Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Torrente 3: The Protector throws players into the mean streets of Madrid with an array of crime-fighting missions that mix first-person shooting and third-person exploration. From the moment you pick up Torrente’s signature shotgun, you’re free to navigate a sprawling, open-world cityscape packed with side objectives, random street brawls, and vehicle chases. The dual perspective system—letting you switch between a visceral, aiming-focused first-person view and a broader third-person angle—gives the gameplay a flexible feel that caters both to precision shooters and fans of classic action-adventure titles.

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Combat itself is a blend of run-and-gun chaos and strategic positioning. Enemies often swarm in groups, forcing you to use cover and crowd-control weapons, while more elite foes demand headshots or well-timed melee counters. Firearms handle with a satisfying kick, though occasional recoil spikes can throw off your aim, especially in heated firefights. Ammo scarcity adds a light survival element, ensuring you scavenge dumpsters and fallen foes to stay stocked for the next firefight.

Patrolling the city (“apatrullando la ciudad”) never feels monotonous thanks to varied mission design. One moment you’re defusing bombs in the Plaza del Callao, the next you’re tailing suspects through the narrow alleys of Malasaña. Side missions—rescuing hostages, escorting VIPs, or simply delivering pizzas—add both humor and depth, fleshing out a living world where random NPCs react to Torrente’s antics with a mixture of fear, disgust, and occasional applause.

Vehicle segments, while not the game’s strongest suit, offer a welcome break from foot chases. Madrid’s faithful car models and urban layout make pursuits engaging, though handling can feel floaty at high speeds. Still, nothing beats the thrill of weaving through traffic, tackling streetblockers, and executing cinematic jumps off the Puente de Segovia.

Graphics

One of Torrente 3’s standout features is its lovingly recreated version of Madrid. The developers scanned real-world landmarks, from the electric billboards of Puerta del Sol to the neoclassical facades flanking Gran Vía. Textures may occasionally look stretched on distant buildings, but up close, the architecture, tiled sidewalks, and wrought-iron street lamps capture the city’s distinctive character.

Lighting and weather effects heighten the immersion. Daylight missions bathe plazas in golden sunshine, while nighttime sequences showcase glimmering neon signs and rain-slicked asphalt that reflects every passing car. Character models, especially Torrente himself, exhibit detailed facial animations—particularly during absurd cutscenes—though some NPCs still appear stiff or rubber-limbed in mid-combat.

Cutscenes—often pulled straight from the simultaneous film shoot—blend seamlessly with gameplay thanks to Santiago Segura’s recorded voiceovers. His trademark gruff delivery and comedic timing preserve the franchise’s flavor, even if lip-sync sometimes falls a hair behind the audio. Overall, the graphical package strikes a fine balance between stylized comedy and grounded urban grit.

Story

At its core, Torrente 3: The Protector follows Javier “Torrente” Rodríguez as he teams up with local police and undercover informants to dismantle a burgeoning crime syndicate in Madrid. The narrative unfolds through a series of playable missions and interspersed cinematics, mirroring the film’s plot without spoiling key twists for those who haven’t seen it yet. The story’s episodic structure lets each chapter feel like its own mini-adventure while steadily building toward an explosive finale.

Humor is woven into every exchange—from Torrente’s unfiltered insults to the bumbling sidekick who can’t drive even a toy car properly. The writing captures the franchise’s slapstick spirit, and Segura’s involvement ensures authenticity; this is the first Spanish game developed in tandem with its movie counterpart, and the synergy shows. Characters from the film make cameo appearances, delighting fans with in-jokes and nostalgic callbacks.

Despite its lighthearted veneer, the plot touches on themes of loyalty, justice, and the absurdities of bureaucracy. Torrente may be a caricature of macho incompetence, but he occasionally reveals a surprisingly earnest side—especially in cutscenes where he shows genuine care for innocent bystanders. These moments lend unexpected depth to an otherwise riotously chaotic romp.

Overall Experience

Torrente 3: The Protector delivers a unique blend of open-world adventure, over-the-top action, and unapologetic Spanish humor. For fans of the film series, this game is a must-have: its faithful map of Madrid and Santiago Segura’s vocal performance bring cinematic authenticity to every mission. The gameplay loop—patrolling the city, tackling dynamic side quests, and engaging in high-octane shootouts—remains consistently entertaining, even if a few technical hiccups crop up.

Newcomers might find certain mechanics a bit dated compared to modern blockbusters, but the game’s undeniable charm and cultural specificity more than compensate. Wandering through iconic squares, brawling with thugs in back alleys, or racing through traffic in pursuit of fugitives offers a refreshing alternative to generic urban environments. The balance of serious moments and laugh-out-loud absurdities keeps the pace brisk and the mood light.

Ultimately, Torrente 3 is best appreciated by those seeking an action-comedy with a strong sense of place. Its rough edges—clunky vehicle handling here, occasional pop-in there—feel like small prices to pay for the overall joy of patrolling Madrid as its most irreverent protector. Whether you’re a longtime Torrente aficionado or simply curious about a Spanish-flavored take on the open-world formula, this title delivers an experience as memorable as the city it faithfully recreates.

Retro Replay Score

4.9/10