Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The iPhone rendition of Centipede faithfully preserves the frantic bug-blasting action that made the arcade original a classic. Players can choose between three distinct modes—Classic, Arcade, and Ultra—each offering a unique spin on the core gameplay loop. In Classic mode, the familiar single-track shooter mechanics return unchanged, with responsive virtual controls that replicate the original trackball feel on a touch screen.

Arcade mode builds on that foundation by introducing fresh level designs and tweaks to enemy behavior, giving veteran players new challenges without straying too far from the nostalgic formula. The on-screen controls feel intuitive, and the game strikes a solid balance between quick, reflex-based action and strategic positioning among the mushroom clusters. Whether you’re dodging scorpions or blasting centipedes segment by segment, the pacing stays tight and engaging.

Ultra mode is where the game really ups the ante, adding five new upgrades—such as piercing shots and spread fire—and four environmental power-ups that can shift the tide of battle. With the ability to play your own soundtrack in the background and compete head-to-head in local two-player matches, Centipede for iPhone excels at mixing old-school arcade thrills with modern mobile innovations. Global leaderboards further encourage players to refine their skills and chase high scores.

Graphics

Classic mode preserves the original pixel art aesthetic, down to the iconic neon-green centipedes and simple, yet charming mushroom sprites. The low-resolution look feels authentic, and color palettes remain true to the 1980s arcade cabinet. Even on the iPhone’s Retina display, the graphics never feel blurry—rather, they exude a crisp, purposeful retro style.

Arcade mode delivers an all-new visual overhaul, with smoother animations, richer backgrounds, and vibrant particle effects when bugs explode. Dynamic lighting adds depth to each level, and the mushrooms now sport greater detail, making the battlefield feel more alive. These modern touches refresh the familiar setting while keeping the core design recognizable.

Ultra mode takes graphical flair even further by introducing environmental hazards—like gusts of wind or shifting terrain—that are seamlessly integrated into the backdrop. Power-up pickups shine with polished visual cues, ensuring you never miss a chance to boost your firepower. Whether you’re blasting away under a starlit sky or amid flickering neon signs, each mode offers a distinct look that complements the gameplay.

Story

As with the original Centipede, the narrative here is minimal, relying on pure action rather than an elaborate storyline. You step into the role of a lone bug-blasting hero, tasked with defending your garden from an onslaught of creeping centipedes, scuttling spiders, and dropping fleas. The simplicity of this premise is part of the game’s charm, allowing players to dive directly into the pulse-pounding action.

Though there’s no cinematic intro or character dialogue, the sense of progression comes through level advancement and the introduction of new challenges in each mode. Classic mode offers a straightforward arcade progression, while Arcade and Ultra modes layer in fresh obstacles and power-ups that serve as narrative beats, marking milestones in your bug-slaying campaign.

This stripped-down approach to storytelling keeps the focus squarely on gameplay, which is exactly what many fans of old-school arcade shooters are looking for. You won’t find cutscenes or deep lore here, but the adrenaline rush of each wave—and the drive to top the leaderboard—provides all the motivation you need to keep playing.

Overall Experience

Centipede for iPhone strikes an excellent balance between nostalgic preservation and modern enhancements. Classic mode delivers a virtually arcade-perfect emulation, while Arcade and Ultra modes offer fresh content that keeps the experience from feeling stale. The touch-screen controls are tight and responsive, and the option to use your own music keeps each session personalized.

Multiplayer adds another layer of replayability, allowing two players to go head-to-head on the same device. Combined with online leaderboards, this feature gives competitive gamers plenty of reason to return. The game’s variety of modes ensures that both newcomers and series veterans will find something to enjoy.

In the final analysis, Centipede on the iPhone is more than just a simple port—it’s a thoughtfully designed package that honors its arcade roots while harnessing the power of modern mobile hardware. Whether you’re chasing high scores in Classic mode or exploring the new challenges of Ultra mode, this is one bug-blasting adventure you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

null/10