Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Heiankyo Alien delivers a deceptively simple yet deeply strategic gameplay loop. You take on the role of a Kebiishi, armed only with a spade and quick reflexes, navigating a labyrinthine grid while elusive aliens roam at will. Your primary task is to dig pits in the paths you predict the aliens will take; if timed correctly, they plummet into your traps, giving you a precious window to fill the hole and bury them for good. Miss your timing, and you risk being snatched by an alien and losing a life.

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As you clear each wave of invaders, the action ramps up. Aliens become more numerous and begin to move unpredictably, forcing you to adapt your digging patterns and plan your escape routes carefully. The satisfaction of luring an alien into a freshly dug hole and rushing back to fill it is matched only by the tension of dodging creatures in tight corridors. Each round feels like a puzzle, rewarding forward-thinking while demanding split-second decisions.

The Game Boy version enhances the formula by offering both the original arcade experience and a fresh “enhanced” mode. In this upgraded version, you’ll encounter a powerful super alien with special abilities that can leap over traps or sense your digging activity, adding an extra layer of challenge. The inclusion of a two-player mode via link cable transforms Heiankyo Alien into a cooperative or competitive duel, as you and a friend race to out-trap each other or collaborate to cover more ground.

Graphics

On the original arcade cabinet, Heiankyo Alien’s visuals are crisp and functional, emphasizing clarity over flashiness. The grid-based maze is laid out with clean lines, and the bright alien sprites stand out against the muted cityscape tiles. This simplicity ensures that players can instantly identify pathways, pits, and enemies, a crucial design choice given the game’s fast pace.

The Game Boy adaptation preserves the core aesthetic while introducing updated sprite work and detailed backgrounds. The Kebiishi now boasts a slightly more expressive stance, and the aliens feature new color palettes and animation frames that highlight their distinct behaviors. The enhanced version’s super alien is immediately recognizable by its larger size and glowing effects, ensuring you never mistake it for a standard foe.

While the hardware constraints limit graphical fidelity compared to modern titles, Heiankyo Alien’s visual style has a timeless charm. Its straightforward icons and tiles convey all the information you need at a glance, and the color-coded traps and enemies pop on the handheld’s screen. Whether you’re playing under bright sunlight or in a dimly lit room, the contrast remains strong and the action remains readable.

Story

Although Heiankyo Alien isn’t a narrative-heavy title, its premise provides a vivid backdrop for the action. Set 1,000 years ago in the ancient city of Kyo, the game casts you as a lone Kebiishi—a knight of the imperial guard—entrusted with defending the city from an abrupt alien onslaught. This blend of historical Japanese imagery and sci-fi invasion instantly sets the stage for a memorable mash-up of genres.

The storytelling unfolds mostly through the environment and your own imagination. The labyrinthine streets of Kyo evoke an era of wooden palaces and narrow alleys, while the appearance of bizarre, otherworldly invaders injects a sense of urgency and wonder. Though there’s no dialogue or cutscenes, each new round heightens the urgency as more aliens pour into the city, making your defensive efforts feel ever more crucial.

In the enhanced Game Boy mode, brief title screens and updated character portraits hint at the growing legend of the super alien and the valor of the Kebiishi. While these additions don’t transform Heiankyo Alien into an RPG or adventure epic, they do enrich the context of your digging-and-trapping exploits. You’re not just performing a repetitive task—you’re safeguarding a cultural heritage from extraterrestrial ruin.

Overall Experience

Heiankyo Alien remains a standout example of “easy to learn, hard to master” design. Its straightforward mechanics—dig holes, trap aliens, bury them—are instantly accessible, yet the escalating difficulty and the introduction of unique enemy types keep each session exciting. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or a newcomer curious about gaming’s roots, you’ll find yourself drawn into the addictive cycle of planning, digging, and escaping.

The dual modes on the Game Boy version add considerable replay value. You can challenge yourself to beat your high score in the classic arcade adaptation, or dive into the enhanced mode for fresh levels, tougher adversaries, and two-player skirmishes via link cable. Portable pick-up-and-play makes it perfect for quick sessions on the go, while its competitive twist offers plenty of motivation for longer playtime with friends.

Ultimately, Heiankyo Alien offers a unique blend of historical flair and sci-fi thrills packaged in a deceptively simple maze puzzle. Its charming graphics, tight controls, and escalating challenges combine to create an experience that’s both nostalgic and timeless. For anyone seeking a bite-sized yet deeply engaging action-puzzle game, this title remains a must-have for retro collectors and casual gamers alike.

Retro Replay Score

5.8/10