Jun 2019
Welcome to the neon-lit, joystick-jumping world of 198X, a game that might just make you wish for some funky leg warmers and a VHS tape of arcade hits! This is a nostalgic journey back to the 80s, where you play as an unnamed 'Kid' diving headfirst into the world of arcade gaming. But hold on tight, because while there’s plenty of charm and nostalgia, it also has some serious issues that will leave you scratching your head or maybe reaching for the snack stash.
198X presents a unique blend of genres, each captured through five vibrant chapters inspired by arcade classics. You start off in a beat 'em up scenario, 'Beating Heart,' where our teenage hero fights their way through a subway, channeling their inner Bruce Lee, but let’s be honest, you’ll probably be more akin to that clumsy kid in gym class. As you grind your way through the games, you encounter each genre with a cute homage: from racing in 'The Runaway' to battling ninjas in 'Shadowplay.' It’s like hopping through time, but without the annoying 80s hairstyle or the small problem of possible time paradoxes! Leveling up is a bit of a mixed bag: one moment you feel like a gaming god, and the next you’re wondering if you accidentally signed up for a game of Musical Chairs with the programming team when they played a practical joke. In short, it’s fun, but like a diet soda, it leaves you wanting more substance! The narrative is where things get... interesting. While attempting to give the Kid a backstory, you’ll find a coming-of-age tale that feels like it was penned by someone who read a few self-help books and thought they had it all figured out. But fear not! The soundtrack is undeniably catchy—each game comes complete with music that makes you want to either conquer your fears or just break out into a retro dance-off. As you fight imaginary dragons and hurtle your digital vehicle through neon lights, it’s hard not to get swept up in the sheer excitement, even if you’ve forgotten how to handle your joystick and end up crashing into the virtual wall. Just don’t spike your drink in a fit of frustration, please.
Graphically, 198X ticks all the right boxes for pixel art lovers. It’s reminiscent of those old plays where everything looked like it was fashioned from someone’s old cable knit sweater, while still being vibrant enough to make you believe you’ve stepped into a retro video store. The backgrounds are detailed without being overwhelming, creating an ambiance that smells of nostalgia (not literally, though—unless you knocked over that soda). You can practically hear the quarters clinking together as you progress through the levels. But remember, it’s not just about eye candy—game feel means everything! And while it looks good, it feels just a tad clunky at times, like wearing socks with sandals. There’s just something not quite right!
In conclusion, 198X is like that kid at school who could write the best essays, but turned in a doodle instead. It successfully captures the essence of the 80s arcade culture while also offering a taste of fun gameplay and heart-tugging storytelling. If you’re looking for depth, you might want to check out the other gaming pool. But if you’re easing up into a night of nostalgia, with parodic wink-wink action and a soundtrack that could make even the most rhythmically challenged individuals tap their feet, 198X is worth diving into. Just pack some extra snacks because this delightfully short adventure will leave you hungry for more! So grab your candy, pop in your favorite cassette, and prepare for a journey back to when gaming was more about snacks and high scores than frantic texting.
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