Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Iron Man’s gameplay delivers a solid blend of on-foot and aerial combat that puts players directly into Tony Stark’s armored boots. Across eight distinct missions, you’ll transition seamlessly between ground skirmishes—wiping out waves of soldiers, tanks, and turrets—and high-speed dogfights in the skies. Each mode feels distinct: foot combat emphasizes carefully timed melee strikes and repulsor blasts, while airborne sections demand nimble maneuvering and precise targeting.

(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 👍)

The control scheme varies by platform, but on the Nintendo DS version by A2M the dual-screen setup shines. You move with the D-pad and aim using the touchscreen, dragging your stylus in 360 degrees around a central reticle. A dedicated button for the repulsor “boost” adds vertical thrust and evasive rolls, making flight feel dynamic and responsive. This combination of touch and traditional inputs gives you a real sense of becoming Iron Man, both in tight corridors and open sky arenas.

Customization and progression fuel the gameplay loop. After each mission, you earn points that can be spent on a wide array of upgrades—ranging from micro-grenades and EMP bursts to the signature Unibeam. You can also enhance Stark’s flight systems, armor plating, and energy reserves. These upgrades aren’t just numbers on a screen; they noticeably change how agile you feel in flight and how hard you can punch through enemy defenses, adding a satisfying layer of strategy to tackle tougher encounters later on.

Graphics

Visually, Iron Man captures the sleek, industrial look of Stark Industries with respectable fidelity to the 2008 film’s aesthetic. On more powerful consoles, the game boasts reflective metal surfaces on the armor, detailed explosion effects, and dynamic lighting to simulate the suit’s glow. Environments range from desert hideouts to urban landscapes, each peppered with destructible cover that reacts believably under fire.

The Nintendo DS version, while limited by handheld hardware, still impresses with its colorful sprite work and surprisingly fluid animations. A2M’s art team has recreated Tony’s red-and-gold suit in crisp pixel detail, and the sky stages feel surprisingly expansive. Cutscenes between missions—even on the DS—use static images with voiceovers by Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard to maintain cinematic flair.

Across all versions, character models of key villains such as Whiplash and Titanium Man stand out, sporting unique textures and animation sets. While textures on soldiers and vehicles can appear repetitive, the larger set-pieces—like a missile silo eruption or a helicopter swarm—help keep the eye engaged. Overall, the graphics effectively support the action-heavy gameplay without sacrificing performance.

Story

Iron Man follows the movie’s origin closely: Tony Stark’s kidnapping by terrorists, his ingenious escape in a makeshift suit, and his subsequent vow to stop weapons manufacturing. From there, the game ventures beyond the film, introducing original missions that pit Stark against foes who never appeared on the big screen—ensuring fans get fresh challenges alongside familiar beats.

Between each mission, you’re treated to comic-style panels or in-engine snapshots that bridge the narrative. These storyboards, combined with snippets of dialogue recorded by the film’s cast, lend authenticity to the experience. Moments like Tony’s first test flight after upgrading his armor or escaping a collapsing cave evoke the same sense of wonder you felt watching the movie unfold.

The pacing hits a nice balance: early stages are straightforward tutorials in combat and flight, but by the time you face Titanium Man in an epic sky duel or thwart a high-tech weapons drop, the stakes feel appropriately high. While the plot doesn’t explore Tony’s personal arc in deep philosophical terms, it provides enough context and momentum to keep you invested through all eight missions.

Overall Experience

Iron Man offers a robust action package for fans of the Marvel hero. The combination of ground-and-air combat, upgradeable gear, and voice performances by Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard creates an engaging, movie-tie-in adventure. Gameplay remains accessible for newcomers while offering enough depth in the upgrade system to satisfy completionists.

Performance is generally stable, and although some platform versions look sharper than others, each delivers the core thrill of suiting up and taking flight. The DS edition stands out for adapting these systems to a handheld touch interface without losing the essence of the bigger-console experience.

For buyers deciding whether to suit up, Iron Man makes a compelling case: it stays true to its cinematic roots, expands into fresh territory with new villains and missions, and rewards your growing arsenal with tangible in-game impact. If you’ve ever dreamed of blasting through enemy lines in Stark’s iconic red-and-gold armor, this game gets you as close as a controller can to being the legendary Armored Avenger.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10