Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xak Precious Package: The Tower of Gazzel shifts the series’ usual RPG focus into a tight, action-puzzle experience. Instead of grinding to increase Latok’s stats, you begin with maxed attributes, pushing you to rely on skillful movement, timing, and companion abilities. Combat remains real‐time: Latok wields his sword to fend off monsters, but clashes are secondary to navigating intricate traps and dead ends.

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The tower itself is a sprawling maze filled with locked doors, hidden switches, and environmental hazards like poisonous puddles and spike pits. Learning the layout becomes part of the fun, as does discovering secret passages that reward careful exploration. Latok’s ability to jump adds a layer of platforming, allowing daring players to bypass certain obstacles or uncover alternate routes.

Perhaps the most compelling twist is the companion system. You choose from four allies—each bringing unique skills such as spellcasting, mechanism manipulation, or scouting—that must be switched on the fly to solve puzzles. Figuring out which companion is needed at each juncture encourages replaying sections with a different partner, ensuring that puzzle-solving never grows stale.

Graphics

Visually, Tower of Gazzel stays true to the beloved pixel art style of the original Xak titles. Character sprites are well-detailed and animated smoothly, bringing Latok and his companions to life. Enemies also feature distinctive designs that make them easy to identify amid the dungeon’s gloom.

The tower’s tilesets embrace a moody, medieval fantasy palette—dark stone walls, torch-lit corridors, and moss-covered floors evoke a sense of ancient evil. Occasional color pops, such as glowing runes or oozing slime pits, draw the eye and help guide exploration in otherwise monochromatic areas.

HD repackage options available in the Precious Package update enhance the visuals without losing the retro charm. Backgrounds gain subtle depth, and animations receive higher frame rates, making movement feel more responsive. Fans of classic 2D aesthetics will appreciate how the game balances nostalgia with modern polish.

Story

The narrative picks up just after Latok’s triumph over the demon Gospel in Xak II: The Rising of the Redmoon. Rumors surface about a mysterious figure who looks identical to Latok, last seen near a forbidding tower. Latok arrives with his girlfriend Fray and their comrades, only to discover that the doppelganger is a lure set by powerful demons.

Despite being a side-story in the Xak universe, Tower of Gazzel weaves a self-contained plot that explores themes of identity, betrayal, and trust. As Latok ventures deeper, he questions his own past and confronts illusions created by the tower’s masterminds. Moments of quiet dialogue between puzzles add emotional weight to what could have been a purely mechanical ordeal.

The supporting cast shines in bits and pieces. Whether it’s Fray’s concern echoing over the intercom or Pixie’s mischievous quips, each companion has moments to stand out. The final revelations about the false Latok and the tower’s true purpose tie neatly into the larger lore, offering fans a richer understanding of the demonic machinations at play.

Overall Experience

Xak Precious Package: The Tower of Gazzel stands out by reinventing the series’ formula without betraying its roots. Hardcore puzzle-solvers will adore mapping every floor and mastering companion swaps, while action fans still get satisfying swordplay against hordes of monsters. The balance between exploration, combat, and brain-teasers is well-tuned throughout its moderate playtime.

Some players may miss the character progression of traditional RPGs, but the trade-off is a lean, focused adventure where every puzzle feels meaningful. Occasional backtracking can feel repetitive, yet secret rooms and branching paths help mitigate any fatigue. The inclusion of HD enhancements and an improved interface in the Precious Package release further modernizes the experience.

Ultimately, The Tower of Gazzel is a must-play for Xak enthusiasts and a compelling entry point for newcomers seeking a bite-sized, puzzle-driven action game. Its blend of atmospheric graphics, engaging mechanics, and a twisty side-story makes it a memorable detour in Latok’s ongoing saga. For those ready to test their wits against a demon-infested labyrinth, this tower beckons.

Retro Replay Score

null/10