Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Small Soldiers delivers a satisfyingly varied action experience, blending platforming, shooting, and puzzle-solving across its fourteen single-player levels. You step into the tiny boots of the Gorgonite Archer, navigating a vibrant, toy-sized world filled with ledges to scale, obstacles to overcome, and Commandos to thwart. The basic controls are intuitive—run, jump, climb, and fire your blaster—yet the game sprinkles in fresh challenges as you progress. From timed jumps over precarious gaps to precision shooting segments, the mechanics remain engaging without ever feeling repetitive.

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A key strength lies in the game’s level design, which frequently shifts focus between freeing captured Gorgonites and pushing forward toward the next objective. Rescuing your fellow toy soldiers isn’t purely cosmetic; once freed, they join your cause, offering backup firepower and turning certain crowded skirmishes into memorable firefights. This cooperative AI adds a strategic layer: should you press ahead alone, or linger to liberate allies who might tip the scales in tougher encounters?

Multiplayer extends the fun with head-to-head battles in two-player “Chip vs. Archer” modes. Whether you prefer the capture-the-flag variant or the classic frag-collecting showdown, matches feel fast-paced and fair. These modes emphasize map control and smart use of power-ups, making them more than simple shooting galleries. While local split-screen is the only option, the tight arenas and brisk pacing ensure quick, competitive rounds that are perfect for party play.

Graphics

Despite its toy-inspired premise, Small Soldiers boasts surprisingly detailed environments that capture both the whimsy and intensity of a miniature battlefield. Bright, colorful textures bring the Gorgonite world to life, from grassy knolls and rocky outcrops to mechanical contraptions that evoke discarded household items. The visual style leans into exaggeration—oversized screws, cardboard backdrops, and plastic foliage—yet the artistic consistency makes every area feel cohesive and purposeful.

Character models are equally impressive for their era, featuring smooth animations and distinct silhouettes that help you identify Archer, Chip Hazard, and assorted Commandos at a glance. Enemy behavior is telegraphed through clear visual cues—flashy muzzle flashes for incoming fire, startled flinches when you land a hit—so you always know when danger is near or a foe is down. Boss encounters further demonstrate the game’s graphical chops with larger-than-life Commandos who tower over the playfield and deliver dynamic attack animations.

Performance generally stays rock solid, with minimal slowdown even when multiple characters and particle effects crowd the screen. The camera occasionally struggles in tight quarters, but a quick tap of the joystick usually reorients it in your favor. Overall, Small Soldiers’ graphics strike a balance between cartoonish charm and action-game readability, ensuring that both young players and nostalgic adults will appreciate the visual presentation.

Story

Rather than retelling the movie’s plot, Small Soldiers builds its own narrative from the backstory printed on the toy packaging. You assume the role of the peace-loving Gorgonite Archer, tasked with defending his homeland from a relentless Commando invasion led by the ruthless Chip Hazard. This simple premise sets the stage for an underdog tale, where a handful of toys must band together to fend off a high-tech military threat.

The game’s storytelling unfolds primarily through brief cutscenes and on-screen text, giving it a swift, arcade-like pace. While there’s no deep character development or branching dialogue, the earnestness of Archer’s mission and the colorful personalities of his allies come through in animated exchanges. Each new area introduces a fresh challenge—be it infiltrating a toy factory or storming a makeshift fortress—reinforcing the sense that your toy world is under siege.

Small Soldiers occasionally surprises with lighthearted humor and clever environmental storytelling. Finding hidden Gorgonite figurines or navigating secret passages behind cereal boxes offers small rewards that hint at a broader world beyond the main campaign. Though not a narrative heavyweight, the game’s story does enough to provide context and motivation, keeping you invested in each level’s objective without overstaying its welcome.

Overall Experience

Small Soldiers is a charming action platformer that captures the spirit of its toy-based premise while delivering solid gameplay and memorable multiplayer bouts. Its balance of platforming, shooting, and ally-rescue objectives keeps the single-player campaign engaging from start to finish. Although the story is straightforward, it provides just enough context to frame the action without bogging down the pace.

The game’s vibrant graphics and polished animations stand out, making every level feel unique and alive. Performance is consistent, and the occasional camera hiccup never detracts significantly from the overall flow. Sound design complements the visuals with punchy weapon effects and energetic music cues that heighten the tension during key encounters.

For fans of late-’90s action games, toy enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a lighthearted yet challenging romp, Small Soldiers offers a rewarding package. Its blend of single-player depth and competitive local multiplayer ensures lasting appeal, encouraging both solo runs and party showdowns. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it remains a well-crafted title that will appeal to gamers seeking nostalgia and fast-paced, toy-sized battles.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10