Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Moorhuhn: Total 2 assembles nine classic and spin-off titles into one ambitious package, delivering a smorgasbord of arcade experiences. From the rudimentary point-and-click shooting mechanics of Crazy Chicken: The Original to the high-speed thrills of Crazy Chicken: Kart 2, each sub-game brings its own flavor to the table. Fans of on-rails shooting will appreciate Moorhuhn: Winter-Edition’s crisp targets and time-attack tension, while those craving variety can switch gears to Moorhuhn: Pinball’s flippers and bumpers.

The compilation mixes XS, XL and XXL editions to strike a balance between nostalgia and expanded features. XS versions strip down superfluous elements for a lean, pick-up-and-play feel, making short bursts of gameplay highly accessible. Meanwhile, XXL titles such as Crazy Chicken: Kart Extra and Moorfrog boast extra tracks, bonus challenges, and custom skins, extending replay value for completionists.

Controls remain intuitive across the board: point-and-click for shooters, arrow keys or analog for karting, and keyboard buttons for pinball. Loading times are minimal, thanks to straightforward level design. Although difficulty spikes can appear in the XS shooters, the relaxed checkpointing in larger editions strikes a fair compromise for casual gamers and series veterans alike.

Graphics

Visually, Moorhuhn: Total 2 is a mixed bag, reflecting its compilation nature. The original Crazy Chicken sports simple 2D sprites with muted backgrounds—charming in its retro appeal but obviously dated by today’s standards. In contrast, the XXL kart and XXL frog variants feature more detailed textures, dynamic lighting, and playful color palettes that feel surprisingly modern.

Some titles, like Moorhuhn: Der Fluch des Goldes (XS) and Crazy Chicken: The Pharaoh’s Treasure (XS), lean heavily into thematic backdrops—desert dunes, ancient ruins—with modest parallax scrolling effects. While these attempts at immersion occasionally stutter in resolution or frame pacing, they nonetheless capture the whimsical spirit of the franchise.

The compilation’s UI design is consistent: bold fonts, clear icons, and straightforward HUD elements minimize confusion when switching between games. Though there’s no widescreen optimization for certain older sub-games, most titles run smoothly at 1080p, retaining crispness without stretching or letterboxing on modern displays.

Story

True to the series’ arcade roots, Moorhuhn: Total 2 offers minimal overarching narrative. Each shooter mission revolves around zany scenarios—shooting chickens in the snow, fending off cursed gold-seeking fowls in pirate-themed levels, or plundering tombs with slapstick flair. These bite-sized premises serve mainly as backdrop for racking up high scores rather than deep character arcs.

Kart titles introduce loose plots, such as Crazy Chicken: Wanted’s wild west “bounty hunt” motif or Crazy Chicken: Kart 2’s globe-trotting race circuits. These storylines manifest through track names, cutscene panels, and quirky voiceovers, injecting a fun narrative thread without detracting from heart-pounding races.

Moorfrog, the XXL spin-off, also forgoes a heavy storyline in favor of lighthearted vignettes: frog rescue missions in mystical swamps and bonus stages revealing hidden treasures. While purists seeking a robust plot may bemoan the franchise’s arcade-only storytelling, the whimsical premises keep the tone breezy and the focus squarely on gameplay fun.

Overall Experience

Moorhuhn: Total 2 succeeds as a nostalgia-driven anthology, offering over a dozen distinct game modes spanning shooters, racing, and pinball. The sheer volume of content ensures there’s always something to explore, whether you aim for new high scores in Moorhuhn: The Original or master the drifting techniques in Crazy Chicken: Kart Extra.

Despite graphical inconsistencies and limited narratives, the compilation’s charm lies in its pick-up-and-play design. Short sessions of target shooting or quick kart laps feel equally satisfying, making it ideal for gamers who want accessible fun without lengthy story commitments. The inclusion of both XS and XXL editions strikes a thoughtful balance between retro simplicity and expanded content.

For potential buyers weighing price against replay value, Moorhuhn: Total 2 offers substantial bang for your buck. It caters to longtime fans nostalgic for the classic Crazy Chicken title while providing newcomers with a smorgasbord of casual experiences. If you appreciate arcade heritage and enjoy hopping between fast-paced shooters, wacky racing, and pinball puzzles, this compilation is well worth the investment.

Retro Replay Score

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