Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals offers a classic first-person point-and-click experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly inventive. You’ll spend your time exploring meticulously rendered environments, from the cramped quarters of Nikopol’s apartment to the labyrinthine corridors of the military towers. Navigation is straightforward—simply click to move, examine, or interact—yet the real depth arises from the environmental puzzles and timed sequences that demand both observation and quick thinking.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The inventory system is intuitive, allowing you to collect and combine items seamlessly. You’ll find yourself juggling newspapers, portraits, rusty pipes, and even cameras as you piece together clues and unlock new areas. Unlike some adventure games where items stack up without purpose, every object you discover in Nikopol serves a story beat or puzzle solution. For instance, the portrait of Nikopol’s father becomes a vital key to gaining the trust of the resistance group.

Puzzles vary in style and difficulty, from color-matching challenges when painting the father’s portrait to reflex-based hide-and-seek segments with the lobster-like monster. Action elements—such as fleeing from the militia or locking down your apartment in real time—inject moments of tension that break up the steady pace of puzzle solving. These interludes keep gameplay dynamic and underscore the protagonist’s vulnerability in a fascist, futuristic Paris.

Graphics

Visually, the game channels the spirit of Enki Bilal’s original graphic novel with richly detailed environments and moody lighting. The colors are vivid yet often tinged with grime, perfectly capturing the decadent underbelly of an authoritarian Paris in 2023. Textures on concrete walls, metallic pipes, and retro-futuristic vehicles combine to create a believable world that feels lived-in and teetering on collapse.

Between gameplay segments, the cutscenes adopt a comic-book panel style that pays direct homage to Bilal’s artwork. The screen might split into multiple frames, advancing parallel storylines or highlighting character actions in sequence. These animated interludes aren’t merely decorative—they flesh out the mythology of the Egyptian gods and heighten dramatic reveals, such as Horus inhabiting Nikopol’s father.

Character models and NPCs retain a stylized look, avoiding hyper-realism in favor of graphic novel flair. Even minor characters, like the lobster-like militia enforcer or the ragtag extraterrestrial denizens, bear distinct silhouettes and expressive poses. This visual consistency ensures that every interaction feels cohesive, reinforcing the sense of immersion in this surreal, multilayered universe.

Story

The narrative of Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals is as eccentric as it is engaging. Set against the backdrop of a rigged election in a dystopian Paris, the plot weaves political intrigue, mythological resurrection, and personal redemption. As Alcide Nikopol—a once-disillusioned artist—you’re thrust into a battle between authoritarian forces and a clandestine resistance, guided by cryptic messages and the looming presence of Egyptian deities.

What sets this story apart is its surreal fusion of genres: science fiction meets ancient mythology through the sudden arrival of a pyramid-shaped spacecraft. The premise of gods demanding astronomical fuel or possessing human bodies is bizarre yet seamlessly integrated into the game’s world. Each new revelation—be it Horus’s machinations or the secret agenda of the resistance—unfolds through in-game documents, dialogue, and those striking comic-style cutscenes.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing you to savor each location and puzzle, but never dragging. Subplots involving extraterrestrial adventurers and the city’s class divide add layers of social commentary. By the time you’ve pieced together the mystery of Nikopol’s father and the true intentions of the immortals, the stakes feel personal. This blend of political satire, mystical intrigue, and human drama keeps you invested from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals delivers a compelling adventure that balances cerebral puzzles with atmospheric storytelling. The point-and-click mechanics are polished and user-friendly, while the real-time action sequences inject moments of adrenaline. Whether you’re an adventure game veteran or new to the genre, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful design and occasional surprises that punctuate the narrative.

The game’s faithfulness to Enki Bilal’s graphic novel is evident in both its aesthetic choices and its storytelling structure. Fans of the source material will recognize familiar moods and motifs, while newcomers can enjoy the surreal setting without prior knowledge. The multifaceted world—part decadent metropolis, part mythic stage—resonates long after the credits roll.

With its seamless blend of exploration, puzzle solving, and immersive narrative, Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals stands out in the adventure genre. It invites you to question authority, embrace the bizarre, and unravel a deeply personal quest against the backdrop of cosmic forces. If you’re seeking an adventure that challenges your mind as much as it captivates your imagination, this title is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10