Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xplosiv Top Ten: Second Edition brings an eclectic mix of ten beloved titles spanning multiple genres, ensuring that just about every player finds something to enjoy. From the vehicular combat tactics of Battlezone II: Combat Commander to the fast-paced puzzle action of Bust-A-Move 3 DX, each game offers its own unique mechanic. Strategy fans can immerse themselves in deep empire-building with Call to Power II or lead medieval armies in Warrior Kings, while adrenaline junkies can ring up high scores in Crazy Taxi or carve up pixel terrain in Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX.

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The compilation’s inclusion of both single-player campaigns and arcade-style sessions adds to its replayability. Enemy Engaged: RAH-66 Comanche versus Ka-52 Hokum provides a realistic helicopter simulation that rewards careful planning and precision flying, whereas Virtua Tennis delivers pick-up-and-play sports fun, ideal for quick rounds. Patching support on the disc means smoother performance and bug fixes for titles like The House of the Dead 2, making its on-rails shooting both responsive and satisfying.

Controls vary widely from title to title, but the on-disc PDF manuals walk newcomers through basic setups, keybindings, and optimal hardware configurations. While some of the older games require a brief learning curve—particularly the complex interface of Call to Power II—most titles feel approachable after a short tutorial or an hour of play. Multiplayer may not be the focus here (many servers have long since shut down), but local hotseat modes and leaderboard challenges extend the pack’s longevity.

Graphics

Graphically, Xplosiv Top Ten: Second Edition is a nostalgic tour through late ’90s and early 2000s PC visuals. You’ll encounter everything from low-poly landscapes in Battlezone II to the bright, chunky sprites of Bust-A-Move 3 DX. While these games don’t compete with modern graphics standards, patched widescreen support and optional higher resolution modes breathe new life into classic engines, especially in titles like Virtua Tennis, which benefits from smoother frame rates and enhanced textures.

Arcade staples such as Crazy Taxi and The House of the Dead 2 retain their vibrant, larger-than-life colors, making them stand out in the compilation. The realistic terrain and atmospheric effects in Enemy Engaged’s helicopter battles still feel immersive thanks to dynamic lighting and cloud shadows. Strategy buffs will appreciate the detailed isometric battlefields of Warrior Kings and the top-down maps in Call to Power II, even if the sprites occasionally appear jagged on modern displays.

Installation automatically places each game in its own folder, maintaining original executables and config files. While there’s no unified launcher, the included electronic manuals provide clear instructions on optimizing settings per title. For enthusiasts willing to tweak graphics drivers and in-game options, many of these classics can be polished to run smoothly on contemporary rigs without sacrificing their authentic charm.

Story

As a budget compilation, Xplosiv Top Ten: Second Edition doesn’t weave an overarching narrative—it delivers ten distinct stories and settings. Call to Power II offers a sweeping sci-fi saga where players guide a civilization through centuries, unlocking futuristic technologies and engaging in interstellar diplomacy. Meanwhile, Warrior Kings transports you to a medieval realm of warring barons, intrigue, and political maneuvering, granting a more grounded—but still epic—campaign experience.

Other titles are purely action-driven with minimal plot exposition. In The House of the Dead 2, you’re dropped into a zombie outbreak with the simple mission of shooting hordes of undead to survive. Crazy Taxi has no narrative beyond its time-attack premise, focusing instead on frantic driving sequences and customer satisfaction. These games excel in immediacy, offering pick-up-and-play thrills rather than deep storytelling.

Even when stories are thin, the variety of settings keeps things fresh: from the high-octane circuits of SEGA Touring Car Championship to the strategic map conquests in Call to Power II, each game creates its own mini-universe. The PDF manuals often include backstory blurbs and developer notes, enriching your understanding of a title’s world—even if you’re jumping straight into multiplayer racing or puzzle elimination.

Overall Experience

Value is the most compelling aspect of Xplosiv Top Ten: Second Edition. For a budget price, you receive ten complete games, each with an electronic manual and select patches to improve stability or performance. Whether you’re building an empire in Call to Power II, dodging zombies in The House of the Dead 2, or pulling off stunts in Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX, the variety alone justifies the purchase for nostalgia seekers and new players alike.

The installation process is straightforward, though lacking a unified launcher means you’ll navigate each game’s folder manually. However, the on-disc PDF manuals compensate by offering clear setup instructions, troubleshooting tips, and optimal graphics configurations. For those on modern PCs, minor in-game tweaks or community guides will have you up and running quickly.

Ultimately, Xplosiv Top Ten: Second Edition is a love letter to an era when PC gaming explored every genre under the sun. While it doesn’t reinvent any one of these classics, it brings them together in a convenient package that honors their individuality. If you’re hunting for a diverse gaming buffet—complete with strategy, sports, action, racing, and simulation—this compilation serves up ten hearty courses at a price that’s hard to beat.

Retro Replay Score

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