Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Akuji: The Heartless delivers a classic third-person action experience, putting you in control of a voodoo priest who’s been wronged in the most brutal way possible. Combat centers around a blend of melee attacks, magical voodoo spells and environmental interactions. You’ll chain combos with your ritual knives, unleash spirit attacks to clear groups of enemies and interact with certain set pieces to solve basic platforming puzzles.

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Level design leans heavily into horror-themed arenas—cavernous crypts, fiery pits and claustrophobic mausoleums—each populated with voodoo dolls, hidden altars and power-ups that expand your health bar. Collecting voodoo dolls not only makes Akuji more resilient but also unlocks new magical abilities, offering a satisfying sense of progression as you dive deeper into the underworld.

The camera sits over your shoulder by default but can be manually adjusted when you need a better view of incoming threats or tricky jumps. While the camera occasionally struggles in tight corridors or during intense fights, you’ll find its flexibility essential when evading traps or lining up long-range voodoo attacks. Controls are responsive for basic movement and attacks, though some players may find the lock-on system a bit clunky when surrounded by multiple foes.

Boss encounters break up the standard run-and-slash rhythm with larger creatures straight out of voodoo nightmares—giant skeletal beasts, masked spirits and flaming apparitions. These battles require pattern recognition and timely use of your spells, creating moments of genuine tension. Overall, the gameplay loop is straightforward but engaging, combining platforming challenges, health pickups and atmospheric battles to keep you invested throughout Akuji’s descent.

Graphics

As a title from the PlayStation era, Akuji: The Heartless shows its age in polygon counts and texture resolution, but it compensates with moody lighting and evocative set pieces. The underworld environments are richly detailed with carved stone pillars, flickering torches and ominous pools of lava. Shadows dance across the walls, enhancing the oppressive atmosphere and making every corner feel like it could hide a lurking horror.

Character models are blocky by modern standards, yet Akuji’s design—a ritual-scarred priest wearing vibrant beads and tattered robes—still pops against the drab backgrounds. Enemy designs range from skeletal soldiers to grotesque bat-winged demons, each sporting bright color accents that help them stand out during combat. Cutscenes leverage pre-rendered backgrounds, giving narrative moments a striking, if somewhat static, presentation.

Special effects like fireballs, spirit chains and splintering stone look impressive for their time, with vivid particle bursts that make spellcasting feel impactful. The game occasionally suffers texture pop-in and slowed frame rates when on screen effects pile up, but these hiccups are more nostalgic quirks than deal-breakers. Overall, Akuji’s visuals are less about realism and more about crafting a haunting, otherworldly playground that remains compelling decades after its release.

Story

The narrative hook of Akuji: The Heartless is undeniably strong. On his wedding day, Akuji’s brother murders him and rips out his heart in a bid for power, setting off a chain of events that consigns Akuji’s soul to the underworld. What follows is a visceral revenge quest through hellish realms, where you forge uneasy alliances with voodoo deities and confront the betrayal at the heart of your own family.

The story unfolds gradually through voiced interludes and brief dialogue exchanges with underworld spirits. These moments inject personality into Akuji’s journey, offering glimpses of his determination and simmering anger. The game doesn’t shy away from dark themes—betrayal, sacrifice and the weight of ancestral curses—yet it balances them with cinematic flair and moments of supernatural wonder.

While the plot occasionally relies on familiar tropes of revenge and redemption, it excels in atmosphere. Each realm Akuji visits feels like a chapter in a gruesome voodoo myth, complete with towering idols, blood-soaked altars and whispered warnings from restless spirits. The pacing keeps you moving forward, driven by a clear goal and the promise of confronting the brother who betrayed you.

Overall Experience

Akuji: The Heartless offers a memorable blend of hack-and-slash action and dark voodoo fantasy that stands out among late-’90s PlayStation titles. Its straightforward combat, atmospheric level design and compelling revenge tale make for an engaging if occasionally challenging ride. Fans of classic action-adventure games will appreciate its focus on fluid spellcasting and ritual-themed power-ups.

Modern players may find some rough edges—the dated camera controls, occasional frame-rate dips and polygonal visuals—but these elements can also add to the retro charm. Emulated or on original hardware, the game’s voodoo aesthetic and haunting soundtrack remain deeply immersive. Collectibles and health upgrades provide a moderate incentive to explore every nook and cranny of the underworld.

For those seeking a vintage action-adventure with a unique cultural twist, Akuji: The Heartless is a rewarding experience. Its dark story, inventive set pieces and spell-driven combat ensure that you’ll remember Akuji’s tragic journey long after you reclaim his stolen heart.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10