Over the past couple of months, I’ve learned that nostalgic era-themed puzzle-platformers are actually quite common. Whether it be the recently released Saturday Morning RPG, the classic Fez, or the amazing Shovel Knight, every game manages to focus on a different aspect of the most memorable and well-respected generations. Yet, the newest title in this forte, Replay: VHS Is Not Dead, does something different. Every level focuses on a classic movie, whilst also attempting to be a adequate puzzle. So does this fusion of homages and cerebral engrossment work out? Let’s see.

Gameplay:

Among the great features in Replay:VHS Is Not Dead, the reverse timer is one of the most helpful

Replay: VHS Is Not Dead holds a myriad of different themed levels, ranging from household names to cult-classics. Although some aren’t as obvious as other, it still gives Replay: VHS Is Not Dead an unremarkable sense of charm. Unsurprisingly, this is something the game really needs. Since it centers so much around puzzles that can quickly revolve into monotony, it’s this that manages to make the game feel alive again. However, this repetition isn’t a big knock against Replay: VHS Is Dead, as this only becomes apparent upon heavy sessions of the game. If it’s used in a pick up and play sort of style, this isn’t as noticeable.

Plot/ Design:

Replay: VHS Is Not Dead also bases some of it’s characters off of nostalgia

While the opening of Replay may be contrived and brief, it sets up the game’s good premise, without giving everything away. Unfortunately, there aren’t many cues to this throughout the game, and it feels too far and in-between. This is one of the many small inconveniences, Replay has at the heart of it’s design and it creates a rather uneven experience. This is when you start to realize that the game itself isn’t that riveting, it’s just what connects it together that is.

Presentation/ Sound & Visuals:

Replay: VHS Is Not Dead also uses way too little of it’s resources to craft it’s atmosphere. Unlike a game like Galak-Z: The Dimensional, Replay: VHS Is Not Dead doesn’t bring any of it’s nostalgic conventions to it’s options, menus, or even start up screen. While this isn’t a huge issue, it’s more of a shame because it’s not present anywhere else. Without a focus on the games major themes besides for a couple things here and there, the game soon falls apart after numerous play sessions.

Conclusion:

If anything, Replay: VHS Is Not Dead is a middle-ground between successful culturally sentimental games, and ones that aren’t as lucky. It has some really good ideas, and some interesting puzzles, but it doesn’t spread them out enough to really make a substantial impact. If anything, it’s a good game to get on sale if you’re in a specific nostalgic mood.

Replay: VHS Is Not Dead gets an 6/10. (Limited Appeal)

We’d like to thank E Neko Entertainment for sending us a code for this one!

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