Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Project Eden delivers a unique blend of third-person shooting and cerebral puzzle-solving that sets it apart from standard action titles. Players seamlessly switch between four specialized UPA agents—Carter Dorlan, Andre Herderman, Minoko Molensky, and Amber Torrelson—to overcome environmental obstacles, interact with NPCs, and dispatch hostile forces. This constant character rotation keeps each segment fresh, encouraging strategic thinking rather than brute-force tactics.

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Carter’s ability to interview suspects and unlock doors opens up narrative threads and secret passages, while Andre’s Omnitool is indispensable for repairing malfunctioning machinery that blocks the team’s progress. Minoko’s hacking skills let you seize control of security systems, from disabling turrets to rerouting power, and Amber’s immunities and devastating pulse weaponry make her the perfect candidate for exploring hazard-filled chambers. The core gameplay loop hinges on combining these talents in inventive ways to clear the path forward.

The game’s level design emphasizes cooperation—even in single-player mode—by forcing you to pause and consider which agent is best suited for each challenge. Puzzles range from simple switch-and-door sequences to complex multi-stage operations, such as reconfiguring conveyor belts in the Real Meat Factory or calibrating toxic gas filters in the lower district. These moments of problem-solving break up the shooting segments, resulting in a more varied and engaging experience.

For those seeking a multiplayer experience, Project Eden supports up to four players in both cooperative missions and competitive deathmatches. In co-op, players can each assume the role of a different agent, enhancing the social aspect of puzzle resolution. The deathmatch mode, while secondary, still offers fast-paced gunplay that utilizes the same class-based skills, adding longevity for groups looking to challenge one another after finishing the main story.

Graphics

Visually, Project Eden paints a stark contrast between Earth’s gleaming skyscraper spires and the grimy underbelly known as the Scum District. Detailed textures bring rusted metal surfaces and dripping pipes to life, while moody lighting accentuates the oppressive atmosphere of areas like the Real Meat Factory. From neon-lit maintenance tunnels to claustrophobic service shafts, each environment feels meticulously crafted.

Character models are robust, with each UPA agent sporting distinctive gear and expressive facial animations during interrogation sequences. Carter’s professional attire, Andre’s toolkit-laden backpack, Minoko’s cyber-enhanced glasses, and Amber’s reinforced armor all contribute to their unique silhouettes and reinforce their gameplay roles. Enemy designs—from street thugs to mutated factory workers—maintain a consistent aesthetic that underscores the city’s class divide.

Special effects shine during combat and puzzle interactions. Amber’s pulse lasers carve bright lines through shadowed corridors, while circuit sparks and hydraulic bursts highlight Andre’s repair animations. Hacking sequences trigger holographic overlays and interface graphics that feel both futuristic and functional, guiding players without breaking immersion. Overall, the graphical fidelity strikes a solid balance between style and performance.

Technical performance remains stable on modern hardware, with minimal frame drops even in graphically dense sections. Draw distances in the upper city can showcase sweeping skyline vistas, while lower levels rely on tight camera angles to heighten tension. Though some textures may appear dated by today’s standards, the coherent art direction more than compensates, ensuring the world of Project Eden remains visually compelling throughout.

Story

Project Eden’s narrative is anchored by a sharp premise: Earth’s population boom has forced society to build sky-high sanctuaries for the wealthy, leaving the destitute to languish in the squalid foundations. The recent disappearance of a team of engineers in the Real Meat Factory prompts the Urban Protection Agency to dispatch its elite quartet into the bowels of the city. What begins as a straightforward rescue operation soon unravels into a deeper conspiracy that questions the very foundations of this vertical civilization.

Story beats unfold through a mix of in-engine cutscenes, interactive dialogues, and environmental clues. Carter’s interviews not only unlock doors but also reveal personal motivations of NPCs, while Minoko’s hacking yields hidden files that gradually piece together the sinister workings of underground crime syndicates. These narrative threads converge organically with gameplay, making every overheard snippet or unlocked dossier feel earned.

The four protagonists offer distinct personalities and viewpoints, creating a dynamic ensemble cast. Andre’s pragmatic engineering mindset contrasts with Minoko’s tech-savvy enthusiasm, while Carter’s measured diplomacy balances Amber’s fearless approach. Their banter ranges from light-hearted camaraderie to tense strategizing when the stakes escalate, adding emotional weight to each mission.

Pacing strikes an effective rhythm, alternating between high-octane combat, methodical puzzle sequences, and story-driven exploration. Even in quieter moments—like rifling through engineer reports or scanning maintenance logs—the plot remains engaging, constantly teasing new revelations about the city’s power structures. By the final act, the game has built a compelling case for why the UPA’s mission is about more than just fixing broken pipes or restoring power—it’s about rescuing the very soul of the world above.

Overall Experience

Project Eden stands out as a refreshing take on the action-puzzle genre, seamlessly blending strategic character management with satisfying shooter mechanics. The requirement to juggle four specialists adds depth not often found in single-player titles, rewarding careful planning and experimentation. Even veteran gamers will appreciate the challenge of coordinating abilities to tackle layered obstacles.

The juxtaposition of the city’s gleaming heights and grimy depths creates a memorable atmosphere that supports both gameplay and narrative. Multiplayer co-op enhances the core design, offering a social dimension that keeps puzzle-solving dynamic and collaborative. While the deathmatch mode won’t dethrone dedicated shooters, it provides a fun diversion that leverages the game’s class-based skill sets.

Minor quibbles include occasional camera angle hiccups in narrow corridors and the sporadic repetition of certain puzzle archetypes. However, these issues are rare and quickly overshadowed by the game’s inventive scenarios and sturdy mechanics. The level designs remain varied from the meat-processing halls to the electrified maintenance grids, ensuring players rarely feel they’ve seen the same environment twice.

For players seeking an action title with brains, Project Eden offers a compelling package. Its blend of character-driven puzzles, engaging story, and atmospheric visuals make it a strong recommendation for anyone tired of one-note shooters. Whether playing solo or with friends, you’ll find yourself drawn into Eden’s world, eager to uncover every secret lurking in the city’s underbelly.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10