Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Simon the Sorcerer Double Pack reunites you with the classic point-and-click mechanics that defined a generation of adventure gaming. The first title introduces intuitive hotspot cursors, a straightforward inventory system and a witty approach to puzzle solving that never feels unfair. Each environment is lovingly crafted so that exploration yields both hidden gags and essential items, keeping you engaged as you piece together solutions at your own pace.

Moving into Simon the Sorcerer II, the gameplay extends with more elaborate puzzles and multiple dialogue choices that can alter minor story threads. You’ll find that inventory interactions become slightly more complex, requiring you to combine items, experiment with spells and even revisit earlier locations to trigger new events. This added layer of complexity rewards curiosity, and the game even nods to veteran adventurers by occasionally offering cheeky hints through Simon’s own sarcastic commentary.

Beyond the main adventures, the included Pinball and Puzzle Pack introduce refreshing diversions. Simon the Sorcerer’s Pinball transforms the magical world into two richly themed tables where flippers, bumpers and ramps are adorned with familiar characters and items. Meanwhile, the Puzzle Pack serves up a variety of mini-games—jigsaws, sliding-tile puzzles and mahjong-style challenges—each decorated with whimsical artwork drawn from Simon’s universe. These extras break up the narrative sessions with quick bursts of arcade fun or brain-teasing breaks, enhancing the overall package.

Graphics

The original Simon the Sorcerer features hand-drawn pixel art that brims with color and personality. Backgrounds are detailed enough to feel like storybook illustrations, and Simon’s sprite animations—walking, mocking foes or reacting to mishaps—still manage to elicit a smile. Even on modern displays, the bold outlines and high-contrast palettes retain their charm, standing as a testament to the era’s artistry.

Simon II benefits from a higher resolution and more nuanced shading that brings additional depth to its fantasy realms. Forests, dungeons and magical shops sparkle with extra details, while cutscenes incorporate expressive character portraits that capture every raised eyebrow or exasperated sigh. Although still unmistakably ’90s in style, the sequel’s visuals hold up well, especially when scaled correctly to avoid pixel distortion.

The Pinball game features dynamic table artwork where bumpers glow and flippers cast subtle reflections, adding a touch of magic to the hardware simulation. The puzzle mini-games opt for clean, functional layouts: you’ll appreciate clear piece outlines in the jigsaws and legible symbols in the mahjong variants. Borders and menu screens echo the main adventures with thematic motifs—gleaming spellbooks, enchanted portals and Simon’s trademark red hat—tying everything back to the core series.

Story

Simon the Sorcerer opens with a tongue-in-cheek premise: an ordinary teenager is whisked away to a fairy-tale kingdom, only to find that the local wizard has gone missing and an evil sorcerer has taken over. From the moment Simon brandishes his sarcastic wit, you know this isn’t your average fantasy tale. The narrative unfolds through clever dialogue and set-piece encounters that lampoon popular myths and fairy-land clichés, delivering a fresh, humorous spin on heroic quest tropes.

In the sequel, Simon the Sorcerer II: The Lion, the Wizard and the Wardrobe, the plot leans harder into parody—sending Simon through enchanted wardrobes into realms reminiscent of classic children’s stories. Along the way, he crosses paths with talking wardrobes, overzealous centaurs and carnivorous plant life, each laced with pop-culture references. The story cleverly subverts expectations by letting you solve problems in multiple ways, rewarding both inventiveness and repetition for those who enjoy exploring every dialogue branch.

While the mini-games in the Pinball and Puzzle Pack don’t push the main narrative forward, they’re steeped in series lore. Pinball tables highlight key villains and locales—each table’s layout subtly hints at Simon’s past adventures. The Puzzle Pack, meanwhile, weaves in background art and sound effects drawn from the main games, allowing the story’s whimsical tone to permeate even these bite-sized diversions. Although light on plot, these extras serve as affectionate companions to the larger saga.

Overall Experience

As a compilation, Simon the Sorcerer Double Pack offers tremendous value: two full-length adventures plus hours of supplementary content at a budget-friendly price. You get the complete arc of Simon’s misadventures—from his first reluctant heroics to his second, even more absurd quest—augmented by the replayable thrills of pinball and puzzle challenges. For newcomers, it’s an all-in-one pass into one of adventure gaming’s most beloved series; for veterans, it’s a nostalgia-packed return trip.

Modern gamers might balk at some of the more obtuse puzzle logic or the low-resolution interface quirks, but the sharp writing and memorable characters easily compensate. The humor still lands, the worlds still invite exploration and the extras ensure you’ll never run short on things to do. Whether you’re chasing a lost magic staff or lining up the perfect pinball combo, there’s a consistent thread of charm running through each component.

Ultimately, Simon the Sorcerer Double Pack shines as both a historical piece of adventure gaming and an entertaining fantasy romp in its own right. Its blend of witty storytelling, classic point-and-click gameplay and variety-packed extras make it a standout purchase for anyone craving lighthearted puzzles wrapped in colorful, satirical fantasy. Prepare your wits, ready your reflexes and dive into a world where fairy tales get turned inside-out—Simon’s waiting with a sarcastic quip or two.