Space Retro Review
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Space Retro Review

Our Review by Jordan Minor on April 24th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar :: RADICAL
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This sci-fi shooter feels like something straight out of a 1980s arcade cabinet.


Developer: Pundora Studios
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4S

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar
Playtime Rating: starstarstarblankstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarhalfstarblankstar



Space Retro is a vertical scrolling shooter in the vein of Xevious or Galaxian. It even looks and sounds like something out of that era. Beyond that though, it's the other little retro touches that make this game something special.

Space Retro starts off with some suitably retro nonsense about a fleet of space ships attempting to repel an alien invasion. What's really entertaining about the cutscenes conveying this information is their, possibly intentional or possibly not, hilarious mangling of the English language. Lines like "commin Enterprise" instead of "come in enterprise" or "bullet will decrease your live and destroy you space ship" rival classic Engrish quotes like "all your base are belong to us."

Once the game gets going though, players will find plenty of non-ironic reasons to like it. Although using one's thumb to maneuver the constantly firing ship can sometimes obscure the action, the controls are still precise and fluid. There are only five stages, which are broken up into level and boss sections, and they aren't too long. However, they can be replayed for higher scores and credits that can be used for ship upgrades. The gameplay itself isn’t anything particularly new or different but it is fun, addictive and timewasting just like a good quarter-muncher should be. Plus, arcade games’ ability to be easily played in short bursts is perfect for mobile gaming.

Space Retro also stays very true to its name as far as its presentation is concerned. The graphics are all appropriately pixelated but they have a neon glow that gives everything a really nice pop. The music too will make lovers of classic arcade sounds feel right at home.

Space Retro doesn't do anything of note to set itself apart from shooters of old. However, it's a pretty decent, if generic, recreation of that style of game. It's also really funny although it may not know why.



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iPhone Screenshots

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Space Retro screenshot 1 Space Retro screenshot 2 Space Retro screenshot 3 Space Retro screenshot 4 Space Retro screenshot 5
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