Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Exile builds on the solid foundations laid by its predecessor, XZR, blending overhead exploration with side-scrolling combat to deliver a varied and engaging action RPG experience. Travelling through a richly detailed, fictionalized 13th-century world, you guide Sadler across desert outposts, lush oases, and crumbling ruins in search of clues to the Crusader spy. The overhead view for exploration feels open and inviting, encouraging thorough searches of each region for hidden treasures, NPC dialogue, and branching paths.

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When conflict arises, Exile seamlessly transitions into side-scrolling combat stages reminiscent of classic titles like Wanderers from Ys. Here, Sadler’s reflexes and spellcasting prowess are put to the test. Swords clatter against armor, spells light up dim corridors, and platforming sections demand precise jumps to avoid traps and ambushes. This dual perspective keeps the gameplay fresh, preventing the action from feeling stale while maintaining a steady rhythm between exploration and combat.

Character progression is straightforward yet satisfying. Experience points are awarded for every defeated enemy, and each level-up automatically boosts Sadler’s core attributes—strength, agility, and magic. While you don’t micromanage stat allocation, the steady growth curve ensures you feel noticeably more powerful after each boss encounter. Equipment management also adds depth: you’ll visit bazaars in various cities to buy new swords, armor, and potions, then return to the front lines armed with better gear and renewed confidence.

One of Exile’s highlights is the integration of offensive and restorative magic into its combat system. Sadler must balance swordplay with spellcasting—whether unleashing fireballs to clear clusters of enemies or casting healing incantations mid-battle. Spell usage is governed by limited magic points, so you’ll need to decide when to conserve your mana or unleash a powerful area effect. This resource management layer adds strategic weight to each encounter and keeps seasoned RPG fans engaged throughout the journey.

Graphics

Graphically, Exile strikes a pleasing balance between detailed sprite work and atmospheric backgrounds. The overhead exploration segments feature lush palettes that evoke both the sizzling heat of desert sands and the verdant relief of oasis towns. Sandstorm effects and flickering torchlight are subtle touches that enhance immersion, making each environment feel lived-in and authentic.

In side-scrolling combat stages, character sprites are crisply animated, with Sadler’s sword swings and spell effects rendered smoothly. Enemy designs range from scimitar-wielding foot soldiers to winged demonic statues, each animated with care to telegraph attacks and weaknesses. Boss encounters are particularly memorable, as larger-than-life sprites loom over the screen, filling the stage with complex attack patterns that test both reflexes and strategic planning.

Transitions between regions are accompanied by small graphical flourishes—such as caravan wagons trundling by or merchant tents flapping in the breeze—that make the world feel dynamic. The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, with easily readable health and magic bars, an intuitive item menu, and clear visual cues for interactive objects. While not cutting-edge by modern standards, Exile’s visuals remain charming and coherent, perfectly suited to its nostalgic gameplay style.

Story

Exile picks up immediately after the climactic showdown in XZR, as Sadler returns victorious from his duel with the Caliph. His homecoming is short-lived, however, when an informant spots a Crusader spy lurking at the village gates. Determined to uncover the conspiracy, Sadler follows the trail, leading him to an unlikely alliance with a high-ranking leader of the Knights Templar.

This partnership forms the narrative backbone of Exile. As Sadler and the Templar knight journey through distant lands—each with its own customs and conflicts—they unravel clues pointing to a legendary holy artifact said to end the protracted religious wars. The dialogue between the two protagonists adds depth, as Sadler’s assassin code sometimes clashes with the knight’s chivalric honor. These character moments elevate the plot beyond a simple fetch-quest, imbuing the adventure with moral complexity.

World-building is one of Exile’s strengths. Towns are populated with NPCs who share rumors, side-quests, and historical lore, fleshing out the fictionalized 13th-century Middle East and beyond. Whether you’re negotiating with desert traders or delving into icy mountain fortresses, each locale feels distinct and layered with backstory. The narrative pacing strikes a solid balance, unfolding revelations steadily while peppering in optional tasks that reward exploration.

Overall Experience

Exile is a commendable successor to XZR, offering a rich blend of exploration, combat, and narrative that will appeal to both classic RPG fans and newcomers seeking a story-driven action game. Its dual-perspective gameplay ensures variety, while the straightforward progression system keeps the focus on exploration and combat rather than tedious stat management.

While the graphics and sound design are firmly rooted in retro aesthetics, they remain polished and thoughtfully crafted. The sprite animations are smooth, environments are evocative, and UI elements present information clearly without breaking immersion. You may notice occasional repetition in tile sets or enemy types, but frequent changes in scenery and boss designs help maintain visual interest throughout the roughly 15-20 hour campaign.

The story of Sadler and the Templar knight is engaging, weaving political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and epic quests into a cohesive narrative. Side-quests and NPC interactions add flavor, encouraging you to immerse yourself in the world beyond the main storyline. If you’re looking for an action RPG that balances nostalgic mechanics with a compelling quest for a holy artifact in a war-torn world, Exile is well worth investigating.

Overall, Exile delivers a satisfying journey through medieval intrigue and mystical discovery. Its blend of rhythmic combat, exploration, and character-driven storytelling ensures that each hour spent with Sadler feels purposeful and entertaining. For players craving a classic RPG experience with modern conveniences, Exile stands out as a captivating adventure from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10