Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Arthur to Astaroth no Nazo Makaimura builds its puzzles around The Incredible Machine’s trademark Rube Goldberg–style contraptions, but spices them up with Ghosts ’N Goblins flair. Players place and connect objects—like levers, springs, and armor icons—to guide Arthur through each diabolical trial. Unlike standard platformers, success hinges on understanding cause-and-effect: a misplaced pulley or misaligned cannon can send Arthur plummeting, or worse, straight into harm’s way.

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One of the game’s most memorable twists is the inclusion of “kill Arthur” puzzles. Rather than simply overcome obstacles, certain levels require you to orchestrate Arthur’s demise in creative ways—mirroring the series’ dark humor and notorious difficulty. These lethal setups feel more like macabre brainteasers than frustrating deaths, rewarding players who think several steps ahead.

Despite its rich puzzle design, the game omits head-to-head challenges and the Freeform Machine mode found in other Incredible Machine entries. All content is single-player, with a linear progression of scenarios. For purists seeking endless sandbox building, this limitation can feel restrictive. Yet for those who prefer curated, story-driven puzzles, the focused structure delivers steadily escalating complexity without filler content.

Graphics

Visually, the game marries 16-bit Ghosts ’N Goblins sprites with Dynamix’s laboratory interface. Arthur’s pixel art is charmingly faithful—his armor clinks, and his iconic lance stands out against the backdrop. Astaroth looms in menacing detail, while supporting characters like the Red Arremer flit across the screen with surprisingly fluid animations for the era.

The user interface blends medieval fantasy elements with mechanical schematics. Icons for armor pieces, trap components, and switch gears are distinct and easy to identify, even on a low-resolution display. Backgrounds often feature gothic castles or moonlit graveyards, lending a brooding atmosphere that ties into the series’ dark motif.

Though dated by modern standards, the graphics retain a nostalgic appeal. Colors are vivid, and each puzzle screen feels like a meticulously crafted diorama. Players accustomed to high-definition artwork might balk at the pixelation, but the overall clarity ensures that even intricate puzzles remain decipherable and visually engaging.

Story

As the only Incredible Machine title with a narrative, Arthur to Astaroth no Nazo Makaimura follows the classic Ghosts ’N Goblins premise: the princess is kidnapped by Astaroth, and Arthur must save her. Brief cutscenes and in-level pictograms convey this tale, punctuated by Remixed series tunes that heighten the sense of adventure and urgency.

All known characters from the franchise make appearances—knights, ghouls, demons, and, of course, the formidable Red Arremer. Each stage’s objective ties back to the plot, whether you’re assembling armor plates to cross a moat or redirecting fireballs to shatter Astaroth’s barriers. This integration of narrative and gameplay provides context to every puzzle.

Because the text is entirely in Japanese, non-speakers must rely on visual storytelling. Fortunately, the clear iconography and universal “rescue the princess” trope keep the plot understandable. While you may miss some dialogue nuances, the game’s strong visual cues and faithful character designs ensure the story remains accessible and engaging.

Overall Experience

Arthur to Astaroth no Nazo Makaimura stands out as a unique crossbreed of two beloved series. It delivers carefully crafted puzzles infused with Ghosts ’N Goblins atmosphere, appealing to fans of retro platformers and complex contraption challenges alike. The absence of multiplayer and sandbox modes narrows its scope, but also keeps the experience tight and story-focused.

For import gamers and collectors, this Japanese-only title offers a rare glimpse of collaboration between Capcom’s demon-slaying saga and Dynamix’s puzzle ingenuity. The remixed soundtrack, faithful character art, and inventive level design reward perseverance—though newcomers should prepare for a learning curve steeped in trial and error.

Ultimately, if you crave a puzzle game with dark fantasy flavor, Arthur to Astaroth no Nazo Makaimura is a charming oddity worth seeking out. Its blend of narrative drive and mechanical brainteasers provides a fresh twist on both The Incredible Machine formula and the classic Ghosts ’N Goblins storyline. Just be ready to tinker, retry, and revel in each hard-won victory as you inch closer to rescuing the princess.

Retro Replay Score

null/10