Ahoy gamers! Buckle up as we dive deep into the neon-glow of the faraway year of 2142 - where everything is sci-fi, even our vocabulary choices. We're talking about "Flashback," the 1992 classic, now strutting its stuff on the Nintendo Switch like it's the coolest kid at the school dance! If you've ever wondered what it's like to take a trip down pixelated memory lane with a side of existential crisis, keep on reading!
In "Flashback," you play as a dapper man named Conrad B. Hart. You wake up in a jungle with zero recollection of how you ended up there, kind of like that time you woke up post-party with a hangover and a missing shoe (but with science fiction!). Your goal? To piece together the puzzle of your past while dodging alien species who have infiltrated human society. Think you're game enough to handle a bit of platforming and intense enemy fights? Each level is packed with spatial puzzles that would make even Einstein tweak his glasses in contemplation. You'll be running, jumping, and maybe dying a hundred humorous times - seriously, falling kills you fast. Remember those gym teachers warning you about gravity? They weren't kidding! You also come armed with a trusty pistol, unlimited ammunition (because realism is for chumps), a force shield, and a teleportation device. As you leap through the challenging worlds, you'll face ledges, weird alien beings, and the mystery of what movie must have inspired these character designs. As if that's not enough, there's a gladiatorial-style competition to gain a ticket back to Earth, because nothing says "urgent escape" like attending games reminiscent of the Hunger Games but with worse luck on the drawings. The combination of a noir-style narrative and engaging platform gameplay keeps you on your toes, and hey, you may even become a pro at timing your jumps!
The visuals are like a dream sequence painted by a Picasso who binge-watched every 80s sci-fi show. Fully hand-drawn backdrops paired with rotoscoped animations that are so smooth they might just throw your controllers out of whack. You might find yourself ogling the graphics more than you concentrate on the gameplay - which is a downright catch-22! You'll feel a bit nostalgic scrolling through the stylish, yet nostalgic pixel art reminiscent of the golden age of gaming. It's like your console had a date with a time machine. The game still holds up well making your Switch library look even cooler to show off in front of your pals.
"Flashback" has been doing the rounds since the early 90s and still manages to grab us by the nostalgic feels! This remastered version on the Nintendo Switch is a love letter to both long-time fans and newcomers looking to give their gaming skills a workout through jumps, puzzles, and potentially, an existential crisis. If you're looking for a slice of the retro pie with a generous dollop of sci-fi, look no further. So, grab your Switch, your snacks, and your favorite gaming chair, because this adventure is one you don't want to miss. I'm giving "Flashback" an 8.5 out of 10 - reminding you that sometimes, the past can indeed flash right back into your gaming life with incredible charisma (and maybe some rage-induced throw-the-controller moments too). Happy gaming!