Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Space Chimps delivers a lighthearted 3D third-person platforming experience that leans heavily on its movie roots. Players alternate between controlling Ham III, whose melee attacks pack a punch, and Luna, who can pepper enemies from a distance with her blaster. Each level is crafted to highlight the unique abilities of these two characters, ensuring that melee-centric skirmishes feel distinct from ranged encounters. The controls are generally responsive, making it easy for newcomers and younger players to pick up and play.

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Beyond straightforward combat, each stage hides secret Globhoppers and a solitary Dole Banana, rewarding thorough exploration. Finding Globhoppers unlocks amusing movie clips and behind-the-scenes concept art, while Dole Bananas open the door to new costumes for Ham III and Luna. This collectible-driven incentive encourages replaying levels, especially for completionists or fans eager to delve deeper into the Space Chimps universe.

While the core platforming is solid, the difficulty curve can be uneven. Early levels feel like a gentle tutorial, but midway you may encounter spikes that require expert timing or precise jumping. Thankfully, checkpoints are fairly generous, and the game encourages experimentation rather than punishing failure. Combat encounters strike a balance between simple button-mashing and tactical positioning, though boss fights occasionally feel repetitive if your loadout isn’t upgraded.

Graphics

Graphically, Space Chimps captures the vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic of its cinematic counterpart. Character models are well-designed, with expressive faces that reflect Ham III’s goofball personality and Luna’s determined gaze. Textures are crisp, from the metallic corridors of alien ships to the lush jungles of the dictator’s home planet. Bright color palettes keep the visuals energetic and inviting throughout the roughly six- to eight-hour campaign.

Animations are fluid, especially during combo attacks and celebratory emotes triggered after boss takedowns. Cutscenes seamlessly integrate with gameplay, maintaining the art style without jarring graphical transitions. However, on some platforms you might notice occasional texture pop-in when entering particularly detailed set pieces, or frame-rate dips during hectic on-screen battles.

Lighting effects deserve special mention—laser fire, energy shields, and ambient glows around key interactive objects all help guide the player’s eye and enhance immersion. Though the environments occasionally reuse assets, clever level design and dynamic camera angles keep each zone feeling fresh. Overall, Space Chimps presents a polished visual package that will appeal to families and younger players, while still offering enough detail to engage seasoned platformer fans.

Story

Space Chimps’ narrative is faithful to the movie’s playful tone. You play as Ham III, grandson of the very first chimp to leave Earth’s atmosphere, now thrust into a high-stakes mission he’s hardly qualified for. Alongside him are Luna and Titan, two veteran chimp astronauts who view Ham’s pedigree as a crutch rather than a credential. Their banter fuels most of the game’s humor, balancing goofy slapstick with hints of genuine camaraderie.

The plot unfolds through brief dialogue exchanges and full-screen cutscenes, painting a picture of an alien dictator whose tyrannical rule threatens interstellar peace. Though the story isn’t deeply complex, it offers enough motivation to push through each level: defeat the dictator’s minions, disable planetary weapons, and eventually confront the big bad himself. Unlockable movie clips—earned by finding hidden Globhoppers—add nostalgic appeal for fans who want a peek behind the scenes.

Character development is subtle but effective. Early on, Ham III’s bumbling nature causes friction with his teammates, but as the adventure progresses, he begins to embrace his own style of heroism. Luna’s progression from skeptic to believer is likewise portrayed in brief but meaningful moments. By the time the final showdown arrives, you’ll feel invested in their journey, however lighthearted the tone remains.

Overall Experience

Space Chimps offers a charming blend of platforming, combat, and light puzzle-solving that will resonate with younger audiences and families seeking a family-friendly adventure. The game’s moderate length—around six to eight hours for a first playthrough—strikes a balance between accessibility and value. Hidden collectibles encourage multiple runs, while the intuitive controls and forgiving checkpoint system prevent frustration.

Prospective buyers should note that the challenge level is generally mild but features occasional spikes that test timing and combat strategy. The story’s simplicity makes it an easy pick-up-and-play title, though seasoned gamers in search of deep mechanics or a lengthy narrative may crave more complexity. That said, the game’s humorous dialogue, colorful visuals, and steady pacing ensure a consistently pleasant experience.

In summary, Space Chimps is a delightful licensed tie-in that successfully translates its cinematic inspiration into a fun, accessible video game. Its mix of melee and ranged combat, colorful worlds, and collectible-driven replay value make it a worthwhile purchase for families and fans of platformers. If you’re looking for a lighthearted space romp with enough charm to keep you smiling, Ham III and his crew are ready for lift-off.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10