Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cybermercs: The Soldiers of the 22nd Century delivers a fast-paced action experience that closely mirrors the accessible “click them dead” mechanics popularized by Diablo, but transplants them into a neon-lit, sci-fi battleground. You’ll engage hordes of invading alien forces across fifteen distinct missions, each one presenting new objectives—whether rescuing hostages from subterranean bio-labs, restoring a destabilized energy core, or simply clearing out waves of cannon fodder. Movement and targeting are handled entirely by mouse clicks, making it easy to dive straight into the combat without cumbersome controls.

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The RPG elements come into play once a map is cleared. Every corpse you loot and every crate you open yields credits or gear—these can be sold between missions for better weapons, enhanced armor, or specialized upgrades. You’ll need to balance your spending between raw firepower and key abilities such as invisibility generators, decoy holograms, or enhanced mobility boosters. These perks aren’t just cosmetic; they have a tangible impact on how you approach each level, from sneaking past scan beams to closing ranks in a firefight.

Variety is one of the game’s strong suits. You can choose from multiple operatives, each with unique starting stats and ability trees. Some characters excel at ranged combat, wielding plasma rifles and railguns, while others pack heavy shotguns and grenade launchers for close-quarters carnage. The occasional appearance of a drivable assault robot—armed with heavy cannons and a thick armor shell—offers a satisfying break from the usual foot-soldier tactics. Mastering when to call in a mech versus when to rely on stealth or speed adds a compelling strategic layer to what could otherwise be a straightforward shooter.

Graphics

The visual design of Cybermercs blends gritty industrial textures with vibrant sci-fi accents, giving each underground facility or alien-infested cavern a distinct personality. You’ll notice rusty support beams, pulsing energy conduits, and alien biomatter dripping from walls, all rendered in sharp detail. The dynamic lighting system ensures that your invisibility generator or fiery explosions cast convincing shadows and reflections, which heightens immersion in every firefight.

Character and enemy models maintain consistent quality throughout the game. Your mercenary’s powered armor gleams under corridor lights, and the alien grunts display a range of grotesque designs—from slimy scouts to heavily armored brutes. Even the environmental hazards, like malfunctioning laser grids or collapsing catwalks, are realized through subtle particle effects and debris physics. These touches help break up the monotony of corridor-clearing and give the game a tactile, lived-in feel.

On higher-end PCs, the frame rate remains stable even when dozens of projectiles fill the screen, a testament to optimized engine performance. Texture pop-in is rare, and load times between missions are minimal. If you dial down settings for older hardware, the game still retains its atmospheric lighting and core visual flair, though you may lose some shadow detail or anti-aliasing finesse. Overall, Cybermercs succeeds at presenting a polished, futuristic warzone without demanding the latest graphics card.

Story

Unlike narrative-heavy RPGs, Cybermercs keeps its storyline lean and action-focused, which works in its favor by never interrupting the pace. The premise is straightforward: a ruthless alien armada has invaded Earth, and only your squad of cybernetically enhanced soldiers can halt the genocide. Brief mission briefings explain objectives and contextualize the stakes, but the emphasis is always on tactical deployment rather than plot twists or lengthy cutscenes.

While you won’t find emotional monologues or branching dialogue trees, the sparse narrative moments are well-placed between levels. Holographic transmissions from command HQ update you on the war’s progress, and occasional intel drops uncover pieces of alien technology or key vulnerabilities—small rewards for players who explore off the beaten path. These snippets add flavor and motivation without derailing the core gameplay loop of shooting, looting, and upgrading.

By mission eight or nine, you start to feel the mounting pressure of a world on the brink of collapse. The designers cleverly ramp up the enemy variety and introduce tougher objectives—like defending a collapsed power reactor from waves of reinforcements or escorting a damaged mecha through a gauntlet of laser turrets. Although the story arc is predictable, it provides enough forward momentum to drive you through all fifteen missions, culminating in a final assault that tests every skill and ability you’ve accumulated.

Overall Experience

Cybermercs: The Soldiers of the 22nd Century strikes a satisfying balance between hack-and-slash action and light RPG progression. The straightforward click-to-shoot mechanic makes it accessible to newcomers, while the depth of character builds, weapon modifications, and tactical equipment keep seasoned players engaged. Whether you prefer frenetic firefights or a more subtle approach using invisibility and decoys, the game accommodates multiple playstyles.

Replayability is boosted by the variety of characters and the randomized loot drops. You might replay a mission to try out a new loadout—switching from a sniper-focused kit to a melee-heavy build or testing a fully stealth-oriented operative. The thrill of discovering a rare railgun upgrade or new energy shield module will keep you invested long past the initial playthrough.

All in all, Cybermercs delivers a tight, action-packed experience that’s easy to pick up yet holds enough strategic layers to remain engaging. Its blend of intense battles, RPG mechanics, and polished visuals make it a worthwhile addition for fans of Diablo-style games who crave a futuristic shooter twist. If you’re looking for a solid sci-fi action title that you can jump in and out of without losing momentum, this is a mercenary contract worth accepting.

Retro Replay Score

6/10