Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Saban’s VR Troopers embraces the classic one-on-one fighting formula, inviting players to pick from one of the three titular Troopers—Ryan Steele, J.B. Reese, or Kaitlin Star—each with their own distinct move sets and attributes. The core combat loop revolves around chaining standard punches and kicks into more elaborate special attacks, such as Ryan’s rapid-fire uppercuts or Kaitlin’s spinning kicks. Learning the timing and spacing of these attacks is key to mastering the game’s moderately deep combat system.

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Each VR Trooper has a tailored stage filled with thematic obstacles, from cybernetic grid arenas to neon-lit hallways. Progressing through your chosen Trooper’s campaign means facing a succession of increasingly difficult computer-controlled opponents, culminating in a boss battle against one of Grimlord’s monstrous creations. The controls remain responsive throughout, with special meters that fill up as you land hits, allowing for powerful finishers that can turn the tide of battle.

For those seeking more than the single-player experience, the Duel Mode offers head-to-head combat, letting two friends square off locally. This multiplayer mode adds significant replay value, as each Trooper’s unique strengths and weaknesses play out more dramatically against a human opponent. Matches can be quick and chaotic, making VR Troopers a fun party option for fans of retro-style fighters.

Graphics

Visually, Saban’s VR Troopers captures the aesthetic of the mid-’90s fighting genre with bold, colorful sprites and flashy special effects. Each character is rendered in a vibrant palette that pops against the darker backgrounds of Grimlord’s VR domain. Animations are generally smooth, especially during combos and finishing moves, though occasional frame drops can occur when too many on-screen effects activate simultaneously.

Stage design stays true to the show’s cyber-world theme: expect electric grids, floating platforms, and digital waterfalls as backdrops to your battles. Background elements such as rotating holograms and flickering data streams create a convincing sense of being inside a virtual realm. While not cutting-edge by today’s standards, these environments remain charming and help reinforce the game’s unique identity.

Character sprites exhibit a surprising level of detail, from the reflective surfaces on the Troopers’ visors to the jagged armor plating on Grimlord’s minions. Special move animations, like J.B.’s energy ball or Kaitlin’s whirlwind spin, trigger splashy particle effects that underscore the impact of a well-executed attack. Although the resolution is modest, the overall presentation is faithful to the TV show’s high-energy visuals.

Story

The narrative premise of Saban’s VR Troopers is delightfully meta: Grimlord has whisked the three heroes into his digital realm by way of a corrupted video game. Your mission is straightforward—fight your way through virtual arenas, defeat Grimlord’s henchmen, and rescue your teammates so you can all return to the real world. This light story framework unfolds between fights with brief cutscenes, setting up the next gauntlet of opponents.

While the storyline doesn’t break new ground, it effectively channels the spirit of the TV series, complete with villainous monologues and dramatic player introductions. You’ll encounter familiar faces like General Ivar and the Spiders, each boasting a handful of unique attack patterns. Boss battles serve as narrative milestones, ramping up the tension as you inch closer to Grimlord himself.

The game doesn’t dive deep into character development, but fans of the show will appreciate the nods to pivotal episodes and catchphrases scattered throughout the dialogue. These references create a sense of continuity for series enthusiasts, while gamers unfamiliar with the source material can still enjoy a cohesive, if straightforward, adventure guided by the universal premise of good versus evil.

Overall Experience

Saban’s VR Troopers is a competent fighter that leans into its TV roots, offering a nostalgic trip for fans and a solid arcade-style challenge for newcomers. The combination of three playable characters, each with individualized stages and move sets, provides enough variety to keep players engaged over multiple play sessions. The Duel Mode, in particular, stands out as a highlight for shared play.

That said, the game’s simplicity may feel dated to those accustomed to modern fighters with intricate combo systems and deep mechanics. The AI difficulty curve can spike unexpectedly, leading to moments of frustration for casual players. However, these quirks are part of the package, lending the game an old-school authenticity.

Ultimately, Saban’s VR Troopers delivers an enjoyable, bite-sized fighting experience that captures the energy of its television counterpart. Its easy-to-learn controls, distinctive visuals, and multiplayer functionality make it a worthwhile pick for retro gaming enthusiasts or anyone curious about 16-bit era tie-ins. If you’re looking for a quick, campy brawler with a VR twist, this title has plenty to offer.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10