Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Incredible Hulk delivers a straightforward yet satisfying side-scrolling action experience. Players assume the role of both Bruce Banner and the Hulk over five distinct levels, each presenting unique challenges and enemy encounters. Combat revolves around a simple combo system—basic punches, ground pounds, and special moves—allowing new and experienced gamers alike to feel the raw power of the green goliath.

Level design alternates between urban rooftops, bustling construction sites, and the twisting corridors of Tyrannus’ Labyrinth, culminating in the Leader’s Fortress and final showdown. Each environment not only provides visual variety but introduces interactive elements such as breakable walls, falling debris, and environmental hazards that Hulk can dismantle for extra damage. This interactivity adds depth without overcomplicating the core action loop.

Boss battles bring some of the highest-octane moments, pitting you against Rhino’s charges, Absorbing Man’s unpredictable elemental attacks, the hulking Abomination, and finally Tyrannus himself before the ultimate clash with the Leader. The pacing keeps the adrenaline high, balancing wave-based minion fights with these multi-phase encounters. While the move set remains limited throughout, the sense of escalation as you grow closer to the Leader helps maintain engagement from start to finish.

Graphics

For its era, The Incredible Hulk boasts crisp, hand-drawn sprites that capture the raw might of its characters. Hulk’s animations feel weighty—every punch and leap carries visible impact—while Dr. Banner’s portrayal is more reserved, reflecting his human vulnerability. Enemy designs stay true to their comic-book roots, with identifiable silhouettes whether it’s Rhino’s brute bulk or Absorbing Man’s shifting form.

The backgrounds shift seamlessly from the chaos of city destruction to the sterile machinery of Tyrannus’ Labyrinth. Parallax scrolling layers, though modest by modern standards, give each stage depth and motion. Construction beams sway, debris crumbles under relentless assault, and the Leader’s lab pulses with ominous equipment, all contributing to an immersive world even within the constraints of a side-scroller.

Performance remains rock-solid, avoiding slowdown even when dozens of on-screen enemies swarm you. The color palette is vibrant, with the Hulk’s emerald green contrasting sharply against steel-grey fortresses and fiery explosions. While in-game cutscenes are minimal, the occasional comic-style splash panels help break up the action and reinforce the game’s Marvel pedigree.

Story

The narrative of The Incredible Hulk is straightforward but effective, casting you as Dr. Bruce Banner on a desperate mission to stop his arch-nemesis, the Leader. After a scientific experiment goes awry, Banner must embrace his monstrous alter ego to combat the Leader’s plan for global domination. The stakes feel personal, rooted in the tragic duality of Banner’s existence and his struggle for control.

Each level escalates the drama. The City and Construction Site stages establish the conflict with the Leader’s foot soldiers running amok, hinting at a grander scheme. In Tyrannus’ Labyrinth, the environment itself becomes an antagonist, a network of traps and puzzles designed by a mad geneticist. By the time you infiltrate the Leader’s Fortress and interior chambers, the tension peaks, making the final confrontation feel earned.

Though cutscenes are sparse, the encounters with bosses weave in enough flavor text to flesh out motivations. Absorbing Man’s one-liners, Abomination’s roar of defiance, and Tyrannus’ maniacal laughter all punctuate the action. This minimalist approach to storytelling ensures that the focus remains on smashing through enemies, yet still provides context and character for those seeking a narrative thread.

Overall Experience

The Incredible Hulk is a lean, punch-driven romp that knows exactly what it wants to deliver: unadulterated superpowered action. Its strength lies in simplicity, offering a pick-up-and-play formula that never overstays its welcome across five well-paced levels. While veterans of brawlers might crave deeper combos or branching paths, newcomers will appreciate the clear objectives and immediate gratification of each ground-shaking blow.

Replay value centers around mastering boss patterns and discovering hidden destructible elements in each stage. Though there are no branching endings or unlockable modes, the sheer fun of embodying one of Marvel’s mightiest heroes can entice players back for another run. Speedrunners may also find joy in optimizing movement through the intricate labyrinthine sections to shave precious seconds off their best times.

For fans of classic beat ’em ups and Marvel enthusiasts alike, The Incredible Hulk stands as a solid entry in licensed gaming. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it delivers a memorable, action-packed journey full of comic-book flair, satisfying destruction, and the abiding thrill of controlling unstoppable power. Potential buyers looking for a focused, old-school side-scroller will find plenty to cheer about here.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10