Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Trigon’s core mechanic is deceptively simple yet remarkably addictive: you control Susumu Hori by using a single button or trigger to launch him from one planet to another. While orbiting a planet, a press of the button sends Susumu flying along a visible trajectory line. Your objective is to build triangular “nets” around the yellow creatures floating in space, rescuing them before your air meter runs out. This one-button design makes the game instantly accessible while still offering layers of depth for seasoned players.

(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 👍)

Each rescue mission is a race against the dwindling air supply displayed at the top of the screen. The meter acts as both a timer and a resource you must manage carefully. Timing your launches to connect three lines into a triangle requires precision, offering a satisfying blend of strategy and reflex-driven play. The frantic pace of circling planets and the urgency of the air meter ensure your adrenaline stays high throughout each level.

Power-ups randomly appear, adding excitement and variety to the standard triangle-building formula. The red P triangle attracts stranded creatures to your nets, the yellow triangle extends the lifespan of your lines, and air capsules refill your precious oxygen. Jetpack pickups either slow your speed for tighter control or boost it for rapid transit. Mastering when and how to use these power-ups elevates the gameplay from enjoyable to expertly challenging.

Star Trigon features two modes: Arcade and Story. In Arcade mode, you can choose from multiple characters—each offering different speeds and air capacities—tailoring the challenge to your preferred playstyle. Story mode layers on narrative-driven cutscenes between missions, adding a light plot to motivate your planet-hopping rescues. Both modes strike a fine balance between pick-up-and-play simplicity and high-score chasing depth.

Graphics

Graphically, Star Trigon embraces a minimalist, vector-inspired art style that feels both retro and timeless. Planets are rendered with clean edges and subtle shading, while Susumu’s astronaut sprite is crisp and instantly recognizable. The stark contrast between the dark space backdrop and the bright, colorful planets makes every game element pop, ensuring clarity even in hectic moments.

The yellow creatures you’re tasked with rescuing are charming in their simplicity, featuring expressive eyes that convey a sense of urgency as they float helplessly. Power-up triangles are color-coded and bold, making them easy to spot at a glance. These visual cues are essential given the fast-paced action, and Star Trigon nails their design without cluttering the screen.

Despite its simplistic approach, the game maintains a polished sheen through smooth animations and responsive feedback. When you connect lines to form a triangle, the net pulses with energy, rewarding your successful timing. The transitions between orbiting and launching feel fluid, and the occasional screen shake or flash upon big combos adds a tangible sense of impact.

The cutscenes in Story mode use slightly more detailed artwork, giving a playful glimpse into Susumu’s personality and the world around him. While these storyboards are brief, they’re drawn with enough character to break up the action and reinforce that this is a Namco arcade experience with a dash of charm.

Story

Story mode in Star Trigon may not rival deep RPG narratives, but it provides a lighthearted context for your planetary rescues. You follow Susumu Hori, the beloved protagonist from the Mr. Driller series, as he answers a distress call from creatures stranded across star systems. The premise is simple, but the cutscenes between levels inject personality and humor.

Each mission is bookended by brief dialogue exchanges that develop the rapport between Susumu and his rescue subjects. The yellow creatures express gratitude in adorable ways, sometimes offering quirky remarks that highlight their individual personalities. These moments, though short, add emotional stakes to what could otherwise be an endless loop of orbital jumps.

As you progress through the campaign, the narrative unfolds in modest arcs—encountering new creature types, dealing with environmental hazards, and facing a final gauntlet of challenging stages. The progression feels natural, rewarding you not only with tougher levels but also with small story payoffs that keep you invested. It’s a lean storyline, but it serves its purpose: giving structure to the arcade action.

While hardcore story fans won’t find deep lore here, Star Trigon’s light narrative is perfectly matched to its pick-up-and-play ethos. The story mode enhances replayability by offering a clear path of progression, peppered with enough personality to make each rescue feel part of a larger adventure.

Overall Experience

Star Trigon delivers a compact, exhilarating arcade experience that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. Its one-button control scheme makes it immediately approachable for players of all skill levels, while power-ups and character choices add strategic depth. The consistent difficulty curve and fast-paced missions keep you engaged session after session.

The game’s minimalist visuals and catchy sound design complement its rapid gameplay, creating an atmosphere that’s both tense and playful. Whether you’re chasing high scores in Arcade mode or following Susumu through Story mode, the audiovisual feedback remains crisp and satisfying. The seamless blend of strategy, timing, and resource management results in a game that remains compelling long after the initial novelty wears off.

Star Trigon’s short levels make it ideal for quick bursts of play, yet each mission packs enough challenge to leave you craving “just one more try.” Its portable ports hold up well, ensuring the core mechanics and joy of the arcade original are faithfully preserved. This small-but-powerful title exemplifies the best of classic arcade design adapted for modern platforms.

For players seeking an addictive puzzle-action hybrid that values precision and timing over controller gymnastics, Star Trigon is a standout choice. Its engaging gameplay loop, charming presentation, and balanced difficulty make it a must-try for arcade enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Strap in, watch your air meter, and prepare to sling Susumu across the stars in one of Namco’s most underappreciated gems.

Retro Replay Score

7/10