Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Toxic Mayhem: The Troma Project delivers a turn-based combat system that is deceptively simple on the surface but offers surprising depth once you dive in. Each character—from the Toxic Avenger to Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD—comes with unique action points, special moves, and a progression tree that rewards you for embracing the game’s over-the-top style. As you traverse Tromaville’s polluted streets, you’ll decide whether to blast Surf Nazis with high-powered firearms, mop up toxic sludge in the seediest alley, or unleash comical melee attacks that look like they belong in a midnight B-movie marathon.

Progression feels gratifying, thanks to an eclectic arsenal of weapons and items. You’ll stumble across everything from rusty shotguns to radioactive spray bottles, and the ability to mix and match gear encourages experimentation. The game’s inventory management is straightforward but still requires strategic thought—do you carry extra ammo at the expense of a health pack? Should you risk using your one-off acid shell or save it for a boss encounter?

One of the strongest elements of Toxic Mayhem’s gameplay is its balance of humor and challenge. Enemies may appear as caricatures—hookers with rocket launchers or Psycho Zombies in torn fishnets—but their attack patterns and status effects can catch you off guard. Between turns, the soundtrack’s punk riffs and occasional Troma movie samples keep the adrenaline pumping, ensuring each encounter feels like part of an irreverent action sequence.

Graphics

Troma’s signature low-budget, cult-horror aesthetic is front and center in Toxic Mayhem’s visuals. The pixel art style evokes a retro charm reminiscent of SNES era RPGs, yet it’s deliberately gritty and splattered with toxic green hues to reinforce the game’s grotesque comedy. Environments range from run-down factories and neon-lit dive bars to the radioactive rivers that snake through Tromaville’s backstreets.

Character sprites are cartoonishly exaggerated, from the Toxic Avenger’s hulking frame to the lanky silhouette of Sgt. Kabukiman. While animations are relatively simple—attack frames loop quickly and map movement is tile-based—the vibrant color palette and attention to small details (a mop dripping sludge, a hooker’s stilettos glinting with grime) make each scene memorable. Enemy designs lean heavily into grotesque satire, offering plenty of shock value without feeling gratuitously gory.

Cutscenes and dialogue windows adopt a comic-book layout, complete with speech bubbles and splash pages that feel like mini-posters of classic Troma films. Though the highest resolutions are modest by modern AAA standards, the art style works in the game’s favor: every pixel seems purposefully placed to evoke that B-movie cult vibe you’ve come to expect from Troma productions.

Story

At its narrative core, Toxic Mayhem is a loving parody of both turn-based RPGs and ’80s schlock cinema. Tromaville is on the brink of annihilation, overrun by Surf Nazis, rogue hookers with ballistic tendencies, and toxic mutants born from corporate spills. It’s up to you—and a rotating cast of Troma’s most infamous heroes—to restore order by any means necessary, questionable or otherwise.

Dialogue is thick with one-liners, pop culture nods, and tongue-in-cheek references to Troma’s own filmography. You’ll overhear conversations about budget constraints, fourth-wall jokes about the development team, and occasional disclaimers that this is “100% completely fictional… please don’t mop your cat.” While the main quest follows a fairly linear path—clear zones, defeat bosses, unlock the next district—the side missions range from absurd (rescue a kidnapped midget wrestler) to downright bizarre (challenge a lab-grown mutant to a dance-off).

Though the plot rarely delves into emotional depth or surprising twists, that’s very much by design. If you’re expecting Shakespearean drama, you’ll be disappointed—but if you crave anarchic humor, fast-paced action, and a story that lampshades its own absurdity, Toxic Mayhem delivers in spades. The narrative acts as the perfect framework for the game’s gameplay loop, never overstaying its welcome yet always motivating you to see just how far Troma’s twisted imagination will go next.

Overall Experience

Toxic Mayhem: The Troma Project is a niche gem that knows exactly who its audience is. Fans of cult cinema, retro RPG mechanics, and irreverent humor will find plenty to love here. The game’s pacing rarely drags, thanks to bite-sized combat encounters and a steady drip of new gear and witty dialogue. If you thrive on tongue-in-cheek gore and self-aware storytelling, this turn-based romp will feel like a match made in Tromaville.

That said, newcomers to turn-based RPGs or those seeking a polished, high-fidelity experience might take some time to acclimate to the game’s deliberately rough edges. The learning curve for managing action points and status effects can be steep initially, and there are occasional balance quirks that may frustrate perfectionists. However, once you embrace the game’s chaotic spirit, these rough patches tend to feel like part of the overall charm rather than shortcomings.

In the end, Toxic Mayhem is an unapologetically campy experience that marries classic RPG elements with the outré sensibilities of Troma Entertainment. Whether you’re blasting surf nazis with radioactive paintballs or mopping up slime in a neon-lit alley, the game maintains a consistent level of manic energy and comedic flair. For anyone in search of a weird, wild, and wonderfully wacky adventure, Toxic Mayhem: The Troma Project is a must-play.

Retro Replay Score

null/10