Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Son Son II delivers a classic platforming experience that will resonate with fans of the genre. Players assume the role of Son Goku, navigating through seven diverse levels filled with treacherous jumping puzzles and hordes of myth-inspired foes. The core mechanics revolve around precise timing, swift reactions, and strategic use of Son Goku’s iconic staff.

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The game’s progression hinges on collecting fruit to earn currency, which can be spent on upgrades such as longer, more powerful staffs and crucial items in shops scattered throughout the levels. Hidden within the stages are keys to unlock secret doors, gloves that break through specific walls, and medicine to restore your health. These collectibles add an exploratory layer, encouraging players to revisit stages in search of every hidden treasure.

Boss battles introduce a thrilling twist by granting Son Goku a magical cloud that allows brief flight during the encounter. This mechanic shakes up the standard run-and-jump formula, adding verticality and tactical depth to the fights. Combined with the magic lamp—offering an extra continue after a game over—these features keep frustration at bay while maintaining a rewarding challenge curve.

Graphics

Visually, Son Son II embraces a vibrant, retro-inspired art style that pays homage to its arcade roots. Each level boasts a distinct color palette, from lush bamboo forests to fiery caverns, ensuring that environments feel fresh and varied. The backgrounds are richly detailed, with subtle animations that bring the world of Xi You Ji to life.

Character sprites are crisp and expressive. Son Goku’s fluid animations—whether swinging his staff, hopping onto platforms, or zipping across the screen on his cloud—are smooth and satisfyingly responsive. Enemy designs draw on classic mythological motifs, offering a diverse array of challengers such as flying demons, armored soldiers, and giant stone guardians.

The game’s visual effects—sparkling item pickups, impact flashes on enemy hits, and screen shakes during boss attacks—add punch to every action. Occasional palette swaps for item-powered-up states (like the glowing staff or shimmering magic lamp) effectively signal gameplay changes and keep the player visually engaged.

Story

While Son Son II doesn’t drown players in cutscenes, its narrative roots in Journey to the West provide a compelling framework. Tasked with rescuing his friends from a mysterious villain, Son Goku embarks on a quest that mirrors the novel’s spirit of adventure and camaraderie. This loose adaptation allows newcomers to enjoy the story without prior knowledge of Xi You Ji.

Story beats are delivered through brief in-game dialogues and NPC interactions found in hidden alcoves. These moments give context to each level’s design and motivate progression. Picking up a key here or purchasing a new staff there feels meaningful because you understand why Son Goku is doing it: to save his companions and restore balance.

Although the narrative is straightforward, it never feels perfunctory. The urgency to rescue friends infuses every leap and staff strike with purpose. Boss battles, in particular, carry narrative weight; each defeated foe brings you one step closer to confronting the enigmatic antagonist who holds Son Goku’s allies captive.

Overall Experience

Son Son II strikes a fine balance between nostalgic arcade action and modern platforming sensibilities. The learning curve is gentle enough for genre newcomers but offers depth for veterans seeking hidden secrets and speed-running opportunities. The seven levels may seem concise, but the multitude of hidden paths ensures high replay value.

The sound design complements the visuals with upbeat chiptune melodies that shift to more dramatic themes during boss encounters. Audio cues for collecting items, landing hard hits, and losing a life all contribute to an immersive, cohesive experience. The pacing remains brisk, rarely allowing players to catch their breath—which is exactly what you want in a platformer.

For potential buyers, Son Son II represents an affordable dive into retro platforming bliss. Its combination of tight controls, varied level design, and charming presentation makes it a standout title for those craving a taste of classic arcade action without sacrificing modern polish. Whether you’re nostalgic for the 8-bit era or simply love a well-crafted jump-and-slash adventure, Son Son II is worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10