Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Jekyll & Hyde offers a hack-and-slash combat loop that feels both nostalgic and frenetic. You start each level as the subdued Dr. Jekyll, wielding only a cane and limited defensive moves, but quickly transform into the powerhouse Mr. Hyde. Hyde’s array of brutal punches, kicks, and special attacks against zombies, possessed asylum guards, and grotesque monsters brings a visceral thrill to every encounter.

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The level design strikes a balance between straightforward corridors and more open, multi-path arenas. Simple environmental puzzles—like finding keys to locked doors or using levers to deactivate traps—break up the action and add a hint of exploration. While some sections can feel repetitive, quick respawns and incremental increases in enemy difficulty keep you on your toes, encouraging you to master Hyde’s combo chains.

Boss battles punctuate each chapter with unique challenges, from hulking brutes to agile phantom figures. These fights demand pattern recognition more than button mashing: learning attack windows, dodging strategically, and unleashing your special meter at the right moment is key. Although the controls occasionally feel stiff, the overall gameplay loop remains satisfying, especially when you’re mowing down waves of undead to rescue Laurie.

Graphics

The game’s art direction leans into gothic horror, with dimly lit dungeons, flickering torches, and unsettling asylum corridors. Textures are well-realized for a modern action title, showcasing cracked walls, dripping blood pools, and eerie murals that hint at Dr. Jekyll’s tortured research. Character models, particularly for Mr. Hyde’s hulking form, are impressively detailed.

Lighting plays a crucial role in heightening the atmosphere. Shadows sweep across walls as you dash through narrow passages, and occasional bursts of supernatural glow—when using a special attack or discovering a magical artifact—create memorable visual set pieces. Although occasional frame-rate dips occur during the most chaotic sequences, they rarely disrupt the sense of dread.

Enemy variety is a highlight of the visual design. From skeletal zombies and rabid dogs to mutated wardens and ghostly apparitions, each foe has its own color palette and silhouette, making target identification intuitive even in cramped spaces. The boss character designs deserve extra praise for their creativity and sheer scale, cementing the game’s grim aesthetic.

Story

Jekyll & Hyde draws loosely from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella, repurposing its themes of duality into an action-driven rescue mission. Instead of dwelling on moral quandaries, the plot centers on Dr. Jekyll’s daughter, Laurie, who’s been kidnapped by a deranged inmate seeking powerful artifacts. This narrative shift injects urgency into the familiar transformation trope.

Cutscenes delivered through atmospheric still-frames and voice-over narration fill in key plot beats. While dialogue can occasionally feel melodramatic, it suits the game’s pulpy horror tone. Moments where Jekyll’s humanity clashes with Hyde’s bloodlust add emotional weight, especially when you glimpse Laurie’s desperation through intercepted messages and chained cell scenes.

Although the overarching storyline is relatively straightforward—recover artifacts, defeat the kidnapper, save Laurie—the pacing keeps you engaged. Side mysteries, like uncovering Jekyll’s lost research journals, offer optional lore that fleshes out the asylum’s dark past. Fans of the source material will appreciate these nods, while newcomers can enjoy a self-contained gothic thriller.

Overall Experience

Jekyll & Hyde succeeds as a dark, action-packed adventure that combines classic horror themes with satisfying combat mechanics. Its pacing and variety of enemies make for a compelling night-long romp through shadowy corridors and monster-infested courtyards. The thrill of transforming into Hyde never grows old, especially when unleashing devastating special moves.

Audio design contributes significantly to immersion: groaning undead, distant screams, and thunderous impact sounds punctuate each encounter, while a brooding orchestral score underscores the game’s sinister atmosphere. Voice work, though occasionally over-the-top, reinforces character motivations and the sense of escalating dread.

Though some repetitive level segments and sporadic performance hiccups hold it back from perfection, Jekyll & Hyde offers strong replay value—whether you’re hunting hidden lore, striving for faster completion times, or mastering Hyde’s full combo repertoire. For fans of gothic action games and those seeking a fresh twist on a literary classic, this title is well worth investigating.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10