Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Crystle Castles places you in the shoes of Bentley Bear, tasked with gathering all the crystals scattered throughout an isometric maze. At its core, the game mirrors the addictive simplicity of Pac-Man, but grants a quasi-3D spin: you’ll traverse platforms, use lifts, and navigate twisting tunnels in search of every dot. Movement is responsive, and the challenge ramps up steadily as enemy creatures—ranging from honey bees to evil spiders—roam the corridors.

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The lifts add a strategic layer: timing your entry and exit becomes crucial when you’re being pursued by multiple foes. Some lifts only move you in one direction, so planning your route is half the battle. Tunnels link separate sections of the map, but they can also confuse your sense of direction. The fact that your character remains fully visible while “underground” leads to moments of disorientation, making it easy to be ambushed.

While the mechanics are solid, the entire experience is unmistakably derivative. Levels are almost identical to those in Atari’s Crystal Castles, right down to the placement of crystals and enemy spawn points. One notable omission is the iconic opening stage where the maze spells out the developer’s name—an ironic absence given this game’s resemblance to its inspiration. Nonetheless, if you’re seeking a straightforward maze-chase with escalating difficulty, Crystle Castles delivers.

Graphics

Visually, Crystle Castles employs an isometric viewpoint that was impressive in its day. Each maze is constructed from angular tiles, and the lifts and tunnels are clear enough to navigate. Color choices are bright and distinct, helping you quickly identify walkthrough paths versus dead ends.

However, the graphics feel a step behind the original Atari title. Textures lack the subtle shading of Crystal Castles, and sprites flicker slightly when multiple objects share the same scanline. Enemies, though faithfully recreated, appear blockier and lack the smooth animation frames that give the Atari version its charm.

One downside is the absence of polish in stage transitions. In the original, the opening screen spells out developer credits in the maze itself—a clever flourish that is entirely missing here. The result is a more utilitarian presentation that, while functional, lacks personality and flair.

Story

As with many arcade-style titles of the early 1980s, narrative is minimal. Bentley Bear’s mission is simple: collect every crystal to advance. There’s no deeper plot, character development, or cutscenes—just pure arcade action.

This minimalism works in the game’s favor if you’re looking for pick-up-and-play entertainment. You know exactly what your goal is from the outset, and there’s no time wasted on exposition. That said, if you crave a story-driven experience, Crystle Castles will feel sparse and repetitive after a few rounds.

Some players might appreciate the bare-bones approach as it places full emphasis on gameplay. Others may miss even a modest narrative hook to give context to the chase. In essence, the “story” in Crystle Castles is little more than a framing device for its maze-running mechanics.

Overall Experience

Crystle Castles offers a faithful—albeit unlicensed—recreation of Atari’s classic Crystal Castles. Fans of the original will find much to enjoy here, from the familiar level designs to the rush of narrowly escaping enemies in the tight corridors. The lift-and-tunnel mechanics still feel fresh, and mastering the maps can be highly satisfying.

On the flip side, its derivative nature and lack of graphical polish make it feel like a budget knockoff rather than a standalone gem. The missing opening maze that spells out the developer’s name may be a small detail, but it speaks to an overall lack of care in presentation. Audio effects are punchy but limited, and the absence of any story elements beyond crystal collection underscores its arcade roots.

Ultimately, Crystle Castles is best suited for retro enthusiasts or those seeking quick, maze-based challenges. If you already own the Atari version, you may find little reason to jump to this clone. However, for newcomers or collectors without access to the original, it provides a serviceable dose of vintage arcade fun—warts and all.

Retro Replay Score

null/10