Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Primal delivers a robust 3D platforming experience that blends puzzle-solving with visceral action. You’ll guide Jen through a variety of treacherous environments—ancient ruins, shadowy caverns, and the very edge of the demon plane Oblivion—each packed with hidden switches, crumbling ledges, and environmental hazards demanding both precision and timing. The platforming feels reliably tight, evoking comparisons to classic franchise entries, yet it spices things up with its dark fantasy flair.

Combat is a highlight of Primal’s gameplay loop. Jen wields her trusty dagger and pistol in standard skirmishes, but the real spectacle unfolds when she executes brutal finishing moves. Enemies stagger under her blows, opening cinematic slow-motion moments that reward split-second inputs with satisfaction. Meanwhile, Scree—the loyal gargoyle companion—can swoop in to finish off weakened foes or assist Jen in tight spots, creating dynamic two-character engagements that keep encounters fresh.

A unique twist is the ability to switch freely between Jen and Scree at any moment. While Jen is vulnerable to enemy attacks, Scree is effectively immortal and can be used to bypass traps or scout ahead without risk. Should Jen be incapacitated, Scree must resurrect her within a short time window; failure to do so ends your run, injecting every skirmish with palpable tension. This life-and-death mechanic ensures you remain engaged, balancing aggression with caution in equal measure.

As you progress, Jen acquires four demonic “host” forms—each granting extraordinary powers. One lets her leap to dizzying heights, another bestows aquatic grace for rapid swimming, a third slows down time for pinpoint strikes, and the final form unleashes devastating magical weaponry. Unlocking these transformations feels like leveling up in a role-playing game, and each new ability opens up previously inaccessible areas, encouraging exploration and backtracking in cleverly designed levels.

Graphics

Primal’s visuals stand out with moody, gothic stylings that perfectly complement its dark fantasy narrative. Environments are richly detailed, from the moss-clad halls of Mortalis to the smoldering hellscapes of Oblivion, each area is drenched in dramatic lighting and subtle particle effects. Dynamic shadows dance across crumbling walls, giving every corner a sense of lurking menace.

The character models of Jen, Lewis, and Scree are impressively sculpted, with realistic textures on leather jackets and battered gargoyle wings. Animations shine in combat—finishing moves trigger cinematic camera angles, and each demon form transformation is accompanied by a flourish of translucent runes and swirling energy. These visual flourishes heighten the impact of every special attack, making key moments feel truly epic.

Cutscenes and dialogue sequences are skillfully rendered, using close-ups and expressive facial animations to convey Jen’s desperation and determination. Even on mid-range hardware, frame rates remain stable, ensuring smooth transitions between exploration, combat, and story beats. Minor texture pop-in can occur in the most chaotic moments, but it never detracts from the overall, immersive presentation.

Story

At its heart, Primal tells a tale of love and cosmic conflict. Jen and Lewis, bonded by past hardships, are just beginning to rebuild their lives when a demonic agent of Abaddon—a being of pure Chaos—ambushes them after a concert. Lewis is snatched away, and Jen is left bleeding out on the cold pavement. This personal tragedy propels her into a much larger struggle between Order and Chaos.

Rescued from death by Scree, a quick-witted gargoyle with a penchant for dry humor, Jen learns her journey will take her to Oblivion, the demon plane. There she joins the timeless battle against Abaddon’s forces on behalf of Arella, the embodiment of Order. Along the way, snippets of Jen and Lewis’s past surface in journals and flashbacks, lending an emotional core to the high-stakes mission and giving your quest to find Lewis deeper resonance.

The narrative pacing balances intimate moments—Jen’s vulnerability, her bond with Scree, her longing for Lewis—with grand set pieces of dimensional magic and interplanar warfare. Side dialogues with Scree provide witty relief, while key story beats unfold in cinematic vignettes that keep you invested. The writing may occasionally lean on familiar fantasy tropes, but strong voice acting and effective scene direction elevate the tale into a memorable dark saga.

Overall Experience

Primal stands as a compelling blend of platforming, puzzles, and hack-and-slash combat, wrapped in a rich dark fantasy narrative. The dual-character mechanic of toggling between Jen and Scree injects freshness into every skirmish and exploration sequence, while the demonic transformations reward your progression with ever-evolving abilities. The result is a variety-packed adventure that rarely grows stale.

Graphically, Primal impresses with its moody environments, fluid animations, and dramatic lighting. Though minor performance hiccups can occur in explosive battles, they’re hardly game-breaking. The story keeps pace with the action, offering emotional stakes through Jen and Lewis’s relationship and the mythic clash of Order versus Chaos. Voice work and cinematic staging further bolster the game’s immersive atmosphere.

For fans of Tomb Raider-style platformers seeking a darker, more visceral twist—or for action-adventure players craving a narrative rich in both personal drama and cosmic intrigue—Primal is a strong contender. Its few rough edges are outweighed by inventive combat, satisfying exploration, and a story that genuinely cares about its heroine’s plight. Overall, Primal delivers a thrilling ride that will keep you leaping, fighting, and uncovering secrets long after the credits roll.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10