Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon delivers a classic beat-’em-up experience rooted in the beloved anime. Players choose between Serena (Usagi) or one of her fellow Sailor Guardians—each heroine boasting her own move set, speed, and power. The game’s core loop revolves around moving along side-scrolling platforms and dispatching waves of shadowy monsters before you can proceed to the next section, recreating the feeling of battling Beryl’s minions across moonlit streets and palace corridors.

Combat is straightforward yet satisfying: basic punches and kicks can be chained into combos, while meter-draining special attacks—like Sailor Mars’ “Fire Soul Bird” or Sailor Jupiter’s “Supreme Thunder”—add flourish and strategic depth. Timing becomes critical as enemies swarm, forcing you to weave between melee strikes and ranged powers. Each Sailor’s attack animations feel true to their on-screen personas, making every transformation and power-up moment a lively reward.

The level design balances linear progression with occasional branching paths, and each stage culminates in a boss fight against familiar antagonists from the Dark Kingdom. While enemy repetition can occur, the introduction of environmental hazards—falling debris, shifting platforms, and sudden ambushes—ensures that even veterans of side-scrollers stay on their toes. The difficulty curve is gentle at first, making it accessible to younger fans, then ramps up later for those seeking a tougher challenge.

Graphics

Graphically, the game captures the vibrant color palette of the Sailor Moon universe. Sprites are brightly rendered, and each Sailor Guardian’s costume details—like Serena’s iconic tiara and Jupiter’s vividly tinted hair—translate well to the pixel format. Backgrounds range from pastel-toned Tokyo streets to glittering crystal chambers, each layered for depth and atmosphere.

Animation frames are fluid, particularly during special moves and transformation sequences. You’ll witness a rapid spiral of sparkles as Serena morphs into Sailor Moon, lending an authentic anime vibe that fans will appreciate. Even ordinary attacks feature subtle flourishes—stars twinkling on impact or energy bursts rippling outward—adding polish to each encounter.

While the hardware limitations mean you won’t see the same level of detail as modern titles, the art direction compensates with expressive character portraits in story interludes and bold palette swaps for enemy types. Frame-rate hiccups are rare, and scrolling remains smooth, allowing the focus to stay on dynamic action rather than performance issues.

Story

Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon stays faithful to the original narrative, opening with Serena’s (Usagi’s) chance meeting with Luna, the wisecracking lunar feline who reveals her destiny as Sailor Moon. From there, you embark on a quest to locate the lost Princess of the Moon Kingdom, encountering each Sailor Guardian—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus—along the way and recruiting their aid against Queen Beryl’s dark forces.

Story progression is conveyed through brief but charming cutscenes between stages. These interludes retell key moments from the anime, such as the unveiling of the Silver Crystal’s power or a dramatic rescue of a kidnapped ally. While the narrative is concise, it covers the essential beats, providing enough context for newcomers while evoking nostalgia in longtime fans.

Character interactions are kept lighthearted, with Usagi’s trademark clumsiness and camaraderie shining through. Although dialogue is limited to short text boxes, the personalities of each Guardian are well represented—Sailor Mercury’s analytical calm, Sailor Mars’ fiery spirit, and so on. These narrative touches give the straightforward beat-’em-up structure an emotional anchor and keep you invested in the fight against the Dark Kingdom.

Overall Experience

As a licensed adaptation, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon excels at delivering a slice of anime action in an easy-to-pick-up package. Its blend of simple yet varied combat, nostalgic visuals, and beloved characters makes it a must-have for fans of the franchise. Even casual players will find the initial stages welcoming, with difficulty spikes that provide a satisfying test as they progress.

The game shines in co-op mode, where you and a friend can team up as two Sailor Guardians, combining your special attacks to clear screens more quickly. This cooperative element not only adds replay value but also mirrors the teamwork ethos at the heart of Sailor Moon’s story. Solo players, meanwhile, can experiment with each Guardian’s unique style, encouraging multiple playthroughs.

While the beat-’em-up formula may feel repetitive after extended sessions, the charm of stepping into Usagi’s shoes and battling alongside Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus keeps the experience fresh. Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon stands as both a faithful adaptation for anime enthusiasts and an approachable action title for genre newcomers, making it a solid addition to any retro or franchise-themed collection.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10