Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Valhalla Classics: Episode 6 – The Dungeons retains the core mechanics that made the original Amiga titles a cult favorite, while streamlining interactions for modern audiences. You guide the Lord of Infinity through labyrinthine corridors, locked cells, and shadowed passageways in a classic top-down perspective. Moving your character, inspecting objects, and engaging in dialogue all hinge on three action buttons—look, operate, and take—providing a simple yet deliberate control scheme.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The puzzles in The Dungeons are a highlight, blending logic challenges with inventory and dialogue-based obstacles. The limited ten-slot inventory forces you to think carefully before picking up yet another key or potion. Encountering an unusual lever or cryptic NPC, you must deduce the correct sequence: perhaps combining a stolen torch with a broken hinge, or trading a rare ingredient for a vital clue. Every riddle feels handcrafted, rewarding those who pay close attention to environmental details.

Combat and stamina management add a layer of tension rarely seen in other point-and-click adventures. Your Lord of Infinity can take damage from traps, hostile guards, and environmental hazards. Allowing your stamina bar to deplete means instant death, but generous potions are scattered throughout the dungeon. This risk-and-reward loop encourages cautious exploration: rush forward recklessly and you might spring a deadly trap, but plod along too slowly and you’ll find yourself drained of resources.

Movement and interactions can occasionally feel a bit deliberate by modern standards, especially when lining up exactly in front of an object. However, the developers have added quality-of-life improvements—such as hotkeys for your most-used actions and a quick-access inventory panel—that smooth out potential frustrations. Overall, The Dungeons strikes a satisfying balance between old-school adventure design and contemporary accessibility.

Graphics

One of the most striking aspects of this remake is its updated visual presentation. The original pixel art has been lovingly reinterpreted in high-resolution sprites and hand-painted backgrounds. Textures for stone walls, moss-covered floors, and wrought-iron bars now boast depth and detail that were impossible on the Amiga hardware. The result feels both faithful to the source material and refreshingly modern.

Lighting effects play a crucial role in creating the dungeon’s oppressive atmosphere. Flickering torchlight casts dancing shadows across damp corridors, while ominous green glows emanate from alchemical vats. This dynamic illumination not only enhances immersion but also serves as a gameplay cue—darkened alcoves often hide secret levers, while brighter spots can draw your attention to important items or switches.

Character portraits and NPC sprites have been completely redrawn, breathing life into the quirky personalities that inhabit the dungeon. From the gaoler’s yawning, jowly face to the gaunt alchemist muttering in the corner, these visual updates underscore the humor and mystery that have always defined the Valhalla series. The animation remains intentionally restrained—every movement feels weighty and deliberate, reinforcing the sense of peril in each new corridor.

While the overall presentation is polished, a few minor graphical hiccups remain. In some narrow hallways, sprite clipping can occur when moving diagonally, and occasional frame drops might appear on older hardware during moments heavy with particle effects. Fortunately, these issues are rare and do little to detract from the game’s overall visual fidelity.

Story

The Dungeons is the second episode in the Before the War timeline, a prequel series that delves into the backstory of the Lord of Infinity. Here, you assume the role of the ambitious prince bent on overthrowing his brother, King Garamond. Trapped in the royal dungeons, you must unravel the sinister machinations of Herman’s soldiers and harness an ancient teleportation network—tasks that form the backbone of this chapter’s narrative.

The writing strikes a fine balance between dry wit and medieval drama. Early conversations feature sharp banter with prison guards, revealing snippets of court intrigue and the player’s own cunning ambitions. Deeper in the dungeon, the tone shifts to ominous whispers and cryptic prophecies, foreshadowing betrayals yet to come. The interplay of humor and suspense keeps the story engaging throughout.

Character interactions are given added weight by the voice recordings that accompany each dialogue sequence. While the acting ranges from competent to occasionally hammy, the vocal performances add texture and emotional resonance to what were once static text boxes. Hearing your own sardonic protagonist mutter about “another blasted cell door” creates a stronger connection to his journey.

The overarching plot moves at a steady pace, with new twists revealed as you unlock teleportation pads and decipher sealed messages. Some players may find the story’s episodic structure leaves certain threads hanging until the next installment. However, each major reveal feels substantial enough to justify the cliffhangers, and the promise of deeper conspiracies lurking beyond the dungeon walls is an enticing hook.

Overall Experience

Valhalla Classics: Episode 6 – The Dungeons delivers a nostalgic return to a beloved franchise while infusing it with modern sensibilities. The game’s length—roughly 5–7 hours for an average playthrough—strikes a comfortable balance between depth and brevity. Fans of the original Amiga titles will appreciate the lovingly preserved core mechanics, and newcomers will find plenty of accessible quality-of-life enhancements.

The blend of challenging puzzles, lightweight combat mechanics, and exploration ensures each play session feels varied. You might spend one hour solving a complicated gear-shaft conundrum, the next navigating a gauntlet of traps, and the following negotiating with an enigmatic prisoner over a crumbling parchment. This diversity keeps momentum high and prevents the experience from becoming repetitive.

On the technical side, stability is generally strong. While a handful of rare graphical glitches and performance dips can occur on less powerful systems, regular updates have addressed most major issues. The game’s soundtrack—an orchestral reimagining of Matthew Steed’s original compositions—is a standout, heightening tension in darker areas and adding triumphant flourishes when you outwit a tough puzzle.

In conclusion, The Dungeons is a worthy addition to the Valhalla Classics series. It honours the legacy of the Amiga originals, provides a compelling narrative bridge in the prequel timeline, and enriches the experience with updated graphics, voice work, and refined gameplay. Whether you’re a veteran adventurer or a newcomer seeking a polished retro-inspired quest, Episode 6 offers a satisfying and memorable journey through the shadowed underbelly of a once-glorious kingdom.

Retro Replay Score

null/10