Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Time Trax delivers a fast-paced action experience that expertly blends side-scrolling combat with stealth and puzzle-solving elements. As Darien Lambert, players move through a variety of levels ranging from neon-lit future alleys to the halls of the 1993 Smithsonian. Each stage challenges you to use your Pellet Projection Tube (PPT) not only to stun adversaries but also to send them back to 2193, creating a satisfying loop of confrontation and resolution.

One of the game’s standout mechanics is the “time stall,” which slows down the world around you, effectively turning intense firefights into strategic showdowns. This feature allows you to dodge bullets, time your stun pellets precisely, and set up martial arts counterattacks with your Mosh-Ti skills. The careful balance between resource management—your PPT only carries limited stun charges—and the time stall meter keeps gameplay tense and engaging throughout.

In addition to on-foot sequences, Time Trax spices up its core action with vehicle segments, including motorcycle chases through futuristic cityscapes and high-speed jet-ski pursuits on open water. These moments break up the foot soldier routine, adding variety and opportunity to master different control schemes. Boss fights, particularly those against Sepp Dietrich and Dr. Sahmbi, test all of your acquired abilities, making even seasoned players think twice before rushing in.

Supporting your efforts is S.E.L.M.A., the AI supercomputer disguised as an innocuous AT&T Mastercard. Her British nanny persona offers mission briefings, hints, and occasional quips that keep the narrative moving and help new players navigate complex objectives. Overall, Time Trax’s gameplay loop remains fresh throughout its runtime, offering a satisfying blend of action, strategy, and thematic gadgets.

Graphics

For a mid-90s title, Time Trax’s visuals stand out with crisp, colorful sprite work and detailed background layers. The futuristic Washington D.C. levels feature glowing signage, dynamic lighting effects, and parallax scrolling that convey depth in each scene. Transitioning to 1993 locales, the art direction shifts to muted tones and realistic architecture, making the time-travel premise feel tangible.

Character sprites are well-animated, especially during melee encounters and time-stall sequences. Darien Lambert moves fluidly through his Mosh-Ti combos, and enemies react convincingly when stunned or sent back in time. Environmental hazards—such as collapsing scaffolding or speeding vehicles—are telegraphed with clear visual cues, ensuring gameplay remains fair while showcasing the engine’s capabilities.

Cutscenes blend pixel art with simple character portraits and text boxes, evoking the feel of a serialized TV show. Though not fully animated, these story beats are supported by expressive poses and background art that reinforce the sci-fi atmosphere. Minor details—like rain-slicked streets in the future or banners in the Smithsonian—add polish and help each area feel lived-in.

On hardware of its era, the game runs smoothly with minimal slowdown, even when multiple enemies and particle effects appear on screen. Load times are virtually nonexistent, keeping you immersed from the moment Lambert steps through the TRAX machine. While the graphics may seem dated by modern standards, their artistry and technical execution remain impressive for fans of retro design.

Story

Time Trax captures the essence of the original 1993–94 sci-fi action series, thrusting players into a narrative of time-displaced fugitives and high-stakes justice. You assume the role of Darien Lambert, captain of the Fugitive Retrieval Section, tasked with tracking down criminals who have been sent back to 1993 by MIT scientist Dr. Mordecai “Mo” Sahmbi. The premise—rife with moral ambiguity and futuristic conspiracy—provides a strong foundation for each mission.

The game introduces key characters organically, with S.E.L.M.A. guiding you through briefing sequences and offering background on Sahmbi’s motives. As you pursue neo-Nazi extremist Sepp Dietrich and Sahmbi himself, dialogue snippets and in-game events reveal layers of betrayal, ideology, and the personal cost of time travel. These narrative moments, though concise, give enough context to keep players invested in the chase.

Each level’s setting reinforces the story: infiltrating the Smithsonian is more than a change of scenery—it’s a chance to piece together Sahmbi’s timeline and recover stolen research. Similarly, the futuristic cityscapes hint at a society on the brink of collapse, underscoring the stakes of your mission. The gradual escalation from routine retrievals to direct confrontations with your arch-nemesis provides a satisfying narrative arc.

While the main plot follows a linear path, optional dialogues and environmental storytelling invite players to learn more about Lambert’s world. Hidden audio logs and computer terminals contain clues to secondary subplots, rewarding thorough exploration. This layered approach to storytelling ensures that both casual players and lore enthusiasts find something to appreciate.

Overall Experience

Time Trax offers an engaging blend of action, strategy, and narrative that remains surprisingly fresh decades after its release. The variety of gameplay mechanics—from time-stalling to vehicle chases—keeps the experience dynamic, preventing any one element from feeling stale. Fans of side-scrolling action and sci-fi thrillers will find much to appreciate in its design.

The seamless integration of story and gameplay stands out as one of the game’s major strengths. S.E.L.M.A.’s wry commentary and the evolving cat-and-mouse dynamic with Sahmbi lend emotional weight to what could have been a straightforward shooter. Each mission feels purposeful, with clear objectives that tie back to the overarching narrative of justice across time.

Visually and technically, Time Trax holds up admirably. Its pixel art aesthetics, smooth animations, and responsive controls make for an accessible yet challenging experience. Even in the face of occasional difficulty spikes—particularly in later boss encounters—the sense of accomplishment when you send a fugitive hurtling back to 2193 is immensely satisfying.

Whether you’re a veteran of the original TV series or a newcomer drawn by the promise of time-traveling action, Time Trax delivers an immersive package. With its memorable protagonist, inventive mechanics, and compelling world-building, it remains a standout title for aficionados of retro gaming and sci-fi adventures alike.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10