Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle delivers a classic side-scrolling platform experience that builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor. Players guide Alex through a series of lush, varied levels on the planet Paperock, overcoming pitfalls, spikes, and roaming enemies. Rather than relying on a jump button, Alex’s primary means of attack are ground punches and aerial kicks, giving each encounter a rhythmic feel as you judge distance and timing to clear obstacles.

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What sets this installment apart is its inventive item system. Scattered throughout stages are power-ups like the pedicopter—with limited flight and a built-in weapon—alongside the pogo stick for accessing higher ledges and the invulnerability cloak that turns Alex into an untouchable force. Items you find are automatically stowed in your inventory, and you can swap them in and out to tailor your approach. The catch? Dying causes you to lose your active item, adding tension to each run and rewarding careful play.

A defining feature of the series, the Janken mini-game (rock-paper-scissors), returns with new stakes. Bosses don’t go down to your punches, but to your ability to outguess them in Janken. Even shopkeepers press you into a round of chance before handing over sought-after items: pay the fee, then play—and if you lose, Alex perishes on the spot. This blend of skill-based platforming and luck-based duels injects fresh unpredictability, ensuring every stage and shop visit keeps you on your toes.

Graphics

For an 8-bit era title on the Sega Master System, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle boasts bright, colorful visuals that stand the test of time. Backgrounds feel rich and hand-drawn, from forest glades to icy mountain peaks, each teeming with detail. Sprite work is crisp and fluid—Alex’s run animation, the jerky hop of a bouncing coin, and the flourish of the pedicopter’s propeller all carry a satisfying clarity that elevates the action.

Enemy designs strike a balance between charming and menacing. Goblin knights, shadowy wraiths, and oversized dragons all feature distinct silhouettes, making threat recognition instantaneous. Parallax scrolling layers lend depth to outdoor levels, while indoor caverns and castles use contrasting palettes to keep environments varied. The occasional thematic set piece—like descending waterfalls or lava chambers—are highlights that showcase the hardware’s ability to handle dynamic tile layouts.

While the color limitations of the system sometimes force palette swaps, the overall art direction remains consistent. Transitions between zones feel smooth, and environmental hazards such as crumbling platforms or conveyor belts are clearly communicated through animation. Even the game’s limited cut-scenes, delivered through static panels, use expressive character portraits to convey emotion despite low resolution.

Story

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle continues Alex’s familial saga with a straightforward but compelling premise. As the younger brother of the King of Aries, Alex learns a shocking rumor: his father, King Thor, believed dead, may still be alive on a distant world called Paperock. This personal quest to reunite a fractured royal family gives the platforming action genuine emotional weight.

Story segments are delivered via brief text interludes between worlds, interspersed with key NPC interactions in villages and shops. Although there are no voiced cut-scenes, the narrative is clear: you’re racing against time to find King Thor’s hidden castle before malevolent forces intervene. The dialogue is succinct but never over-complicated, making it accessible to younger players while retaining the sense of a grand adventure.

Underlying themes of loyalty and perseverance infuse each stage. Collecting coins isn’t just a gameplay mechanic—it’s your lifeline, funding tools and clues to uncover your father’s whereabouts. Boss encounters in Janken feel almost ritualistic, as though Paperock’s denizens test Alex’s worthiness to continue. The result is a seamless blend of plot and play that keeps you invested beyond simple platforming challenges.

Overall Experience

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle remains a standout title for fans of retro platformers, combining tight controls with inventive mechanics. The fusion of exploration, item management, and rock-paper-scissors duels offers a refreshing pace that’s rarely found in its contemporaries. Each world feels hand-crafted to test a different facet of your skill—whether precise timing, inventory strategy, or bluffing in Janken.

Difficulty ramps up steadily, striking a solid balance between approachable early levels and punishing late-game encounters. Losing an active item on death adds a layer of risk that encourages careful play, while the coin-driven economy and mini-games inject tension into every transaction. Replays are rewarding: mastering every boss’s tell in Janken, uncovering secret routes with the pogo stick, and maximizing your coin haul all contribute to lasting appeal.

Whether you’re revisiting the game for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle delivers a memorable platforming journey. Its charming graphics, engaging story, and unique blend of skill and chance create an overall experience that stands tall alongside the classics of the 8-bit era. If you’re seeking a title that marries old-school challenge with inventive design, this enchanted castle adventure awaits.

Retro Replay Score

5.8/10