Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Death and Return of Superman delivers classic side-scrolling beat ’em-up action that feels both familiar and fresh. Players begin as the Man of Steel himself, trading punches with Doomsday before branching out to control Steel, the Eradicator, Cyborg Superman and Superboy. Each hero brings a unique moveset—Steel’s hammer swings, Eradicator’s energy blasts, Cyborg’s ranged attacks and Superboy’s speed bursts—encouraging varied strategies to tackle hordes of enemies and powerful bosses.

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Combat flows smoothly thanks to responsive controls that let you chain light and heavy attacks into satisfying combos. Special moves consume a meter that refills through landed hits, rewarding aggressive play while still allowing room for defensive tactics. Throws, launchers and environment-based attacks keep encounters dynamic, and the occasional multi-directional scrolling stages force you to adapt your approach when the battlefield expands.

Difficulty scales reasonably, making it accessible for newcomers yet offering a respectable challenge in later stages. Health pickups and limited “fortitude” boosts help sustain you through tougher gauntlets, but expert players can push for high-score runs and speed clears. Local co-op adds further replay value, turning boss rushes into chaotic, high-impact team efforts that shine brightest when friends coordinate supers or revive each other mid-fight.

Graphics

The visual presentation pays homage to the comic books while leveraging modern pixel art techniques. Character sprites are detailed, capturing signature costumes, armor plating and facial expressions with surprising clarity. Backgrounds—from crumbling Metropolis streets to high-tech LexCorp facilities—feature rich color palettes and parallax scrolling that evoke a sense of scale befitting world-ending threats.

Animation work stands out in both regular combat and cinematic flourishes. Punches and kicks have palpable weight, screen-shaking hits punctuate powerful blows, and special attacks trigger vibrant energy effects. Boss sequences—especially the initial showdown with Doomsday—use larger-than-life sprites and dynamic camera zooms to reinforce the stakes, making each confrontation feel epic.

Performance remains rock-solid across standard platforms. Frame rates hold steady even when dozens of enemies swarm the screen, and transitions between levels are swift. Minor slowdown can occur if multiple supers collide simultaneously, but it never detracts significantly from the overall fluidity. Graphical filters and optional scanline modes add nostalgia for retro enthusiasts without compromising visual fidelity.

Story

The narrative faithfully adapts the seminal “Death and Return of Superman” arc, beginning with the cataclysmic clash against Doomsday that culminates in Superman’s apparent demise. From there, the game guides players through the perspectives of Steel, the Eradicator, Cyborg Superman and Superboy—each determined to be Metropolis’s true protector. This multi-chapter structure lends variety to the plot, offering fresh motivations and moral dilemmas as you progress.

Cutscenes blend comic-book panels with animated sequences, narrated by a familiar voiceover that sets the tone and fills in background details. Text bubbles and on-screen captions punctuate key moments, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the source material can follow along. The pacing is brisk, with each character’s journey culminating in an emotional crescendo before passing the torch to the next hero.

While the storyline doesn’t stray far from its origins, it strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgia and gameplay integration. Occasional set-piece battles allow you to experience pivotal plot beats firsthand—whether it’s Steel defending civilians or Superboy grappling with his identity. The finale reunites the heroes in a triumphant showdown, tying up loose ends and delivering the catharsis fans expect from this legendary saga.

Overall Experience

The Death and Return of Superman stands as a must-play for beat ’em-up aficionados and DC fans alike. Its faithful adaptation of a landmark comic event, combined with tightly honed combat and striking visuals, ensures that both solo and cooperative sessions remain engaging from start to finish. Five distinct playstyles encourage multiple playthroughs, while hidden challenges and scoring incentives reward mastery.

Repetitive elements are inherent to the genre, and some players may long for deeper RPG-style progression or branching pathways. However, the game’s focused design—eschewing unnecessary systems—keeps the action streamlined and accessible. The relatively short campaign can be extended through New Game+ modes and local co-op antics, making it ideal for quick bursts or weekend brawls.

Ultimately, this title captures the spirit of Superman’s most dramatic storyline with finesse. It balances arcade thrills and narrative flair, paying tribute to the source material without feeling like a mere gimmick. Whether you’re revisiting the saga for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, The Death and Return of Superman offers a memorable, high-octane experience that flies straight into the heart of what makes the Last Son of Krypton an enduring icon.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10