Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Squibs Arcade presents a diverse lineup of seven distilled mini-games, each paying homage to a well-known modern title while stripping gameplay down to its simplest LCD form. Rather than complex menus or sprawling open worlds, you’re given one screen per game, simple three-button controls (left, right, fire), and clear, immediate objectives. This approach keeps the action brisk and accessible, making it easy to jump in for a minute or an hour without getting bogged down.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

In Crowd Wader, you shimmy left and right through a bustling street, dodging pedestrians as you attempt a daring mugging of an unsuspecting merchant. The twitch-reaction component ramps up unpredictably, turning even a single misstep into a frantic scramble. Fantasy Turn Base splits the experience into two phases: a lumbering stroll through a pixelated forest until you encounter a monster, then a rapid‐fire dodging challenge where timing is everything to block its fiery breath.

Other entries, like Cardboard Axel Mush, task you with sneaking past guards by ducking in and out of a cardboard box, while We’re Fat sees Shigeru balance cake avoidance with carrot collection to maintain health. Gun Cogs mixes side-scrolling cog gathering with oncoming projectiles, Regret the Fist emphasizes rhythmic dodging of incoming punches, and Call of Honour places you in a maze, gun drawn, ducking corners and firing at targets. Each game nails its core loop in just a few lit pixels, delivering surprisingly deep challenge curves given the stripped-back presentation.

Collectively, these games demonstrate clever use of forced constraints: the one-dimensional plane, limited animation frames, and simple input scheme force designers to refine mechanics to their essence. Replayability is driven by close-quarters score chases and the pure fun of nailing that perfect run—whether it’s clearing Crowd Wader without being jostled or surviving waves in Call of Honour. For those who enjoy mastering bite-sized challenges, Squibs Arcade’s gameplay is a compact thrill ride.

Graphics

Visually, Squibs Arcade is an affectionate tribute to the classic handheld LCD units of the ’80s. The entire collection is presented with authentic “wear and tear” stickers, scuffs, and a slightly yellowed plastic bezel that evokes memories of back-pocket gaming sessions. Though each mini-game runs on a monochrome grid, subtle pops of color—like red flames in Fantasy Turn Base or bright orange cogs in Gun Cogs—lend visual clarity where it’s most needed.

Character and enemy sprites are deliberately rudimentary, rendered in a handful of frames that flicker in rhythm with your inputs. Yet this apparent minimalism hides careful design: enemy positions cycle in predetermined patterns, background elements slide in and out in harmony with your moves, and static elements (merchants, trees, maze walls) are crisply outlined to maintain readability. The result is a retro-grade aesthetic that feels both familiar and freshly playful.

Each game’s unique sticker art around the screen border reinforces its parody roots—Cartoony merchants for Crowd Wader, a grinning dragon head for Fantasy Turn Base, a tin-foil armored box emblem for Cardboard Axel Mush. These ornamental flourishes heighten the nostalgic charm and serve as quick visual cues to the game’s premise. For players who grew up with chunky handhelds or anyone who loves pixel-perfect design in reduced form, Squibs Arcade’s graphics are a winning retro package.

Story

While there’s no unified narrative tying all seven games together, each title unfolds its own mini-tale through simple imagery and objectives. The overarching “story” is that of a cheeky parody collection: taking recognizable tropes from modern games and re-casting them in a spoof-friendly LCD style. This meta-theme provides coherence even as you leap between wildly different scenarios.

In Crowd Wader, you’re cast as a small-time rogue desperate for coin—your mission spans from pickpocketing a merchant to dashing home through a chaotic crowd. Fantasy Turn Base splits its narrative into an ominous forest wander followed by a desperate face-off with a fire-breathing beast, evoking classic JRPG encounters but boiled down to reflexes. Cardboard Axel Mush layers stealth comedy over the familiar “hide-and-seek” trope, as you duck into a box, freeze when guards face you, and dash when they turn away.

The lighter-hearted entries lean into their comedic premises: in We’re Fat, Shigeru’s goal is almost wholesome as he dodges cake – an enemy of health – to gobble carrots instead. Gun Cogs offers a clockwork factory caper with keepsake steampunk vibes, and Regret the Fist cheekily lampoons brawlers by forcing you to dodge punches rather than throw them. Call of Honour wraps up the set with a maze shooter homage, planting you in a labyrinth where every turn feels like a nod to classic arcade hallways. These playful scenarios give each micro-game thematic flavor without overstaying their welcome.

Overall Experience

Squibs Arcade shines as a quick-play sampler: sessions can last just a couple of minutes, yet each time you’ll find yourself chasing higher scores and smoother runs. The low-barrier controls and straightforward objectives make it ideal for party sharing, handheld breaks, or nostalgic detours when you crave bite-sized action. There’s no steep learning curve, but a surprising depth emerges as you learn precise timing windows and enemy patterns.

The collection manages to straddle retro parody and modern design sensibilities neatly. By embracing the limitations of old LCD games—stuck-pixel movement, minimal frames, static backgrounds—while layering in clever homages to contemporary titles, the developers craft an experience that feels fresh yet familiar. The faithful physical veneer (complete with faux scratches and sticker decals) deepens immersion, making you feel as though you’re tinkering with a vintage toy rediscovered in a dusty drawer.

While players seeking sprawling narratives or visually rich worlds may find the scope limited, those who appreciate distilled gameplay loops and high-score chases will be delighted. The variety across seven games ensures there’s always a new challenge or a different control nuance to master. Ultimately, Squibs Arcade offers an engaging, nostalgia-soaked romp for anyone looking to experience the distilled essence of gaming’s past, reimagined with a witty, modern twist.

Retro Replay Score

null/10