Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

EA Replay delivers a diverse buffet of gameplay styles drawn from early Electronic Arts classics. From the high-speed combat of Road Rash and its sequels to the strategic depth of Syndicate, each title offers a distinct challenge. Controls vary from title to title, faithfully emulating the original SNES and Genesis inputs without noticeable lag. Whether you’re weaving between traffic on a motorcycle or guiding medieval avatars through dungeons in Ultima: The Black Gate, the core mechanics feel tight and responsive.

One of the compilation’s most welcome features is the ability to save at any point. This modern convenience transforms longer quests—such as completing both Wing Commander campaigns or mastering the intricate levels of Jungle Strike—into manageable sessions. In-game menus also allow quick resume, so you can bounce between a quick virtual pinball match and a grueling Desert Strike mission without losing progress.

Multiplayer functionality is included for select titles like Road Rash II, Mutant League Football, and Budokan. Local head-to-head matches recreate the couch-competitive atmosphere of the ’90s. Though limited to two players, these modes add significant replay value: racing while brawling on a bike, trading punches in a dojo, or scoring touchdowns against mutants all bring back that era’s joyful chaos.

Graphics

Graphically, EA Replay leans into nostalgia, presenting the pixel art of each original game with remarkable clarity on modern screens. The emulation engine handles scaling and filtering options that let you choose between a crisp “pixel-perfect” look or a softened, retro-TV style. In titles like Haunting Starring Polterguy, the colorful sprites and quirky animations gleam with personality, while in Wing Commander and Syndicate, the more detailed static backdrops maintain their atmospheric allure.

The Road Rash series has received additional treatment in this compilation, featuring new music and updated soundtracks that accompany the familiar visuals. While not true graphical enhancements, the refreshed audio pairs nicely with the classic sprites, offering a slightly modern twist without overhauling the look. Unlockable original game art further enriches the package, revealing concept sketches and promotional posters that illustrate how these games evolved.

Although you won’t find high-definition remasters here, the pixel work stands the test of time, especially when presented on handheld devices. Emulation delivers virtually artifact-free color palettes and smooth frame rates. Occasional sprite pop-in or slowdowns from the original hardware are rare, and overall the compilation preserves the visual integrity of the ’90s EA catalog.

Story

Because EA Replay is an anthology of standalone titles, “story” varies greatly from game to game. In Wing Commander and its Secret Missions expansion, you experience a space-opera narrative of war, honor, and intrigue. Brief in-game cutscenes and mission briefings provide enough context to feel invested in the interstellar conflict even today. Ultima: The Black Gate similarly offers a classic RPG storyline, immersing you in pioneering open-world exploration and player-driven quest design.

Other games rely more on premise than plot. Desert Strike and Jungle Strike drop you into military scenarios with minimal narrative—but the thrill of navigating hostile territory compensates for the lack of flash. Haunting Starring Polterguy, meanwhile, delivers comedic horror, tasking you with scaring former neighbors as an undead mischief-maker. Its tongue-in-cheek style is timeless, even if the storytelling mechanics are simple.

Sports and action titles like Mutant League Football and Road Rash focus squarely on gameplay loops rather than deep lore. The backstory of mutant teams or outlaw bikers merely sets the stage for violent competition. Budokan’s martial arts tournaments also forego a sweeping storyline in favor of arena-style progression. While narrative enthusiasts may find some entries light on plot, the variety ensures a little something for every taste.

Overall Experience

As a whole, EA Replay stands out as an accessible time capsule for fans and newcomers alike. The compilation respects the originals by maintaining historical accuracy while adding quality-of-life features—such as save-anywhere functionality, unlockable galleries, and a handful of audio upgrades. Browsing the menu to choose between Virtual Pinball tables or diving back into Syndicate’s dystopian world is both effortless and satisfying.

Performance across all fourteen titles is rock-solid, with near-instant load times and faithful emulation of original hardware quirks. The ability to customize display filters and controls further tailors the experience to your preferences. Local multiplayer options may be modest in scope, but they rekindle the social spirit of retro gaming sessions, inviting friends to revisit spring-loaded pinball flippers or duke it out in Road Rash II’s chaotic circuits.

Ultimately, EA Replay functions as a love letter to Electronic Arts’ formative years. While die-hard purists might wish for DLC-style add-ons or broader multiplayer, this collection remains a compelling package. It’s an ideal entry point for curious players wanting to explore seminal titles from the ’90s, and a nostalgic journey for veterans eager to relive those pixelated triumphs.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10