Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Half-Pipe delivers a unique twist on classic JRPG conventions by having you control only Damian in combat while his allies—three AI-controlled heroines—fight alongside him. Battles are turn-based and unfold from a first-person perspective, which lends an immediacy to each strike, punch, or kick. Rather than equipping weapons or armor, all attacks rely on Damian’s unarmed fighting style, emphasizing timing and strategic skill selection over gear optimization.

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The world map allows for broad exploration across the wasteland and between the scattered city-states, but much of the action unfolds within large, intricately designed urban environments. Random encounters occur on the overworld, while certain skirmishes are triggered through dialogue with NPCs. This structure breaks up the routine of grinding, giving players agency to seek out or avoid specific foes, and encouraging thorough city exploration to uncover side content or hidden challenges.

Despite its inventive combat focus, Half-Pipe does suffer from occasional pacing hiccups. Extended stretches of dialogue or backtracking through familiar city streets can slow momentum, and without weapon progression, some players may find late-game battles feel repetitive. However, a robust skill tree for Damian and unlockable special moves keep encounters fresh, rewarding players who invest time mastering combos and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

Graphics

Graphically, Half-Pipe walks the line between retro charm and modern polish. Character sprites are finely detailed for a 2D title, showcasing expressive animations during both exploration and cutscenes. The post-meteorite urban sprawl of Gunu and other city-states is rich with atmospheric touches—twisted metal structures, flickering neon signs, and background NPCs that bring the world to life.

Battle visuals lean into minimalist, first-person presentations, where enemy models are rendered in 3D. These models are well-animated but can feel blocky when viewed against lush, hand-drawn menus and HUD elements. Spell effects and special moves burst with colorful particle effects, though they occasionally stutter on older hardware, reminding players of the game’s cross-generation ambitions.

The cutscenes add another layer of visual storytelling, occasionally sliding into more mature territory with explicit sequences that feature full-screen character art. While these scenes are handled with a polished, anime-inspired style, they may not be suitable for all audiences. Overall, the graphical package is ambitious for its genre, delivering memorable vistas and character moments that linger long after you put down the controller.

Story

Set in a devastated world ravaged by a cataclysmic meteorite strike, Half-Pipe weaves a narrative of survival and unexpected hope. You play as Damian, an 18-year-old piano player eking out a living in the city of Gunu. His routine life is upended when Nicole, a mysterious girl from the meteorite, literally crashes into his bar—and into the heart of an adventure that escalates far beyond fetching clothes.

The central plot is rife with dramatic tension: from volcanic fallout and shifting gravity fields to the resurgence of organized crime in the lawless wastelands. Damian’s quest to protect Nicole gradually entangles him in a struggle that threatens civilization’s fragile remnants. Along the way, you’ll encounter side characters—both friend and foe—whose personal stories illuminate the broader stakes of a world on the brink of collapse.

Half-Pipe balances its post-apocalyptic tone with moments of levity and character bonding. Conversations between Damian and the three female party members reveal personal backstories, while townsfolk offer side quests that deepen the lore. That said, the storyline can sometimes meander, and certain plot twists feel telegraphed. But for players who appreciate atmosphere and world-building, the journey remains compelling right up to its climactic revelations.

Overall Experience

Half-Pipe is a bold JRPG that experiments with combat mechanics, narrative pacing, and mature themes. Its strengths lie in its atmospheric setting, engaging first-person battles, and anime-styled artwork that brings both the wasteland and its inhabitants to life. The decision to focus combat on Damian alone offers a fresh challenge, encouraging players to refine their strategy rather than simply amass better gear.

However, the game’s adult content—including partial nudity in post-battle scenes and explicit cutscenes—means it’s best suited for mature audiences. These moments are woven into the narrative rather than feeling purely gratuitous, but they may still be off-putting to some. Additionally, occasional pacing issues in exploration and story progression can detract from the overall flow.

Ultimately, Half-Pipe stands out for its willingness to take risks. It may not be perfect, but its combination of retro-inspired mechanics and bold storytelling choices make it a memorable entry in the JRPG genre. Fans seeking a post-apocalyptic adventure with a strong protagonist, a touch of romance, and plenty of combat variety will find plenty to appreciate here.

Retro Replay Score

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