Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Small Arms delivers a fast-paced fusion of platforming and arena-style combat that immediately grabs your attention. The game unfolds on either a single-screen battlefield or a series of forced-scrolling stages, each brimming with ledges, platforms, and dynamic hazards. Mastering the balance between close-quarters brawling and ranged combat is key, as every character wields two distinct firing modes that reward quick thinking and strategic positioning.

Movement and aiming feel crisp and responsive, thanks to the dual-stick control scheme borrowed from top-down shooters like Geometry Wars. You guide your fighter with the left analog stick while unleashing 360-degree firepower with the right stick. This setup allows for fluid strafing maneuvers, frantic circle-strafing, and the ability to juke opponents in tight quarters—a refreshing twist on traditional platform fighters.

Resource management plays a pivotal role in each skirmish. Scattered across the levels are ammo caches, health packs, and temporary power-ups that can swing the tide of battle. Constantly scavenging for supplies while evading enemy fire creates a thrilling ebb and flow, and the urgency ramps up even more in forced-scrolling arenas where falling behind the action can mean an early exit.

The game offers a solid single-player package with four modes: Mission Mode, which guides you through increasingly challenging objectives; Training Mode, where you can refine your skills against customizable AI; Challenge Mode, featuring a gauntlet of arena tests; and Shooting Range, perfect for honing your accuracy. Multiplayer keeps the adrenaline pumping, supporting both offline and online matches for up to four players, making it a great party game or competitive arena for serious brawlers.

Graphics

Small Arms embraces a hybrid visual style that melds 3D environments with two-dimensional movement, resulting in vibrant, cartoon-inspired arenas. Each of the eight stages is uniquely themed—from the murky gloom of a sewer to the chaotic swirl of a tornado, a thundering waterfall, a fiery volcano, a bustling bazaar, a rickety outhouse, and the high-speed adrenaline rush of a speeding train. The dynamic backgrounds and subtle parallax effects lend depth to the action without distracting from the combat.

Character models are bold and distinct, with clear silhouettes that ensure readability even when the screen gets crowded. Each fighter’s weapon and special ability come to life with satisfying animations and flashy particle effects, making each shot and melee strike feel impactful. Health pickups, ammo crates, and power-ups pop on screen with bright highlights, reducing confusion in the heat of battle.

Lighting and particle effects shine brightest in the more dramatic stages. Sparks erupt when metallic platforms clash, embers swirl around volcanic vents, and debris flies off collapsing obstacles. These touches not only enhance immersion but also serve as visual cues to anticipate environmental hazards. While the resolution and texture detail aren’t cutting-edge, the cohesive art direction and solid frame rate make for a consistently smooth experience.

Story

Small Arms doesn’t hinge on a sweeping narrative, but it weaves enough character-driven context to keep you invested in the roster. Each of the twelve fighters—four of whom must be unlocked—comes with a brief backstory and unique motivations. Whether you’re a bounty hunter seeking fame, a retired soldier returning to the fray, or an alien invader testing your arsenal, your avatar’s personality shines through in their animations and voice lines.

Mission Mode offers a loose story progression, pairing you with thematic objectives that align with each character’s motives. One mission might have you sabotaging an enemy stronghold in the bazaar, while another throws you into a race against time aboard a runaway train. These bite-sized scenarios give the game a sense of purpose beyond high-score chasing.

In the absence of lengthy cutscenes or dialogue trees, the game nudges narrative forward through level design and environmental storytelling. A cracked bunker wall here, a flickering neon sign there—these details hint at a larger world without halting the action. For players seeking a deep plot, Small Arms may feel light; however, for those who prioritize frenetic combat and quick matches, the streamlined story is just enough to add flavor without slowing down the fun.

Overall Experience

Small Arms stands out as a nimble and accessible arena brawler that doesn’t skimp on depth. The combination of platforming, melee combat, and dual-stick shooting creates a unique niche that feels both familiar and fresh. Matches unfold with breakneck intensity, and the variety of power-ups and stage hazards ensures that no two rounds are ever the same.

Replayability is high, driven by its multiple game modes, unlockable characters, and online leaderboard challenges. Casual players can drop in for quick Deathmatch sessions, while completionists will find plenty to do hunting achievements or mastering every fighter’s arsenal. The training tools are thoughtful, offering customizable drills to sharpen your aim, timing, and stage awareness before diving into competitive play.

Localization in eight languages and robust multiplayer support make Small Arms a welcoming title for a global audience. Whether you’re hosting a local LAN party or battling strangers across the globe, the netcode holds up admirably, with minimal latency on a stable connection. Overall, Small Arms is a well-crafted package that balances accessibility and depth, making it a strong recommendation for fans of platform fighters and twitch-based shooters alike.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10