Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gobliiins 4 picks up the series’ trademark puzzle-driven gameplay and refines it for modern audiences. Players control three goblins—Tchoup the tinkerer, Stucco the fighter, and Perluis the mage—simultaneously, sending each to hotspots across the screen to interact with objects and characters. This multi-character approach demands constant attention, as one goblin’s action can unlock pathways or trigger new puzzles for the others.

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The object puzzles range from light-hearted gags to genuinely brain-teasing challenges. While many solutions play out in humorous animation—think exploding contraptions or magically animated brooms—some sequences can feel obtuse, especially when the needed item or action isn’t clearly signposted. Patience and keen observation help, but a hint system or optional walkthrough would have eased the occasional frustration.

Despite a few steep difficulty spikes, the core loop remains engaging. Experimenting with Tchoup’s tinkering tools, Stucco’s brute force, and Perluis’s spells creates a satisfying interplay. Whether you’re prying open a stubborn chest, casting levitation charms, or simply juggling inventory items, each puzzle feels like a miniature stage of slapstick theater in motion.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Gobliiins 4 marries classic 2D artistry with modern polish. Backgrounds are richly detailed, from tangled forest glades to royal chambers strewn with goofy traps, each scene brimming with Easter eggs and visual gags. Character sprites are fluidly animated, their exaggerated expressions and rubbery movements preserving the series’ slapstick heritage.

Color palettes are vibrant without being garish, and subtle lighting effects give depth to otherwise flat environments. While some static screens can feel a bit empty—particularly in more utilitarian puzzle rooms—the majority of locations invite exploration. Hovering your cursor over objects triggers lively animations, reinforcing the sense that every pixel is alive.

One minor quibble is the occasional uneven line weight in background art, suggesting a mix of hand-drawn assets and vector touch-ups. However, this inconsistency rarely detracts from the overall charm. Gobliiins 4 strikes a fine balance between nostalgia for the Amiga era and the crispness expected by today’s point-and-click aficionados.

Story

Almost eighteen years after the release of Gobliiins for the PC and Amiga platforms, series father Pierre Gilhodes sends his mischievous gnomes on another slapstick adventure. The narrative premise is delightfully absurd: the king’s prized aardvark has gone missing, and only Tchoup the tinkerer, Stucco the fighter, and Perluis the mage stand between royal embarrassment and total chaos.

As you guide the trio through sixteen whimsically designed levels, the story unfolds through silent sequences punctuated by garbled goblin-speak and comic speech bubbles. There’s no heavy-handed drama here—just a light-hearted quest peppered with pratfalls, accidental explosions, and magical misfires. Dialogue is sparse, but every interaction feels purposeful, driving puzzle progression forward.

While the overarching plot is straightforward, the charm lies in the journey. Each level introduces a new gag or twist, whether it’s a rebellious door that refuses to open or a friendly dragon in need of a manicure. Fans of narrative-driven adventures may find the story minimalistic, but for those seeking a playful framework around clever puzzles, Gobliiins 4 delivers ample entertainment.

Overall Experience

Gobliiins 4 offers a nostalgic trip for veteran adventurers and an accessible entry point for newcomers intrigued by point-and-click riddles. The combination of three distinct characters keeps the gameplay dynamic, and the series’ signature humor shines in every animated sequence. While puzzle difficulty can be uneven, moments of genuine “aha!” satisfaction reward persistent players.

Replay value is moderate: once you’ve uncovered all the comedic set pieces and puzzle solutions, there’s little incentive to revisit each screen. However, the game’s manageable length—clocking in at around six to eight hours for most players—means it rarely overstays its welcome. A built-in hint system or optional difficulty slider could have broadened its appeal, but the core design remains solid.

In the end, Gobliiins 4 stands as a worthy successor to its legendary forebears. Its playful spirit, imaginative puzzles, and colorful world make it an engaging purchase for anyone who appreciates charm, wit, and a dash of magical mayhem. If you’ve been longing for a fresh dose of goblin mischief, this adventure is sure to satisfy.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10