Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Purge
Item: Purge
Author: Retro Replay

Purge builds on the classic Capture the Flag style, but with a futuristic twist that blends technology and magic. Two teams—The Order and The Chosen—vie to destroy each other’s portal, a fortified spawn point whose health directly influences respawn times. Beyond standard flag-capturing mechanics, each player collects experience points through kills, structure destruction, and supporting teammates, allowing for continuous progression over the course of a match.

(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 class system is deep and varied: androids, cyborgs, commandos, and wastelanders for The Order, pitted against mages, fighters, assassins, and monks for The Chosen. Each class can tweak seven attributes and choose from four unique weapons plus three special skills, resulting in a high skill ceiling and nearly endless build combinations. Whether you’re rushing in as a heavy commando or flitting around the map as an agile assassin, every match feels fresh.

Maps range from tight indoor arenas for fast-paced skirmishes to sprawling outdoor environments that support large-scale battles. Strategic elements like ion barriers, charge stations, and upgrade drops force teams to coordinate offense and defense. The portal’s hit points add an objective layer beyond flag captures, ensuring that every skirmish—no matter how small—can shift the balance of power.

Graphics

Running on a modified Lithtech Talon engine, Purge delivers a mix of gritty sci-fi and arcane fantasy visuals. Environments alternate between cold metallic corridors and lush, overgrown ruins, giving each map a distinct aesthetic. Textures and models may feel dated compared to modern triple-A titles, but they’re still crisp enough to differentiate armor plating from enchanted robes at a glance.

Particle effects are a highlight, especially when The Chosen’s magic collides with The Order’s experimental weaponry. Fireballs, energy shields, and ion blasts cast dynamic lighting that enhances the atmosphere without crippling performance. On well-optimized systems, frame rates remain solid even during the largest 64-player battles, ensuring that the action never becomes a slideshow.

Character designs are memorable: androids sport exposed circuitry and mechanical limbs, while monks and mages wear flowing robes and ornate headgear. Portals themselves glow with runic symbols or humming neon plates, serving as both gameplay markers and visual centerpieces. Overall, the graphics strike a balance between readability in heated fights and visual flair that keeps players immersed.

Story

Although Purge is primarily a multiplayer arena shooter, its lore provides a compelling backdrop for every battle. The Order, a technocratic faction of engineers, has pushed the boundaries of human augmentation by creating androids and genetically enhanced soldiers. Their leader preaches efficiency and progress, but at the cost of personal freedom and organic life.

Opposing them are The Chosen, a cult devoted to Mabus, a charismatic figure who decries technology in favor of arcane powers. His followers wield elemental magic and believe that salvation comes through spiritual awakening rather than machinery. This ideological clash—technology versus faith—fuels the intensity of each map’s skirmishes.

While there is no single-player campaign to walk you through the story, the two-sided conflict emerges organically in team chat, strategy discussion, and the visual design of weapons and abilities. Players create their own narratives through memorable moments—defending a nearly destroyed portal with a last-second bomb plant or sniping an enemy mage before they can summon reinforcements.

Overall Experience

Purge stands out as a well-rounded team shooter that rewards both individual skill and coordinated tactics. Its blend of customizable classes, persistent leveling during matches, and objective-driven gameplay keeps adrenaline high from kickoff to the final portal explosion. Newcomers will appreciate the accessible CTF roots, while veteran players can dive deep into attribute tweaking and advanced skill combos.

The learning curve can be steep, especially when mastering multiple classes and understanding each map’s layout. However, that same depth fosters a thriving community of players eager to share strategies and host custom lobbies. Voice communication or coordinating via third-party tools often turns the tide of battle, making every victory feel earned.

Despite its mod origins, Purge feels like a polished standalone title. Its strengths—dynamic maps, class variety, and a unique victory condition—outshine any dated visuals. For fans of team-based shooters seeking a fresh take on Capture the Flag with sci-fi and fantasy elements, this game remains a hidden gem worth exploring.