Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tricky Kick delivers a refreshing twist on the classic sliding block puzzle formula by introducing a “kicking” mechanic that feels both intuitive and endlessly entertaining. Instead of the usual push or slide controls, you “kick” identical items together to make them vanish, which adds a layer of momentum-based strategy. Each move must be carefully planned, as one wrong kick can block other pieces and force you to rethink your approach.

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Beyond merely matching items, the game ramps up tension by introducing enemy pieces that roam the board. These foes cannot be matched conventionally and must be knocked into bumpers or other obstacles to be destroyed. This adds a mini action-puzzle element, requiring you to factor enemy movement and positioning into every kick. It’s a clever way to break up the monotony and inject a sense of urgency into each challenge.

With a total of 120 puzzles split evenly between regular and special modes, Tricky Kick offers substantial content for newcomers and puzzle veterans alike. Even in regular mode, many levels push your spatial reasoning to the limit. Special mode cranks up the difficulty further, rewarding players who master the kicking mechanic and learn to anticipate multiple moves ahead. The staggered difficulty curve ensures there’s always a new trick or trap to keep you engaged.

Graphics

As a TurboGrafx-16 title, Tricky Kick embraces the console’s vibrant color palette and crisp pixel art. Each item and enemy sprite is clearly defined, making it easy to distinguish between different puzzle elements at a glance. The board tiles themselves boast a subtle texture that prevents visual fatigue during extended play sessions.

The animation is deceptively simple yet satisfying. When two items collide and vanish, a small burst of particles punctuates the action. Similarly, enemies flash and bounce realistically when you send them careening into bumpers. These little flourishes bring the otherwise static puzzle boards to life without overwhelming the player with superfluous effects.

Backgrounds are minimal but effective, featuring soft gradients and abstract patterns that shift as you progress through stages. This subtle change of scenery helps you track your journey across the 120 puzzles while maintaining focus on the grid. Overall, the graphics strike a great balance between functional clarity and nostalgic charm.

Story

Tricky Kick keeps its narrative light, leaning into the timeless appeal of “solve the puzzle to advance.” There isn’t a sprawling plot or lengthy cutscene sequence—rather, the game whispers its premise through brief onscreen messages. You’re guided as a master kicker tasked with clearing all items and neutralizing pesky critters that have invaded the board.

While some players might miss a deep storyline, the minimal plot works in the game’s favor by keeping you immersed in the challenge rather than interrupting flow. Each puzzle feels like a self-contained mission, and the sparse narrative framing provides just enough context to make each victory feel meaningful. It’s a lean, no-frills approach that suits the pick-up-and-play nature of puzzle games.

For those craving more lore, the manual hints at a playful rivalry between kicker guilds and a mysterious force that animates the pieces. These tiny tidbits add a dash of personality without detracting from gameplay. If you find yourself wondering “why” you’re kicking blocks, these morsels of backstory give a satisfying, if brief, answer.

Overall Experience

Tricky Kick shines as a puzzle game that respects your time and challenges your mind. The unique kicking mechanic breathes fresh life into sliding-block puzzles, while the dual modes and 120 levels ensure longevity. Whether you’re chasing a quick regular-mode clear or tackling the brain-burning special puzzles, there’s always something new to master.

The learning curve is firm but fair. Early puzzles double as tutorials, teaching you the basics of item matching and enemy management without feeling patronizing. Once you grasp the core mechanics, the game opens up in surprising ways, revealing multi-step combos and enemy-trapping tactics that reward creative thinking.

If you own a TurboGrafx-16 or are a retrô puzzle enthusiast, Tricky Kick is a must-try. Its polished visuals, tight controls, and steadily escalating challenge make it an addictive addition to any collection. Even without extensive narrative flourishes, the game crafts its own brand of fun, proving that clever design and satisfying mechanics can outshine any blockbuster blockbuster tale.

Retro Replay Score

null/10