Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Chemical X-Traction is a straightforward yet energetic fighting system that captures the playful essence of The Powerpuff Girls. Each heroine—Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup—shares a basic moveset involving punches, kicks, and object throws, but they differ slightly in speed and power. Picking up objects from the environment, such as cars, signs, and barrels, and hurling them at opponents is satisfying and adds a dynamic layer to battles. Successfully landing hits depletes an enemy’s health meter, and the round-based structure (best two out of three) keeps matches brisk and focused.

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Superpowered attacks are fueled by collecting vials of Chemical X scattered around each stage. These vials serve as a special meter, and once filled, unleash a flashy, character-specific “super move” that can turn the tide of battle. Timing these power attacks strategically—either to finish off an opponent or break through a defensive opponent’s guard—gives the gameplay some tactical depth. However, matches can feel repetitive over time, as stages mainly differ cosmetically, and enemy AI routines tend to repeat predictable patterns.

Beyond the single-player Story mode, Chemical X-Traction offers a local head-to-head option that allows two players to duke it out as their favorite Powerpuff Girl. This mode is ideal for shorter play sessions or for fans looking to settle sibling rivalries. While the lack of online matchmaking may feel limiting by modern standards, the split-screen battles retain enough chaos and character-specific flair to remain entertaining in a couch-competitive setting. Overall, the game strikes a balance between simple pick-up-and-play brawling and a few strategic layers thanks to its super meter and interactive environments.

Graphics

Graphically, Chemical X-Traction leans into bright, cartoony visuals that echo the TV series’ signature art style. Characters are rendered as low-polygon 3D models with bold colors and simplified shading, which preserves their instantly recognizable silhouettes. While the texture resolution is modest—typical for the late ’90s hardware—Blossom’s red bow, Bubbles’ pigtails, and Buttercup’s green outfit remain clear and vibrant throughout the action. The developers did a commendable job translating a 2D cartoon into a fully three-dimensional arena.

Each stage is themed around a Townsville locale, from city streets littered with junk to Mojo Jojo’s secret lab. Background elements, like crumbling walls or floating chemical vats, add visual interest, and interactive objects stand out clearly against the environment. Animations—especially during super moves—feature playful flourishes such as screen shakes and bursts of sparkly effects. However, when multiple objects and spells collide on-screen, frame rate dips can occur, momentarily detracting from the otherwise lively presentation.

Cutscenes bookending each story encounter are presented with basic still frames and text boxes, supplemented by occasional character portraits. Although these narrative interludes lack voice acting or dynamic camera work, they maintain the cartoon’s humor and stick to the plot’s simple goal: track down Mojo Jojo and reclaim stolen vials of Chemical X. Overall, the graphics deliver faithful fan service even if they don’t push the technical boundaries of the platform.

Story

Chemical X-Traction’s storyline is intentionally light and straightforward, in keeping with the show’s episodic structure. The narrative hook is simple: Mojo Jojo has stolen all of Townsville’s Chemical X and plans to use it for evil. The Powerpuff Girls must battle a series of henchmen across different locations to recover the vials and put a stop to his schemes. While hardly complex, this framework provides enough motivation to move from one fight to the next.

The story progresses through a sequence of one-on-one battles rather than extended levels. Between each encounter, text-based interludes highlight the Girls’ playful banter and Maestro Jojo’s maniacal taunts. Fans of the series will appreciate references to familiar gadgets and villains, but newcomers should not expect deep character development or surprising plot twists. The focus remains squarely on fairly short combat challenges instead of narrative exploration.

While the campaign can be completed in just a few hours by a seasoned player, the variety of opponents—from familiar faces like Fuzzy Lumpkins to Isaac and Sedusa—keeps the encounters feeling fresh. Each enemy brings a slightly different attack pattern, forcing players to adapt their strategies. Ultimately, the story is a lightweight excuse for a series of colorful battles, but it succeeds in capturing enough of the show’s spirit to satisfy younger players and nostalgic fans alike.

Overall Experience

The Powerpuff Girls: Chemical X-Traction offers a niche but charming experience for fans of the Cartoon Network series and casual fighting-game enthusiasts. Its accessible controls, buoyant art style, and straightforward objectives make it an easy title to pick up, though it lacks the depth of more robust fighter franchises. The game shines brightest when played with a friend, as the head-to-head mode transforms familiar brawls into competitive showdowns that can quickly turn chaotic and hilarious.

Replay value hinges largely on personal preference. Completionists may be tempted to revisit each stage to perfect their use of Chemical X and discover all character-specific super moves. Younger audiences or those seeking a relaxed, no-pressure experience will appreciate the forgiving difficulty curve. However, veteran fighting-game players looking for intricate combos and frame-perfect inputs may find the mechanics somewhat rudimentary.

In sum, Chemical X-Traction stands as a faithful, if simplistic, adaptation of The Powerpuff Girls universe. Its vibrant presentation and lightweight gameplay are perfectly suited for quick sessions and family-friendly gatherings. While it may not compete with top-tier fighters, it delivers enough charm and cartoon zaniness to make it worth considering for lovers of the franchise and collectors of classic licensed titles.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10