Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Prehistoric Safari’s gameplay centres on a simple yet surprisingly engaging shooting gallery mechanic. One player maneuvers a light dot across a printed overlay of dinosaurs, while the other aims and fires the supplied Odyssey rifle accessory to register hits. Because only the translucent parts of each dinosaur silhouette allow the light to shine through, accuracy becomes paramount. Smaller creatures like the velociraptor or pterodactyl pose a greater challenge, rewarding steady hands and careful aim.

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Each session grants both players 15 shots apiece, turning each round into a quick but tense competition. The limited ammunition encourages methodical play over frantic firing, and friendly rivalries quickly develop as players jockey for the highest hit count. Despite its straightforward ruleset, there’s a satisfying back-and-forth rhythm: lining up the dot, tracking the target, squeezing the trigger, then swapping roles to see if you can outshoot your opponent.

The learning curve is gentle, making Prehistoric Safari accessible to newcomers and younger players. However, the nuanced difference in target size and position keeps experienced shooters on their toes. You’ll find yourself refining your stance and timing to bag those elusive small targets. The multiplayer focus means solo play is limited—though you can practice your aim against static positions, the true fun emerges when you have a rival on the other end of the rifle.

Graphics

Given the technological constraints of the Magnavox Odyssey platform, Prehistoric Safari doesn’t rely on digital sprites or realistic textures. Instead, it employs printed screen overlays to depict a lush prehistoric landscape dotted with dinosaur silhouettes. These overlays are well-designed, offering clear outlines and a variety of creature shapes that balance recognizability with shooting challenge.

The translucent dinosaur targets are where the magic happens: when you correctly align the light dot and fire the rifle accessory, the illumination passing through the overlay creates a convincing “hit” effect. This clever use of hardware turns a static board into an interactive display, and watching the dot appear through an ankylosaurus’s armored plates is oddly satisfying.

While there’s no scrolling scenery or animation, the hand-drawn art style lends a nostalgic charm that modern pixel counts can’t replicate. Each silhouette feels distinct, from the long-necked brachiosaurus to the spiky stegosaurs, keeping visual interest high throughout multiple rounds. If you’re a fan of vintage gaming aesthetics or collecting retro peripherals, the graphical presentation here has a tactile appeal you won’t find in digital-only titles.

Story

Prehistoric Safari doesn’t unfold a deep narrative or present character arcs—instead, it leans into the simple premise of a dinosaur hunt in an ancient world. The “story” is implied: you and a friend have embarked on a safari through time, armed only with your wits and a rifle accessory. That cinematic setup, though minimal, serves as a fun backdrop for the shooting action.

The game manual and package art expand on this theme, evoking a sense of adventure in untamed landscapes. There’s an element of imaginative role-play—players might picture themselves dodging a T. rex or creeping through dense ferns in search of smaller prey. This light narrative framing helps sustain engagement, even though no events or cutscenes punctuate the gameplay.

Because the focus remains squarely on shooting mechanics, story elements take a back seat. Nevertheless, the prehistoric theme is consistent and well-realized through the overlays and target designs. Players hungry for lore won’t find much beyond the setup, but those seeking unadulterated competitive fun will appreciate the clarity of purpose: spot the dot, pull the trigger, and claim victory.

Overall Experience

Prehistoric Safari stands out as a charming example of early home console innovation. By leveraging printed overlays and a light-sensor rifle, it transforms what could have been a static shooting gallery into an interactive duel. The tactile feel of the accessory and the physical presence of the overlay board create a gaming experience that feels refreshingly hands-on, even by today’s standards.

The competitive two-player format shines brightest, making it an excellent party icebreaker or family activity. Rounds are brief, rules are transparent, and the thrill of outshooting your opponent keeps you coming back for “just one more game.” While solo play is possible, the game truly excels in head-to-head matchups that pit your reflexes and precision against a friend’s.

For collectors and retro enthusiasts, Prehistoric Safari offers both novelty and nostalgia. It requires the original Odyssey rifle accessory and game card number 9, so tracking down all components may take some effort—but the payoff is a uniquely tactile, prehistoric shooting experience you won’t find elsewhere. If you own the Shooting Gallery add-on and crave a bit of old-school multiplayer competition, this tiny time-traveling safari is well worth the hunt.

Retro Replay Score

null/10