Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Teenage Zombies: Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys blends platforming precision with light puzzle-solving, creating a steady rhythm of action and strategy. You toggle between three unique zombie teens—Lefty, Half-Pipe, and Fins—to navigate levels filled with obstacles, traps, and alien minions. Each character’s special ability unlocks new pathways: Lefty’s extended arm reach grabs distant ledges, Half-Pipe’s skateboard skid and crawl slides through narrow gaps, and Fins’s tentacle climb scales walls with ease.

Puzzles are cleverly integrated into the map design, often requiring quick thinking and fast swaps between characters. One room might demand Lefty to hook a switch while Half-Pipe speeds under closing gates, then Fins ascends a high panel to ferry the others forward. These multi-step challenges feel fresh throughout the game’s campaign, encouraging experimentation and rewarding players who fully explore each stage’s vertical and horizontal spaces.

Controls are tight and responsive, ensuring that platform jumps land accurately even under fast-paced scenarios. There’s a gentle learning curve as new mechanics and alien tech traps appear, but checkpoints are fairly placed to avoid frustration. Occasional boss encounters against massive alien brains introduce timed puzzles and pattern recognition, rounding out the gameplay with satisfying set-piece moments.

Graphics

The art style of Teenage Zombies is a vibrant tribute to classic 16-bit platformers, infused with modern polish. Backgrounds teem with color: neon-green slime oozes from alien contraptions, crumbling graveyards shimmer under a moonlit sky, and underground laboratories glow with eerie lights. Each environment feels distinct and alive, inviting players to uncover hidden routes and secret collectibles tucked behind breakable walls or illusory platforms.

Character sprites are expressive and full of personality. Lefty’s lanky reach stretches believably, Half-Pipe’s skateboard animations convey momentum and swagger, and Fins’s tentacles flail playfully as he climbs. Enemies range from smaller brain-controlled humans in tattered suits to hulking alien guardians whose glowing cores pulse ominously. The animation frames strike a perfect balance: detailed enough to showcase humor and mutation effects, yet clipped just right to maintain that arcade-like responsiveness.

Special effects—particle bursts, slime splatter, and electric sparks—elevate combat and puzzle interactions without overwhelming the screen. Subtle camera shakes punctuate heavy landings or boss slam attacks, while dynamic lighting highlights key areas, guiding players through darker caverns. Overall, the visual presentation feels cohesive, nostalgic, and refreshingly modern at the same time.

Story

The narrative kicks off with an all-too-familiar premise: Alien Brains have invaded Earth, enslaving humankind through mind-control. What sets this tale apart is its cheeky sense of humor and its cast of undead protagonists. Zombies—typically depicted as mindless monsters—are the sole heroes immune to the invaders’ psychic reach. This clever twist turns convention on its head and injects the story with instant charm.

Lori “Lefty” Lopez, Finnigan “Fins” Magee, and Zack “Half-Pipe” Boyd each bring distinct personalities and backstories to the mission. Lefty, the former high-school basketball prodigy, cracks wise about getting dunked—both on and off the court. Fins, ever the laid-back surfer-turned-zombie, provides sardonic commentary as he ensnares foes with his tentacles. Zack’s half-skateboard, half-skeleton setup leads to quippy banter about missing lower halves and the perils of life on four wheels.

These interactions bookend stages with light-hearted dialogue, clever one-liners, and occasional cutscenes that build toward the climactic showdown with the Big Brain mastermind. While the storyline doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it maintains momentum through witty exchanges and an overarching goal that always feels within reach. Fans of campy sci-fi and undead hijinks will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek presentation and the sense of camaraderie among the trio.

Overall Experience

Teenage Zombies: Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys offers a tight-knit puzzle-platforming adventure that’s both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for genre veterans. Its blend of character-driven ability puzzles, solid level design, and playful story elements creates an engaging loop that keeps you invested from the first graveyard skirmish to the final brain-bursting climax. You’ll find yourself experimenting with creative solutions and replaying stages to uncover every secret alcove.

The pacing feels well-balanced: early levels teach core mechanics without overwhelming, mid-game sections introduce fresh hazards and brain-powered contraptions, and late-game challenges demand mastery of all three zombies’ skills. Bonus rooms and collectible trophies entice completionists, while optional time trials add replay value for speedrunners. Multiplayer couch co-op isn’t supported, but the single-player campaign’s variety and polish go a long way toward filling that gap.

Whether you’re drawn by its nostalgic pixel-art charm, its unique zombie protagonists, or its clever platform-puzzle hybrid gameplay, Teenage Zombies promises hours of undeadly fun. It’s a spirited package that honors its arcade-platforming roots while carving out its own quirky identity—making it a recommended pick for anyone craving a fresh twist on classic 2D action.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10