Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

We Are Angels delivers a classic platforming adventure that feels immediately familiar to fans of the genre. You take on the role of Padre Orso, channeling Bud Spencer’s trademark strength as you traverse six diverse stages filled with enemies, traps, and environmental hazards. Movement is intuitive: run, jump, duck to dodge projectiles, and unleash powerful punches to send foes flying off the screen.

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The level design strikes a balance between straightforward platform challenges and more elaborate set pieces that reference locations from the TV series. Some zones lean heavily on timing, demanding precise jumps over moving platforms and gaps, while others call for careful enemy management, forcing you to weave through bullets or patrol routes. The energy bar at the bottom of the screen is a constant reminder to stay alert—allow it to deplete and you forfeit one of your three lives.

Pacing is brisk but forgiving. Checkpoints appear at key moments, so while mistakes send you back a bit, you’re not punished with long runs to reclaim lost progress. Between levels, animated vignettes featuring Padre Orso and clips from the series outline your next mission, giving purpose to each platforming gauntlet. This blend of action and narrative keeps the gameplay loop engaging, even if the core mechanics themselves don’t reinvent the wheel.

Combat is straightforward but satisfying; there’s a tangible thunk when your punch connects, and enemy designs vary enough that you’re not just button-mashing. Ducking to avoid projectiles introduces a simple defensive option that can feel heroic when timed perfectly. Overall, the gameplay shifts seamlessly from lighthearted brawling to focused platforming challenges, making We Are Angels a well-rounded experience for genre enthusiasts.

Graphics

Visually, We Are Angels distinguishes itself with vibrant comic-style platforming graphics. The main game uses bold outlines and flat colors reminiscent of a graphic novel, with characters and backgrounds bursting with personality. Sprites are well-animated, showing Padre Orso’s lumbering walk, wind-up punch, and dramatic ducking stance in crisp detail.

The transition between gameplay and cutscenes is striking. Animated introductions before each level recreate moments from the TV series with a cartoony charm, adding depth to the setting of San Rolando. These segments are fluid and colorful, featuring expressive character animations that smoothly carry over the tone of the show you know and love.

Color palettes shift to match each environment’s mood: sun-soaked village squares, dusky forests, and dimly lit interiors all feel distinct. Backgrounds are layered with parallax scrolling, adding a sense of depth as you move through each stage. While the game doesn’t push the limits of modern hardware, its cohesive art direction and lively animations more than make up for any technical simplicity.

Bonus visual content on the game CD includes a video interview with Bud Spencer himself, presented in full-motion video quality for its time. Though it’s a brief addition, it’s a nice touch for fans, showcasing Spencer’s personality off-screen and enhancing the nostalgic package of this licensed title.

Story

The narrative in We Are Angels is straightforward: you’re Padre Orso, the rosary-wielding defender of San Rolando, tasked with thwarting the nefarious Santillana and his gang of miscreants. Each level’s premise is introduced by short animated and live-action clips, providing context and motivation without dragging down the action with lengthy exposition.

The game faithfully captures the spirit of the TV series, balancing lighthearted humor with a genuine sense of camaraderie among villagers. While the plot doesn’t twist and turn, it lays out clear objectives—rescue hostages, clear out enemy encampments, and confront Santillana—so you always know what’s at stake. The stakes feel bigger because you care about Padre Orso and the townsfolk who greet you with cheers between levels.

Storytelling here relies more on atmosphere and character presence than complex dialogue. The homespun charm of Padre Orso and the series’ iconic imagery do the heavy lifting, making you feel like a part of the Angelic brotherhood. For players unfamiliar with the show, the narrative still functions well as a straightforward tale of good versus evil.

Between-level cutscenes and in-game flavor text feel like an homage rather than a direct retread, striking a respectful balance that will please longtime fans and newcomers alike. It’s a lighthearted romp rather than a deep epic, but it aligns perfectly with the game’s jaunty tone and platforming focus.

Overall Experience

We Are Angels is a love letter to Bud Spencer and the series that inspired it. Its core strength lies in its faithful adaptation of Padre Orso’s world, from the playful animated cutscenes to the satisfying punch animations that make every encounter feel impactful. The gameplay loop is simple but gratifying, offering just enough challenge to keep you engaged across its six levels.

While it may not break new ground in the platforming genre, the game’s polished presentation, nostalgic charm, and smooth controls make it a solid pick for fans of licensed titles and retro-style adventures. The inclusion of a video interview with Bud Spencer adds collectible value, especially if you’re a dedicated follower of the actor’s work.

Some players might wish for more variety in enemy design or boss encounters, but the game delivers what it promises: a cheerful, action-packed journey through the world of We Are Angels. Its forgiving checkpoint system and three-life structure are fair to both casual players and completionists, ensuring you can experience every cutscene and stage without undue frustration.

Ultimately, We Are Angels stands out as a commendable tribute to a beloved TV property. It may not redefine platformers, but it encapsulates the humor, warmth, and brawn of Padre Orso in a package that’s both accessible and entertaining for gamers of all skill levels.

Retro Replay Score

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