Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Undead Line offers a classic top-down arcade shooter experience that immediately evokes memories of genre staples like Commando. From the moment you select one of the three unique characters available on the MSX2 version, you’re thrust into frantic, screen-scrolling action against hordes of undead creatures. Each character boasts distinct stats—ranging from faster movement to heavier firepower—making your initial choice meaningful and encouraging multiple playthroughs.

The level selection menu is a standout feature, allowing players to tackle the six available stages in any order. This non-linear approach grants a sense of freedom uncommon in contemporary shooters and helps players develop their own strategies for coping with boss fights at the end of each stage. The bosses themselves vary in attack patterns and design, ensuring that no two showdowns feel exactly the same.

Power-ups play a crucial role in maintaining momentum. Scattered throughout each level are chests that open when shot, granting armor, speed boosts, or new projectile types. On the Genesis port, you can even cycle through power-ups by continually firing at a closed chest—adding a layer of resource management as you decide which enhancement best suits your current predicament. This simple yet effective mechanic keeps gameplay fresh and rewards precision aiming.

Graphics

Visually, Undead Line strikes a balance between retro charm and functional clarity. The pixel art style is crisp, with bright color palettes that make enemies and environmental hazards stand out against flatter backgrounds. Each undead creature is distinct, whether it’s a shambling zombie or a skeletal archer, allowing you to quickly recognize threats even in the heat of battle.

The scrolling backgrounds are clean and varied, ranging from derelict graveyards to torchlit caverns. While the parallax effects are minimal—understandable given the hardware constraints of the MSX2—each stage has enough decorative detail to establish atmosphere without distracting from the core action. You’ll notice subtle animations, such as flickering torches or swaying corpses, that add life to otherwise static vistas.

On the Genesis, sprite flicker is well-managed, and the increased color depth enhances the vividness of fireballs, explosions, and special effects. The shading on characters and bosses gives a slightly more three-dimensional feel, making the visuals pop on CRT televisions. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay superbly, ensuring clarity during intense sequences while retaining a nostalgic arcade sheen.

Story

At its core, Undead Line doesn’t rely on a sprawling narrative; instead, it opts for a straightforward premise that propels the action forward. You play as one of three elite warriors dispatched to cleanse a land overrun by supernatural forces. The opening text sets the scene quickly, and you’re launched into the fray without lengthy cutscenes or dialogue sequences.

Despite its minimalistic approach, the story establishes enough context to make each level feel earned. Discovering chests in a haunted swamp or infiltrating a crumbling fortress ties back into the overarching goal of eradicating the undead menace. The bosses themselves—once humanoid champions, now twisted abominations—act as narrative milestones, marking your progress through the darkness that has besieged the realm.

For players seeking deeper lore, the game leaves breadcrumbs to imagine the world beyond the immediate missions. The variety of environments and enemy designs hint at a larger, decaying kingdom, while the selectable heroes suggest personal motivations that could be explored in future installments. Though not heavy on exposition, Undead Line’s story framework is serviceable and never disrupts the relentless pace of its gameplay.

Overall Experience

Undead Line succeeds in delivering a tight, action-packed shooter that feels both familiar and refreshingly dynamic. Its level-select system and diverse power-up mechanics grant the player agency in how they tackle challenges, while well-designed bosses punctuate each stage with memorable showdowns. The simple yet effective progression loop of clearing enemies, grabbing upgrades, and facing a boss keeps you engaged from start to finish.

While the story is minimal and the core gameplay loop may feel straightforward to seasoned arcade veterans, the polish on controls, visual clarity, and pacing make this a standout title for retro shooter enthusiasts. The ability to replay stages in any sequence adds significant replay value, especially for those chasing high scores or attempting speed runs.

Overall, Undead Line is a must-play for anyone who appreciates old-school arcade shooters with modern touches of convenience. Its blend of tight mechanics, charming pixel art, and modular progression ensures that both newcomers and genre die-hards will find something to love. Whether you’re dipping back into the golden era of top-down action or discovering it for the first time, Undead Line delivers an engaging experience that’s hard to put down.

Retro Replay Score

7/10