Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Underworld: The Eternal War plunges you straight into the fray, offering frenetic combat that never lets up. From the moment you choose between the nimble vampire Selene or the hulking werewolf Raze, the game makes it clear that action is front and center. Each mission drops you on war-torn streets, crumbling rooftops, or dimly lit catacombs, and tasking you with objectives ranging from assassination and extraction to all-out extermination.

(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 👍)

Combat is built around a simple but satisfying mix of melee combos and ranged attacks. Selene’s dual pistols and acrobatic flips contrast nicely with Raze’s brutal claws and bone-crushing takedowns. You’ll string together flashy combos, dodge incoming blows, and unleash special moves that feel impactful when timed correctly. While the combo system lacks deep character progression, unlocking a few extra maneuvers and weapon upgrades keeps combat feeling fresh for a solid chunk of playtime.

Mission design, however, can border on repetitive. You’ll often find yourself sprinting down corridors killing every enemy in sight or returning to familiar objectives—rescue X, retrieve Y, eliminate Z. A handful of stealth sections attempt to shake things up, but the sense is still “smash or be smashed.” The game’s pacing generally carries you through, but if you crave heavily varied objectives, you might notice the formula sooner rather than later.

That said, difficulty spikes are well-placed. Enemy waves intensify as you progress, and boss encounters force you to learn each creature’s tells and weaknesses. Learning when to block, dodge, or let loose your special meter attack becomes crucial, especially in the latter third of the game. For players who enjoy mastering combat rhythms, Underworld delivers enough punch to keep you engaged until the final confrontation.

Graphics

Graphically, Underworld: The Eternal War captures the gritty, gothic aesthetic of the 2003 film. Urban sprawls are cloaked in shadow, punctuated by neon glows and flickering streetlights that create an atmosphere of perpetual twilight. Character models for Selene and Raze are surprisingly detailed, with lifelike animations for their signature moves and transformations.

Environments, while thematically consistent, can feel sparsely populated at times. Repetitive textures on walls and floors become noticeable when backtracking or replaying missions, and environmental hazards seldom play a meaningful role beyond decoration. That said, particle effects for blood splatter, muzzle flashes, and supernatural energy bursts help elevate the game’s visual spectacle during heated battles.

Lighting is a standout feature here. Dynamic shadows cast by moonlight or fire give each locale a haunting edge, and the interplay between light and darkness amplifies the stealth segments. Even if the backdrop assets are reused, the moody presentation often overshadows any repetitive geometry, making each area feel ominous in its own right.

On the technical side, frame rate dips creep in when too many enemies or effects fill the screen, but nothing so severe that it cripples gameplay. Load times between missions are swift, and textures tend to pop in smoothly. For a game of its era, Underworld delivers a visual package that holds up reasonably well, particularly if you’re a fan of the movie’s stylized world.

Story

The narrative closely follows the eternal struggle depicted in the Underworld film, giving fans a chance to step into the boots of their favorite characters. You’ll navigate interwoven plotlines as Selene pursues her relentless vendetta against Lycans, or as Raze fights for his pack’s survival. These dual perspectives add replay value and a hint of moral ambiguity—are you the hunter or the hunted?

Dialogue and cutscenes hit the necessary beats, but voice acting ranges from compelling to clichéd. Kate Beckinsale’s likeness as Selene conveys her steely resolve, yet occasional stilted lines break immersion. Raze’s growls and snarls will satisfy those who love his primal edge, though he doesn’t boast the same emotional depth.

Mission briefings and in-game lore files expand on the vampire–werewolf feud, highlighting faction politics and ancient betrayals. While these tidbits enrich the universe, they’re often tucked away as optional collectibles, meaning casual players might miss them entirely. Still, the core story remains coherent and drives you forward with enough intrigue to justify each blood-soaked mission.

As a tie-in product, Underworld: The Eternal War won’t rewrite supernatural fiction, but it does a respectable job of capturing the film’s dark tone. The narrative reaches a satisfying crescendo, especially if you tackle both character arcs. Just don’t expect deep plot twists—this is more of a visceral ride than a narrative masterpiece.

Overall Experience

Underworld: The Eternal War is unabashedly an action game built for fans of high-octane combat and the film’s bleak atmosphere. Its strengths lie in its fast-paced battles, dual protagonist structure, and faithful recreation of the Underworld universe. If you’re looking for straightforward hack-and-slash thrills with a supernatural twist, this title delivers plenty of visceral satisfaction.

That said, repetitive mission layouts and a somewhat shallow progression system hold it back from broader appeal. Players who demand varied objectives or in-depth character development may find the formula wearing thin after several hours. However, the intense difficulty spikes and boss fights inject a welcome challenge that keeps adrenaline levels high.

For prospective buyers, consider your tolerance for repetition against your love for the Underworld franchise. Priced modestly, it represents a decent value if you go in expecting solid action over narrative innovation. The choice to fight as Selene or Raze adds replayability, and sneaking through the game’s hidden lore can reward completionists with extra background on the vampire-lycan war.

In the end, Underworld: The Eternal War is a competent action tie-in that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: put you in the boots of a vampire hunter or werewolf warrior, unleash relentless combat, and immerse you in a dark, atmospheric world. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers seeking a pure action experience will get their fill of blood, bullets, and bone-crushing mayhem.

Retro Replay Score

null/10