Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge shifts the long-running franchise into a level-based 3D point-and-click structure, a departure from the more open areas of its predecessors. Each of the game’s stages sets clear objectives—solve a handful of puzzles, navigate environmental hazards, and reach the exit point—before advancing to the next scenario. This segmented approach gives players a sense of constant progression while maintaining the series’ signature wit and inventory-based problem solving.

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Puzzles range from inventory manipulation and environmental triggers to simple logic challenges that require keen observation and creative thinking. The difficulty curve is generally well balanced: early puzzles ease you in with straightforward tasks, while later stages demand more nuanced combinations and precise timing. Though the game’s three-dimensional space can occasionally lead to pixel-hunting frustrations, most objectives remain intuitive once you’ve examined the scene carefully.

Interspersed with the brain teasers are light action sequences where Fenimore or Rhiannon must engage in quickdraw-style shootouts. These brief shooting galleries break up the puzzle flow and inject moments of adrenaline. Controls are responsive enough for these interludes, though they feel somewhat rudimentary compared to dedicated action titles. Overall, the blend of clicks, conversation, and gunplay keeps the gameplay loop fresh without overwhelming adventure purists.

Graphics

Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge embraces full 3D environments that capture the dusty, sun-bleached vistas of the Wild West. Backgrounds are richly detailed, from the crumbling facades of ghost towns to the shadowy corridors of ancient tombs. The color palette—earthy browns, deep oranges, and muted greens—reinforces the arid desert atmosphere, and subtle weather effects like drifting sand particles add an immersive touch.

Character models have a cartoonish charm, with exaggerated proportions and expressive faces that complement the game’s humorous dialogue. Animations are smooth in cutscenes, though occasional stutters can appear when transitioning between camera angles. Voice acting further animates these figures, delivering quips with timing that enhances comedic moments and dramatic reveals alike.

While the engine occasionally exhibits a few clipping issues—objects poking through walls or awkward camera angles in tight spaces—the overall visual presentation remains polished. Rendering loads are handled adeptly, and scene transitions occur with minimal pause. For a mid-2000s adventure title, Revenge offers a remarkably consistent graphical experience that holds up surprisingly well on modern hardware.

Story

The narrative kicks off when Fenimore and his stalwart companion Rhiannon stumble upon a dying prospector who whispers the location of stolen treasure hidden within a nearby tomb. This macabre introduction sets a tone of mystery and urgency, as the duo races to unearth gold—and exact poetic justice—before rival outlaws close in. From desert dunes to underground crypts, each new locale drives the plot forward with fresh characters and collectibles.

Kidnapping Rhiannon adds an emotional edge to the proceedings, giving Fenimore personal stakes beyond mere riches. The dialogue between the leads is peppered with sly humor, and the banter often undercuts dire situations with a self-aware wink. Secondary villains are memorable—particularly the gang leader who balances menace with off-hand sarcasm—though they lack the depth of the protagonists.

Pacing generally hits the mark, alternating between puzzle exploration and narrative set-pieces. Some players may find the story threads predictable—a hidden tomb stuffed with loot, the damsel in peril trope—but clever writing and colorful locales keep the life draining moments to a minimum. By the time the final confrontation arrives, you’re invested enough in these characters to enjoy the payoff.

Overall Experience

As the third installment following 3 Skulls of the Toltecs and The Westerner, Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge stands out by embracing a more structured, level-oriented design within a fully realized 3D framework. Fans of classic point-and-click adventures will appreciate the series’ humor and inventory-driven puzzles, while newcomers will find an accessible entry point thanks to guided objectives and manageable challenge spikes.

Strengths include a cohesive visual style, engaging puzzle variety, and well-timed shooting sequences that prevent monotony. On the flip side, occasional camera quirks and brief control limitations during action scenes may frustrate players seeking seamless 3D navigation. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game’s charm and narrative momentum carry it through any rough patches.

Ultimately, Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge delivers a satisfying blend of wit, exploration, and lighthearted gunplay. It offers roughly eight to ten hours of entertainment, plenty of hidden easter eggs for replay value, and a tone that recalls the best of spaghetti western pastiche. Whether you’re a longtime adventure aficionado or an inquisitive newcomer to the genre, Revenge provides an amusing and polished journey through sun-baked landscapes and perilous tombs alike.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10