Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

At its core, Umihara Kawase reinvents the platformer genre with its unique grappling hook mechanics. Kawase’s fishing line acts as an elastic rope that can latch onto almost any surface, allowing for fluid swinging, rapid descents, and daring aerial stunts. Mastery of this rope physics system is both the game’s biggest challenge and greatest reward—every level becomes a sandbox for creative traversal rather than a straightforward run-and-jump gauntlet.

The title offers nearly 50 fields to explore, each filled with twisting passages, hidden shortcuts, and alternate exits. Rather than forcing you through a linear sequence, the multiple-exit design encourages experimentation: players can discover secret routes, loop back to earlier areas, or skip ahead entirely. This branching structure dramatically enhances replay value, as finding every path becomes a puzzle in itself.

To help refine your technique, Umihara Kawase includes a built-in replay recorder. When you land a particularly elegant swing sequence or tricky shortcut, you can save and rewatch it at any time. This feature not only turns your playthrough into a highlight reel but also functions as a learning tool: studying your best runs reveals more efficient maneuvers and inspires new strategies.

Graphics

Although Umihara Kawase carries a retro pixel-art aesthetic, its visual design remains crisp and expressive. The sprites are richly detailed, with lifelike rope physics that visually stretch and contract as Kawase swings. Backgrounds range from fog-shrouded ruins to pastel-hued dreamscapes, each environment exuding a surreal, otherworldly charm.

The animation is surprisingly fluid for a pixel-based title. Enemies—mostly bizarre walking fish and other mutated creatures—slither and flounder with distinct personalities. Kawase herself moves with a satisfying weight: her jumps arc realistically, her rope twangs convincingly, and every landing packs enough impact to sell the sense of momentum.

Special effects are used sparingly but effectively. Subtle ripples appear when your line tugs against a trapdoor, and soft-glowing particles accentuate teleportation zones and secret areas. This minimalistic approach ensures visual clarity, keeping your focus on navigating the treacherous platforms rather than distracting flourishes.

Story

Umihara Kawase’s narrative is deliberately light and open to interpretation. You play as a schoolgirl who finds herself trapped in a surreal dream world teeming with walking fish—and little else is spelled out. Rather than unfolding through cutscenes, the story emerges through exploration: the shifting landscapes and bizarre inhabitants hint at a deeper dream-logic mystery.

This sparse storytelling is part of the game’s allure. Without a heavy plot to follow, players project their own meanings onto the odd encounters and cryptic level designs. Are the fish symbols of some subconscious fear? Is Kawase’s journey a metaphor for personal growth? The answers remain elusive, inviting theories and discussion among the community.

While minimalists may relish the ambiguity, those seeking a conventional narrative might feel adrift. There are no dialogue boxes or branching story branches—just the dream world and your fishing line. For many, however, this stripped-down approach underscores the gameplay’s purity: every twist and turn exists to showcase the rope physics rather than drive a sprawling plot.

Overall Experience

Umihara Kawase stands out as a platformer that demands skill, patience, and creativity. Its deceptively simple premise—swing around with a fishing line—yields a deep movement system that can take hours to master. As you learn to string together momentum-charged loops and nail pinpoint landings, each level transforms from a daunting obstacle course into a canvas for your ingenuity.

The level branching and recorder functions bolster longevity. Casual players can breeze through primary routes, while completists will delight in uncovering every hidden exit and optimizing their routes. Meanwhile, the replay feature preserves your most thrilling runs, making it easy to share techniques or simply revisit personal triumphs.

Ultimately, Umihara Kawase is an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate unconventional design and physics-driven gameplay. Its combination of precise mechanics, enigmatic story layers, and richly imaginative environments makes it a standout title in the realm of indie platformers. Whether you’re seeking a fresh mechanical challenge or a dreamlike adventure to lose yourself in, Kawase’s world offers a uniquely rewarding journey.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10