Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Claw delivers classic side-scrolling platform action with tight, responsive controls that allow Captain Claw to move fluidly through each level. You can run, jump, stab with your trusty sword, fire a pistol, toss dynamite and unleash the “Magic Claw” projectile ability. This blend of melee and ranged combat keeps encounters varied, forcing players to adapt on the fly as new enemy types and environmental hazards appear.

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Levels are designed as linear challenges, each with two strategically placed save points. You’ll traverse city streets, dense forests, pirate ships, underwater caverns and more, often in the same stage. Obstacles range from bottomless pits and spikes to moving platforms and rope swings, demanding precise timing and memorization. Boss battles at the end of key stages add a puzzle-like twist: you must learn attack patterns and exploit weak points rather than simply button-mash your way to victory.

Power-ups and treasures are scattered throughout, rewarding exploration with invincibility, enhanced sword attacks, extra lives and valuable gems. The most coveted items often lie behind particularly tricky jumps or hidden areas, encouraging replay of previous stages once your skills improve. Managing limited pistol ammo and dynamite stocks adds a layer of resource strategy—should you save your shots for bosses or use them to clear crowded rooms?

Beyond the main quest, Claw includes a robust level editor that extends the game’s lifespan indefinitely. Players can craft custom maps, share them with friends or download community creations. This feature elevates Claw from a straightforward platformer to an enduring sandbox, challenging even the most seasoned pirates to design fiendish new trials.

Graphics

Claw embraces a vibrant, hand-drawn cartoon aesthetic that brings its swashbuckling world to life. Detailed pixel art environments vary dramatically—from grimy prison dungeons and bustling port towns to lush jungles and eerie underwater ruins. Each backdrop is rich in atmospheric touches like drifting lantern light or swaying palm fronds, immersing you in the golden age of piracy.

Character and enemy sprites are equally charming, with Captain Claw’s jaunty pirate hat and swaggering gait perfectly capturing his bravado. Canine adversaries wear polished armor or ragged clothing depending on their rank, while jungle creatures and underwater foes exhibit fluid animation cycles that feel surprisingly modern for a late-’90s release.

Cutscenes between levels unfold in an animated, comic-book style, complete with expressive facial close-ups and dynamic camera angles. These sequences add personality and humor, making Claw’s quest for the Amulet of Nine Lives feel like an interactive Saturday morning cartoon.

Technically, the game runs smoothly on compatible systems, with no noticeable slowdown even in action-packed rooms. Color palettes are bold but never garish, ensuring that threats, platforms and power-ups stand out clearly against detailed backgrounds. Overall, the graphics remain a highlight that withstands the test of time.

Story

The narrative thrust of Claw is simple yet compelling: Nathaniel Joseph Claw, infamous pirate known as “The Surveyor of the Seven Seas,” has been betrayed by bounty hunters and locked away in the fortress prison La Roca. A chance discovery of Edward Tobin’s letter—detailing the location of the fabled Amulet of Nine Lives—ignites Claw’s daring escape and sets the stage for a high-stakes treasure hunt.

Although the plot doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it provides ample motivation for each perilous stage. The Cocker-Spaniard Kingdom’s million-gold reward looms like a specter, driving dogged adversaries to hunt you down at every turn. This tension is reinforced by the game’s well-timed cutscenes, which tease Claw’s next destination and occasionally introduce colorful side characters, like the ruthless Captain Le Reux.

Story progression is paced between levels, with each animated panel adding a bit of exposition or humor. These interludes ensure that the action never feels gratuitous—every stage pushes Claw one step closer to the supernatural artifact that promises near-immortality. The blend of pirate lore, mystical MacGuffin and witty dialogue helps the narrative punch above its weight.

Incorporating treasure maps, hidden notes and environmental storytelling, Claw encourages players to piece together the broader world beyond straightforward combat. The sense of adventure is palpable from La Roca’s dank cells to the final, epic showdown for the amulet, making the storyline a charming companion to the robust level design.

Overall Experience

Claw remains a standout platformer with enduring appeal. Its combination of precise controls, varied weaponry and cleverly designed hazards offers a solid challenge for both newcomers and retro veterans. Each stage feels distinct, and the escalating difficulty curve strikes a satisfying balance between frustration and triumph.

While certain aspects—such as the strictly linear level order and occasional trial-and-error boss fights—may feel dated to modern audiences, the core gameplay loop is timeless. The inclusion of a level editor, unlockable power-ups and collectible treasures ensures you’ll return long after the main quest is completed, either to improve your own times or to test community-made maps.

Players seeking charming visuals, lively characters and a swashbuckling soundtrack will find plenty to love here. The game’s soundtrack, with its jaunty sea shanties and sweeping orchestral moments, further elevates the sense of adventure. Claw’s personality shines through in every parry, jump and cinematic cutscene, making it more than just another run-and-gun platformer.

In summary, Claw offers a rich, engaging pirate fantasy that rewards exploration, skillful play and creativity. Its blend of action, puzzle-like boss encounters and level-creation tools makes it an excellent choice for anyone craving a nostalgic yet surprisingly deep platforming experience.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10