Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Combatribes delivers a classic 2D side-scrolling brawler experience that feels instantly familiar to fans of early ’90s arcade hits. You step into the metallic boots of one of three combat cyborgs—Berzeker, Bullova, or Blitz—each boasting unique strengths and move sets. The core loop is straightforward: navigate through streets, alleyways, and industrial complexes, dispatching wave after wave of Ground Zero’s henchmen until a boss battle brings down the curtain on each stage.

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Combat relies heavily on timing and positioning. Basic punches and kicks handle the grunt work, but mastering each character’s special moves—ranging from spinning shoulder tackles to devastating ground pounds—elevates the gameplay. Enemies swarm you from every direction, so knowing when to block, dash or unleash a special attack becomes crucial, especially on higher difficulties. The flow of combat is fast and frenetic, encouraging you to experiment with combos and cooperative strategies.

Multiplayer is where The Combatribes truly shines. In two-player co-op mode, you and a friend can chain tag-team attacks to clear crowds more efficiently and revive each other after hard hits. Communication is key: coordinate who tackles aerial foes, who focuses on heavy hitters, and who watches the flanks. The game also offers a Vs one-on-one mode, pitting you against boss characters as selectable fighters. This adds a surprising layer of depth, allowing you to sharpen your skills in head-to-head battles after mastering the arcade stages.

Graphics

Visually, The Combatribes embraces the gritty pixel art style of early arcade machines. Character sprites are chunky and vibrant, with each frame of animation feeling weighty and deliberate. Attacks land with satisfying impact, illustrated by exaggerated flashes and motion lines that give every punch and kick a palpable sense of force.

The environments are equally well-realized within the constraints of 2D design. Backdrops range from neon-lit city streets to grimy factory floors, each layered with detail—graffiti-laden walls, flickering signs, and mechanical contraptions. Despite occasional visual repetition across levels, subtle changes in color palettes and background elements help distinguish each stage and maintain player immersion.

Performance remains rock-solid throughout the hectic onslaught of enemies. There’s minimal slowdown even when the screen is crowded with foes, projectiles, and visual effects. The tight control response, combined with crisp pixel visuals, creates an appealing, timeless aesthetic that pays homage to classic arcade brawlers while retaining enough polish to engage modern audiences.

Story

At its core, The Combatribes offers a simple but serviceable narrative—combat cyborgs Berzeker, Bullova, and Blitz join forces to dismantle the ruthless crime ring “Ground Zero,” commanded by the cybernetically enhanced marauder Martha Splatterhead. The premise unfolds through brief cutscenes between stages, highlighting the stakes without slowing the action to a crawl.

Each character’s backstory is touched upon in the instruction manual and in-game character select screens, providing just enough flavor to foster a sense of connection. Berzeker’s brute strength, Bullova’s swift agility, and Blitz’s balanced prowess give players a reason to revisit the game with different cyborgs, even if the overarching plot remains minimalistic.

While the narrative doesn’t strive for deep twists or emotional beats, it fits the button-mashing, beat-’em-up formula perfectly. Martha Splatterhead’s punk-inspired design and over-the-top taunts inject a dose of campy villainy, making her confrontations memorable rather than rote. For players seeking a narrative-driven adventure, The Combatribes won’t redefine storytelling in games, but for a pick-up-and-play brawler, it strikes the right balance.

Overall Experience

The Combatribes is a joyful throwback to the heyday of arcade brawlers, capturing the essence of cooperative chaos and button-mashing fun. Its straightforward level structure and enemy variety make for an accessible experience, while the inclusion of special moves and a versus mode provides additional layers for those craving more depth.

Replay value is strong, thanks to the trio of cyborg protagonists and the incentive to master their distinct move sets. Speedrunners will appreciate the clean hit detection and consistent frame rate, while casual players can still revel in the spectacle of clearing waves of enemies alongside a friend. The versus mode further extends longevity by encouraging skill development and friendly competition.

Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, The Combatribes excels at delivering exactly what fans of 2D side-scrolling brawlers want: responsive controls, satisfying combat feedback, and co-op mayhem. Whether you’re reliving nostalgia or discovering this title for the first time, it stands as a solid choice for anyone looking to punch, kick, and special-move their way through hordes of cyberpunk thugs.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10