Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story delivers classic side-scrolling platform action with a modern twist. You take control of a skateboarding dinosaur protagonist determined to rescue his kidnapped companion from the evil Sethron’s castle. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing you to run, jump, and slide with precision across a variety of hazardous environments. Skateboard segments break up the pace, offering thrilling bursts of speed that reward quick reflexes.

The level design is both varied and challenging. Four distinct “worlds” each contain three stages that introduce new obstacles—moving platforms, spike traps, and vicious creatures brainwashed by Sethron. At the end of each world, you face a boss fight that tests the skills you’ve honed so far, whether it’s dodging fireballs or outmaneuvering a hulking mechanized guardian. The difficulty curve remains fair, with power-ups strategically placed to keep frustration in check.

Combat is simple but effective. You can fling stones or bowling balls at enemies to clear your path, and you’ll always appreciate the extra reach when a hoard of minions blocks your way. Health replenishment items, extra lives, and temporary invincibility pickups are sprinkled throughout the levels, encouraging exploration. This mix of run-and-gun elements with platforming makes each stage feel fresh and engaging.

The pacing never feels stale, thanks to the combination of foot-chase sequences, skateboard sprints, and carefully placed checkpoints. Even after multiple playthroughs, you’ll find new nooks to explore and secrets to uncover, making it an appealing choice for completionists and casual players alike.

Graphics

Visually, We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story impresses with colorful, cartoon-inspired sprites that capture the lighthearted essence of the original film. Character animations are fluid, from the hero’s agile jumps to Sethron’s dramatic defeat poses. The backgrounds are richly detailed, featuring lush forests, icy caverns, and the imposing silhouette of Sethron’s castle, each setting packed with subtle details that reward a second look.

The reskinning from its Baby T-Rex origins is seamless: character designs, color palettes, and environmental motifs all reflect the movie’s aesthetic. While the core engine and level layouts remain identical across different regional versions—from Sweden’s Bamse to Australia’s Agro Soar—the art team’s tweaks give this North American release its own personality. Fans of the film will appreciate hidden nods and background cameos that tie into the source material.

Enemies are distinct and memorable, ranging from mischievous cave critters to giant armored soldiers. Particle effects—like dust kicked up during skateboard jumps and spark bursts when objects collide—add polish to every action. Even on aging hardware, the game maintains a steady frame rate, ensuring that visual flair never comes at the expense of performance.

Overall, the combination of vibrant color schemes, detailed foregrounds, and smooth sprite animation makes this one of the more visually appealing platformers in its class. The art direction strikes a nice balance between whimsical charm and cinematic drama, making each world a joy to traverse.

Story

The narrative premise of We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story is simple but effective: Sethron, a mad scientist, has abducted your partner and brought her to his foreboding castle for sinister experiments. Armed only with a skateboard and an unwavering sense of justice, you embark on a perilous rescue mission. While the story unfolds mostly through brief cutscenes and on-stage interludes, it provides enough motivation to keep you glued to the screen.

What the story lacks in depth, it makes up for in atmosphere. Each world feels like a chapter in your quest—in the overworld, you navigate dense jungles where rogue wildlife has turned violent; in the frozen wastes, you chase after Sethron’s henchmen through crumbling ice bridges; and finally, you storm the castle itself, where every trap and turret seems custom-built to stop you. The escalating tension serves the platforming action well.

Character cameos from the film appear sparingly but meaningfully. While the plot doesn’t stray far from “damsel in distress,” the game’s lighthearted tone and occasional humor—like a runaway barrel chase—help it steer clear of melodrama. Boss encounters are treated as mini set-pieces, complete with dramatic cinematics that break up the action and reinforce your goal.

Overall, the story functions as an entertaining backdrop rather than the main attraction. If you’re looking for a platformer with a straightforward rescue plot and a dash of cinematic flair, We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story delivers just enough narrative punch to keep you invested.

Overall Experience

We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story stands out as a polished platformer that successfully blends traditional run-and-jump mechanics with inventive skateboard and combat segments. The game strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and challenge, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned bounce-and-bash aficionados. You’ll find yourself engrossed in perfecting your routes and mastering power-up strategies.

From the moment you grab your skateboard to the climactic showdown in Sethron’s castle, the game’s pacing and variety ensure that no two levels feel alike. Solid level design, intuitive controls, and well-placed checkpoints keep the momentum rolling, while collectible items and hidden areas add replay value. Cooperative friends can even compete in high-score challenges on select stages.

While the story is straightforward, it provides the perfect framework for the platforming action, and the art direction—rooted in the film’s universe—lends the entire experience a cohesive charm. Audio cues, from the roar of battle to the triumphant chime of extra-life pickups, further enhance the immersion.

In summary, We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story is a delightful blend of nostalgic platforming and cinematic theming. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or simply on the hunt for a robust 2D action platformer, this title delivers an entertaining adventure that’s well worth your time and effort.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10