Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Mayhem delivers a clever blend of puzzle-solving and light action that captures the spirit of the classic cartoon series. Players switch seamlessly between Scooby and Shaggy, each bringing their own unique abilities into play. Scooby can sniff out clues and squeeze into tight spaces, while Shaggy’s height gives him an edge in reaching higher platforms and setting elaborate traps for menacing monsters.

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The heart of the gameplay revolves around environmental puzzles—moving objects into place to unlock new areas or deactivate traps. In one memorable sequence on a spooky movie set, you’ll need to wheel a prop cannon into position to blast open a sealed door. Later, in the bayou stage, you’ll manipulate logs and planks to create safe paths across murky waters. These challenges grow gradually more intricate, encouraging you to think like Mystery Inc. and pay attention to every detail.

Adding to the fun are the disguises that both characters can don to slip past unsuspecting creatures. Whether you’re using a theatrical mask on Shaggy to blend in with a group of reanimated mannequins or a makeshift cloak on Scooby to sneak through a laboratory’s security cameras, these stealth moments offer a refreshing change of pace. The game encourages experimentation, and discovering new ways to bypass enemies becomes a rewarding puzzle of its own.

Graphics

The visual style of Mystery Mayhem stays true to the vibrant, hand-drawn look of the original animated series. Levels are richly detailed, from the dusty saloons of the Wild West set to the glowing neon signs of a haunted theme park. Backgrounds are layered beautifully to give a sense of depth, and each environment feels distinct, which helps maintain player interest as you hop from stage to stage.

Character animations are smooth and faithful to the source material. Scooby’s trademark tip-toe and Shaggy’s exaggerated flinch when startled are animated with care, making every scurry and scream feel authentic. The monsters released by the Tome of Doom vary in design, and their otherworldly animations—like spectral boogeymen or swamp-dwelling gators—add a fun scare factor without becoming overly frightening for younger players.

One especially nice touch is the inclusion of still frames and artwork from the show during transitional moments or when a new chapter begins. These high-quality illustrations evoke nostalgia for long-time fans, bridging the gap between the gameplay world and the original television series. Coupled with a crisp, cartoon-inspired color palette, Mystery Mayhem’s graphics are both eye-catching and true to form.

Story

The premise of Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Mayhem is delightfully classic: a greedy tycoon taps into the Tome of Doom and unleashes a host of terrifying monsters to distract Mystery Inc. from his real scheme. As the miniature unraveling of this mystery unfolds, the stakes feel appropriately high, with the fate of the gang—and perhaps the world—hanging in the balance.

Dialogue is filled with the trademark humor and banter fans expect. Shaggy’s constant hunger jokes collide hilariously with Velma’s dry intellect in brief cutscenes between levels, while Daphne’s playful sass keeps the mood light even when the monsters are closing in. Every new revelation is punctuated by a well-timed quip, making the narrative feel authentic to the franchise’s tone.

Although the story follows a familiar structure—collect clues, unmask the villain, chase the baddies—the inclusion of the Tome of Doom as a supernatural device ramps up the mystery. Watching the gang bounce from a Wild West stagecoach chase to a haunted swamp lab feels like flipping through episodes of the show, with each chapter offering its own mini-adventure and contributing to a cohesive, overarching plot.

Overall Experience

Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Mayhem is an accessible, family-friendly adventure that will appeal to both younger gamers and nostalgic adults. Level design strikes a nice balance between exploration and structured puzzle-solving, ensuring that solo players and kids won’t get too lost but still feel challenged. The ability to switch between two characters with different abilities adds replay value, as you can revisit stages to uncover hidden secrets.

The game’s pacing is well-judged: sequences of light platforming and stealth are interspersed with puzzle rooms, keeping the experience varied. Monster encounters are never too frequent or too intense, preserving the lighthearted tone of the Scooby-Doo universe. Occasional fetch-quests—like retrieving parts for a makeshift monster trap—are brief and well-integrated into the story.

With the authentic voice cast, detailed artwork, and strong adherence to the series’ style, Mystery Mayhem feels like a polished expansion of the cartoon rather than just another licensed title. For fans seeking a gentle challenge, a bit of nostalgia, and plenty of Scooby snacks, this game offers a thoroughly entertaining mystery worth solving.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10