Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

CheetahMen II delivers classic side-scrolling platform action that challenges your reflexes from the very first level. Players guide one of three genetically enhanced Cheetahmen through a gauntlet of deadly traps, shifting terrain and swarms of hostile sub-humans. Each character brings a unique move set—ranging from rapid claw strikes to high-flying leaps—and you’ll switch to a different Cheetahman every two levels, keeping the action fresh and encouraging you to master multiple playstyles.

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The level design is packed with cleverly placed pitfalls, swinging blades and conveyor belts that demand precision timing. Along the way, you’ll encounter checkpoint flags and occasional health pickups, but resources are scarce, heightening the tension. Boss fights against Dr. Morbis’s mutant lieutenants—including a hulking ape-man with devastating melee attacks—punctuate the stages, rewarding careful pattern recognition and perseverance.

Controls feel tight and responsive, making precise jumps and mid-air dashes largely frustration-free. Though difficulty spikes in later worlds, the learning curve feels fair: repeated runs unlock shortcuts and teach you to anticipate trap sequences. For players seeking a true arcade-style challenge with multiple playable heroes, CheetahMen II strikes a satisfying balance between speed-run thrills and tactical platforming.

Graphics

Visually, CheetahMen II embraces a bold, colorful pixel art aesthetic reminiscent of early ’90s arcade titles. Environments range from overgrown jungle ruins bristling with mechanical snares to the ominous corridors of Dr. Morbis’s secret laboratory. Background parallax effects add depth to each scene, while foreground hazards animate smoothly, making it easy to distinguish safe ground from deadly gear.

The character sprites are crisp and detailed, with each Cheetahman sporting distinct color schemes and signature attack animations. Enemies and bosses are reasonably varied, though some palette swaps do reappear in later levels. The new powerful ape-man villain boasts imposing size and expressive frames, conveying weight and menace during his multi-phase boss battle.

Despite occasional sprite flicker when too many hazards populate the screen, the overall frame rate remains stable, preserving the game’s breakneck pace. Subtle visual flourishes—like sparks flying off metal traps or the flickering neon lights of the lab—enhance immersion without overtaxing the hardware. For fans of retro platformers, CheetahMen II’s graphics hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and technical polish.

Story

The narrative premise of CheetahMen II is straightforward yet motivating: Dr. Morbis, mad scientist and archenemy, has upgraded his arsenal of traps and unleashed new sub-human henchmen to eliminate the heroic Cheetahmen once and for all. Your mission is to battle through a gauntlet of dangers, infiltrate Morbis’s heavily guarded secret laboratory and confront him face-to-face.

Story beats are delivered through brief on-screen text before key levels, sketching out Dr. Morbis’s twisted experiments and the growing desperation of the Cheetahmen. While there’s little in the way of in-game cutscenes or voiceovers, the pacing suits an arcade-style romp: you’re propelled forward by escalating dangers rather than drawn out dialogue.

Character development takes a back seat to action, but the changing roster of Cheetahmen injects a sense of novelty as each hero’s abilities tie into the escalating threat. The climax—an epic showdown with Dr. Morbis and his powerful ape-man enforcer—gives closure to the quest, even if the overall story remains lean. For players who prize action over exposition, the narrative framework is just enough to drive the platforming mayhem.

Overall Experience

CheetahMen II offers a compelling blend of arcade-style intensity and classic platforming design. Its trio of playable heroes ensures that no two stages feel identical, and the layered trap-filled environments demand both quick reflexes and strategic planning. While the steep difficulty curve may frustrate newcomers, it also delivers a gratifying sense of accomplishment once you learn enemy patterns and shortcut paths.

The game’s retro-chic graphics and driving soundtrack evoke a palpable sense of nostalgia, yet the technical execution holds up even by modern indie standards. Despite minimal storytelling, the straightforward premise of rescuing the Cheetahmen’s honor keeps the momentum strong across multiple worlds. Boss battles are suitably dramatic, especially the climactic clash against Dr. Morbis’s ape-man prototype.

In sum, CheetahMen II is a must-try for enthusiasts of old-school platformers and arcade challenges. It’s a tight, fast-paced adventure that rewards perseverance and skill. If you’re hunting for a retro-flavored action game with memorable enemies, varied characters and punishingly fun level design, CheetahMen II is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

2.9/10