Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Nocturne delivers a tense blend of action and survival horror, putting players in control of the enigmatic Stranger—an operative of the secret “Spookhouse” organization founded by President Theodore Roosevelt. Combat relies heavily on firearms, with a choice between manual aiming for seasoned shooters or an auto-aim system to ease newcomers into the fray. The fixed-camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds create a cinematic feel, forcing you to adapt quickly to changing perspectives and looming threats in each environment.

(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 game’s structure centers around four self-contained cases that can be tackled in any order, lending a non-linear flow to the campaign. In one mission, you partner with a half-vampire to infiltrate a German castle in search of a powerful artifact; another whisks you to a zombie-besieged frontier town; a third pits you against Al Capone’s reanimated mobsters in 1930s Chicago; and the final chapter turns your wits against a booby-trapped mansion. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh, as each locale introduces unique foes, environmental hazards, and strategic challenges.

Resource management heightens the survival horror aspect: ammunition is finite, health items are scarce, and every encounter demands careful planning. Switching between weapons mid-combat is fluid, but the fixed cameras can catch you off guard, intensifying the fear factor. Puzzles are woven into the exploration segments, requiring observation and critical thinking rather than brute force. Combined, these elements make Nocturne a rewarding test of reflexes, inventory management, and situational awareness.

Graphics

Nocturne uses pre-rendered backgrounds to stunning effect, crafting richly detailed environments that evoke the waning days of Prohibition and the grim onset of the Great Depression. The static camera angles give each scene a postcard-like composition while hiding threats in shadows and corners, amplifying tension. Character models are fully rendered in 3D, and though polygon counts are modest by modern standards, facial animations and monster designs remain impressively expressive.

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere: flickering lanterns, moonlit courtyards, and the smoky interiors of speakeasies all contribute to a mood that shifts from eerie suspense to full-blown horror. Blood splatter, bullet impact effects, and subtle environmental animations (like blowing leaves or drifting dust) add layers of realism. The art direction leans into period authenticity, with detailed props—rotary phones, vintage weaponry, and era-appropriate signage—grounding the supernatural narrative in a convincingly 1930s America.

Monsters and mythological foes are rendered with enough detail to be truly unsettling. Whether facing off against shambling zombies in the Wild West or ghastly, reanimated syndicate henchmen, the animations feel weighty and deliberate. Occasional frame-rate dips can occur when many enemies are on-screen, but these moments are rare and do little to detract from the overall visual polish. Nocturne’s graphical presentation remains one of its strongest pillars, drawing players into its dark, haunted world.

Story

The narrative premise of Nocturne is as intriguing as its gameplay. The game opens at the end of Prohibition and the dawn of the Great Depression, a turbulent period in American history steeped in social unrest and organized crime. President Theodore Roosevelt’s clandestine creation of Spookhouse sets the stage for supernatural investigations that rewrite the era’s familiar historical backdrop. You step into the shoes of the Stranger, a figure shrouded in mystery, whose loyalty to the President’s secret agenda drives the plot forward.

Each of the four cases unfolds like a short episode in a larger anthology, with recurring characters and interconnected lore that gradually reveal the depth of Spookhouse’s mission. The half-vampire ally, the mafia boss’s undead enforcers, and the cleverly hidden artifacts all weave together to highlight a world where myth and reality collide. Dialogue is sparse but impactful, with supporting characters offering just enough exposition to keep you invested without slowing the pace.

Pacing strikes a fine balance between action-packed firefights and story-driven exploration. You’ll uncover journal entries, newspaper clippings, and ambient details that flesh out the motivations of each antagonist and the broader threat posed by supernatural forces. While the overarching plot remains linear, the freedom to tackle missions in any order adds replay value and encourages players to piece together the narrative from multiple angles.

Overall Experience

Nocturne stands out as a masterful fusion of survival horror and period-piece action. Its atmospheric environments, coupled with a compelling premise of supernatural espionage, create an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The tension of scarce resources, the thrill of uncovering the next plot twist, and the satisfaction of outsmarting traps and horrific creatures leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

The game’s self-contained missions and non-linear progression make it accessible for both casual and veteran players. While some may find fixed-camera angles challenging at first, these perspectives ultimately enhance the horror elements by obscuring threats and forcing quick reactions. The choice between manual and auto-aim caters to different skill levels, ensuring that the core experience remains engaging rather than frustrating.

For those seeking a richly atmospheric title that marries historical flavor with supernatural scares, Nocturne is a standout recommendation. Its combination of diverse settings, well-paced storytelling, and tense combat delivers hours of immersive gameplay. Whether you’re exploring a zombie-infested frontier town or facing undead mobsters in the streets of Chicago, Nocturne offers an unforgettable journey into the dark underbelly of 1930s America.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10