Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

SoulTrap delivers a blend of precision platforming and combat that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. You’ll leap across floating, shifting platforms that represent Malcolm West’s deepest anxieties, timing your jumps to avoid plunging into the void. The level design cleverly evolves over the 11 stages, introducing new mechanics like moving walkways, retractable pillars, and gravity-flipped segments that continually freshen the core platforming loop.

Combat is woven seamlessly into traversal, with phobias taking the form of bizarre enemy creatures—some crawl along edges, others swoop in from the sky. Your arsenal includes a magical axe for close-quarters work, a .45 automatic for mid-range firefights, and a grenade launcher for clearing clusters of foes or breaking through environmental obstacles. Switching between first-person and third-person views allows you to tailor the experience: first-person heightens your sense of vertigo, while third-person offers better spatial awareness for tricky jump solutions.

Power-ups scattered throughout each level keep the pacing brisk, offering health and ammo replenishments just when you need them. Exploration is rewarded: hidden alcoves often contain weapon upgrades or bonus health packs. Though the challenge ramps up significantly in later levels—introducing timed sections and elaborate enemy patterns—the game strikes a fair balance, with generous checkpoints and the ability to revisit earlier stages for missed collectibles or better completion times.

Graphics

Visually, SoulTrap stands out with its surreal, dreamlike aesthetic. Each of the 11 levels features its own graphical theme—from rusted machinery hovering amid storm clouds to serene, pastel-hued landscapes dotted with floating lily pads. The transitions between areas are impressively smooth, as platforms rotate or dissolve into mist, reinforcing the sensation of navigating Malcolm’s unstable psyche.

Character and enemy models are rich in detail: phobia-based creatures sport eerie textures and fluid animations that underscore their otherworldly origins. Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone—harsh spotlights can slice through darkness to reveal hidden foes, and ambient glow effects highlight interactive objects or pathways, guiding players without breaking immersion.

Performance remains solid on most mid-range hardware, with stable frame rates even during explosive combat sequences and particle-heavy special effects. Occasional texture pop-in may occur at long draw distances, but these moments are fleeting and seldom distract from the overall visual spectacle. A customizable graphics menu ensures you can dial in the right level of detail for your system.

Story

At its core, SoulTrap tells a metaphorical tale of Malcolm West confronting his deepest fears and anxieties. Though there’s no lengthy dialogue or fully voiced cast, environmental storytelling fills in the gaps—scattered journal entries, evocative cutscenes, and symbolic set pieces illustrate Malcolm’s emotional journey. Each level’s design ties directly to a specific phobia, whether it’s a fear of heights represented by dizzying drops or claustrophobia captured in narrow, twisting corridors.

The narrative pacing is deliberately measured: after intense combat and platforming segments, quieter moments allow you to absorb the story fragments and piece together Malcolm’s history. You’ll discover flashbacks that show his life before the mindscape, lending weight to each obstacle you overcome. This balance ensures that the game feels more than just a series of challenges—it becomes a personal journey of growth and self-discovery.

Sound design amplifies the storytelling, with an atmospheric score that shifts from haunting piano motifs to driving electronic rhythms as tension ramps up. Subtle audio cues—echoing footsteps, distant whispers—heighten unease in darker areas, making every jump feel consequential and every enemy encounter a test of both skill and resolve.

Overall Experience

SoulTrap offers a compelling package for fans of platformers and action-adventure games alike. The variety of level themes, the mix of combat and traversal, and the thoughtful presentation of Malcolm’s internal struggles combine to create a memorable ride. While occasional difficulty spikes may frustrate newcomers, the overall learning curve feels balanced, and repeated encounters quickly turn into satisfying mastery.

The ability to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives on the fly is a standout feature, catering to different playstyles and helping maintain immersion even in the most demanding sections. Replay value is bolstered by hidden collectibles, time-trial leaderboards, and the lure of perfecting your runs with minimal deaths or missed pickups.

In sum, SoulTrap is an imaginative journey through the human mind, wrapped in tight platforming mechanics and engaging combat. Its strong artistic direction and emotional undercurrents set it apart from more conventional 3D platformers. For those looking to test their reflexes while exploring a psychologically rich setting, SoulTrap is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10