Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bonesaw delivers a classic platforming experience with tight, responsive controls that feel right at home in the golden age of 2D side-scrollers. You’ll sprint, jump, and swing your way through 30 distinct stages, each crafted to challenge your timing and precision. From leaping across treacherous chasms in the forest levels to navigating slippery ice platforms, the pacing remains brisk, encouraging you to hone your reflexes as you progress.

Combat is satisfyingly straightforward yet surprisingly varied. You start with a humble hockey stick, but soon gain access to the titular Bonesaw, a hefty blade that offers wider swings and greater enemy-clearing power. Along the way, you’ll encounter basic grunts—like snarling raccoons or ice-bound yetis—and tougher minibosses, each requiring you to learn attack patterns and dodge accordingly. The occasional puzzle segment breaks up the action, asking you to flip switches or push crates to open new paths, adding a welcome change of pace without ever overstaying its welcome.

Collectibles play a key role in elevating the gameplay loop. Golden hockey pucks are scattered throughout levels, hidden in secret alcoves or dropped by vanquished foes. Snag enough of these shiny disks, and you’ll unlock health boosts, extra lives, or bonus stages that reward exploration. This system incentivizes replaying earlier levels to unearth all the mysteries Bonesaw has to offer, imbuing the progression with a tangible sense of reward.

Graphics

Bonesaw’s visual style is a loving tribute to 16-bit classics, employing vibrant pixel art and bold color schemes that pop on every screen. The character sprites are crisply animated, with the new guy—the lone hero—sporting fluid walk and attack cycles that give each swing of the Bonesaw real weight. Backgrounds shift dramatically between biomes, from the lush green canopies of the forest to the crystalline icebergs and frosty caverns, ensuring every level feels visually distinct.

Attention to detail shines through in environmental touches: birds flutter in the forest canopy, snowflakes drift gently in the ice stages, and torches flicker with a convincing glow in darker dungeons. Enemy designs are equally charming, mixing whimsy and menace. Those minor foes might look cute at a glance, but their attack patterns keep you on your toes. Boss arenas are suitably grandiose, framing each showdown with dramatic backdrops and screen-shaking effects that heighten the stakes.

Despite its retro leanings, Bonesaw makes smart use of modern shaders and particle effects to enhance immersion. Explosions sparkle, icy breath swirls into visible clouds, and every weapon strike emits a satisfying burst of pixels. These subtle flourishes prevent the game from feeling dated, striking a nice balance between nostalgic warmth and contemporary polish.

Story

The narrative of Bonesaw is delightfully simple: an evil referee has abducted the Clarkson University Golden Knights hockey team, leaving you, the untested rookie, as the sole savior. This lighthearted premise is conveyed through brief, tongue-in-cheek cutscenes that bookend each chapter. You won’t find hours of dialogue here, but the game’s playful tone ensures that its minimal storytelling never feels barebones.

Humor pervades the script, from the referee’s villainous monologues to your hero’s quips upon discovering a new power-up. While the story won’t win any literary awards, it serves its purpose admirably, providing enough context to justify the frantic platforming without bogging you down in exposition. Occasional hockey references—like fallen goal nets or abandoned ice rinks—tie back to the source material in fun, subtle ways.

Boss encounters sometimes include brief story beats that heighten the drama, whether it’s the referee taunting you via megaphone or your triumphant victory pose lighting up the screen. The game balances narrative and action effectively, ensuring you feel invested in rescuing each teammate without derailing the momentum of the run-and-gun adventure.

Overall Experience

Bonesaw succeeds as a retro-inspired platformer, delivering a satisfying blend of challenging gameplay, charming pixel art, and offbeat humor. Its 30 levels provide a solid playtime, with a steady escalation in difficulty that keeps seasoned veterans and newcomers alike on their toes. The inclusion of puzzle elements and secret collectibles adds depth, encouraging thorough exploration and multiple playthroughs.

While the game occasionally suffers from repetitive enemy types and relatively straightforward puzzles, its strengths far outweigh these minor quibbles. The boss battles feel heroic, the soundtrack pulses with energy, and the quirky storyline provides just enough context to keep you smiling as you slice through foes with the Bonesaw. Fans of old-school platformers will find themselves right at home, and modern players seeking a bite-sized retro challenge won’t be disappointed.

Ultimately, Bonesaw offers a memorable romp that balances nostalgic charm with contemporary flair. Whether you’re drawn in by the hockey-themed nods or simply looking for a well-crafted platformer to sink your teeth into, this game is poised to deliver hours of engaging action and joyful exploration. If you’ve ever wished to wield a giant saw in place of a hockey stick and save your teammates from a dastardly referee, Bonesaw is the perfect ticket to an exhilarating, pixel-powered adventure.