Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The modernized Centipede reinvents the fast-paced shooter gameplay of the 1980 classic by blending the familiar arcade action with more console-style exploration. Players still dart around the screen blasting segmented centipedes, spiders, fleas, and scorpions, but the addition of open-ended areas in each world encourages backtracking and strategic positioning. This hybrid approach gives long-time fans a taste of nostalgia while offering newcomers a fresh challenge through environmental hazards and hidden pathways.

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Across the five primary worlds—Weedom, Frostonia, Infernium, Enigma, and Evile—the difficulty ramps up sensibly. Early levels in Weedom introduce movement mechanics and enemy patterns at an easy pace, while later stages in Infernium and beyond require split-second reactions and mastery of weapon upgrades. The inclusion of new foes like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and the aptly named “killer mushroom” keeps gameplay varied, forcing you to adapt tactics on the fly instead of relying solely on memorized routes.

For purists, the “classic” mode switches the viewpoint to a 3D isometric angle but faithfully replicates the original arcade’s single-screen action. It’s a delightful throwback that contrasts nicely with the more sprawling main campaign. Whether you stick to the tight, frantic arena-style battles or venture deeper into the modern levels, Centipede’s core shooting mechanics remain as addictive as ever.

Graphics

Visually, the remake strikes a balance between retro charm and contemporary polish. Environments are rendered with vibrant colors and subtle lighting effects, giving each world its own personality—icy blues dominate Frostonia, fiery reds and swirling embers characterize Infernium, and the gloomier hues of Enigma underscore the mystery. The insect designs have been overhauled for a 3D setting, preserving their iconic silhouettes while adding texture detail and fluid animations.

On Windows and Macintosh, performance is rock-solid even when the screen floods with enemies and particle effects. The PlayStation and Dreamcast versions differ slightly in level count—23 levels on PlayStation versus 35 on Dreamcast—but both maintain consistent frame rates and crisp image quality. The isometric “classic” mode also benefits from the enhanced graphics engine, with smooth transitions and adjustable camera angles that underscore the remake’s technical prowess.

Subtle background animations and interactive elements, such as swaying mushrooms or undulating web strands, enrich the exploration segments without overwhelming the action. Cutscenes between worlds are brief but help tie each environment together, offering glimpses of an insect-infested world under siege. Overall, the graphical update manages to respect the source material while delivering a visually engaging modern shooter.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven shooters, Centipede’s plot takes a backseat to its arcade roots, but the campaign provides enough thematic context to frame the action. Each world represents a different biome overrun by destructive insects, giving players a simple yet effective rationale for blasting their way through waves of adversaries. The gradual reveal of enemy hierarchies—starting with standard centipede segments and culminating in boss-like encounters—creates a loose storyline of escalation and survival.

Environmental storytelling plays an understated role, with scattered crates, mushroom patches, and abandoned machinery hinting at a once-thriving ecosystem now teetering on collapse. The transition sequences between worlds are light on dialogue yet visually descriptive, offering snapshots of the insect menace spreading across Weedom’s verdant fields or cocooning structures in Enigma’s shadowy corridors. This approach keeps the focus squarely on gameplay while still providing a sense of progression and purpose.

For those who crave deeper lore, the manual and in-game codex reveal tidbits about the insect invaders’ origins and the researchers striving to contain them. It’s far from a text-heavy RPG, but these supplemental details add flavor and motivate repeat playthroughs, especially if you’re hunting achievement-based collectibles or hidden story fragments. The narrative may be minimal, but it’s sufficient to maintain momentum and context throughout the campaign.

Overall Experience

Centipede’s remake succeeds by honoring the addictive shooting mechanics of the 1980 original while integrating modern design philosophies like exploration, level variety, and enemy diversity. The five worlds offer distinct challenges and environmental puzzles, ensuring that the game never feels repetitive, and the inclusion of a “classic” mode provides a faithful nod to the arcade era. This dual approach makes the title accessible for purists and appealing to new players alike.

Platform parity is strong: Windows, Macintosh, PlayStation, and Dreamcast owners can all enjoy smooth performance and near-identical visual fidelity, although level counts vary slightly between console editions. Multiplayer remains local only, which might disappoint fans hoping for online co-op, but the single-player campaign is lengthy enough—30 levels on PC/Mac, 23 on PlayStation, and 35 on Dreamcast—to justify the purchase. Replayability is further bolstered by hidden areas, time trials, and arcade-style leaderboards.

Ultimately, this Centipede modernization is more than a mere facelift. It carefully updates gameplay loops, expands the in-game world, and sprinkles in variety without compromising the frantic essence that made the original a legend. Whether you’re chasing high scores in classic mode or navigating treacherous new terrains, this remake delivers a satisfying blend of retro nostalgia and contemporary action—a must-play for shooter enthusiasts and arcade veterans.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10