through hordes of enemies, fly across vibrant cityscapes and save the day. If you’re a fan of classic sidescrollers or the animated series, Superman offers a rewarding trip back to 2D heroics.

Retro Replay Score

null/10