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I’m a sucker for a retro game. However, I love the remake versions just a little more. Now, I know that purists will hate me, but I can’t help it. The combination of old-school action and modern polish is almost irresistible. As such, I have played and adored every game in the Recharged series. Every one of them has struck a chord and I can’t get enough. Accordingly, when Yars: Recharged hit my desk, I couldn’t resist it.
Developed by Adamvision Studios and SneakyBox and published by Atari, this is a retro arcade title. As already mentioned, it is part of the Recharged series which features an array of 80s classic games. Like the rest of the franchise, it has a healthy dose of solo and multiplayer action that is easy to understand and unbelievably moreish.
Yars: Recharged is incredibly simple.
One of Yars: Recharged’s qualities is its simplicity. Its lack of complexity and quick-fire rounds make it the perfect casual experience. Alongside this, it is undeniably competitive when you play with someone else. After all, arcade gaming is all about the top score even when you are playing competitively.
The concept is simple! You control a golden hornet. This creature lives in space and wishes to rule the universe. Consequently, it invades enemy territory with one aim in mind: annihilation. Each level comprises a wave of creatures that are controlled by one or more central aliens. The aim is to destroy the hive-like shields, gather the golden energy, and wipe out the main aliens with the Zarlon cannon.
Death and destruction at its cause.
With death and destruction at its core, you know the gameplay will be hectic. No matter the stage, there are projectiles to avoid while you shoot or munch your way through the enemy defences. Each stage is made up of more convoluted bases than the last. Therefore, planning and skill are a must if you wish to succeed.
The gameplay is broken into 2 key components. There is the Arcade mode and Missions. The first is an endless run of bullet hell madness. Your hornet has 3 lives that refill at the beginning of each stage. If you survive, you’ll amass a top score to brag to your friends or the online community.
The Mission option, on the other hand, is much slower and more precise. You’ll be tasked with completing certain goals and, if you succeed, you unlock further stages. Your score is cumulative and, accordingly, can be improved by repeating any levels you’ve already finished.
Yars: Recharged is modern and slick.
A common theme amongst the Recharged series is its modern and slick finish. Thankfully, Yars: Recharged follows suit with its neon tones, contrasting imagery, and smooth gameplay. Its use of striking imagery and fixed-screen perspective makes each level stand out. What’s more, the interesting and often complex stages help to keep the action fresh.
Like many 80s games, the soundtrack is distinctly electronic. The synthwave approach not only captures the retro vibes, but it suits the sci-fi theme as well. Alongside this, the wonderfully loud and bizarre sound effects add to the madness. Consequently, the high-energy gameplay is brilliantly complemented by the audio.
The controls are my only complaint.
For some unknown reason, the hornet moves and feels faster in Arcade mode. This was often disconcerting, as it was particularly tough to manage. Annoyingly, this was noticeable whenever you swapped modes. Subsequently, it made the controls too sensitive and unfamiliar. What I also disliked was the lack of button mapping. Having to use dual analogue sticks worked, but it was inaccurate and often led to frustration.
Controls issues to one side. Yars: Recharged is ridiculously addictive. Because of its simplicity and quick-fire rounds, you can enjoy this casually alone or with a friend. Alongside this, there are plenty of missions to undertake and a high score to aim for.
Yars: Recharged is great retro fun.
In an age of ultra-modern gaming, returning to a simple approach is amazing. Yars: Recharged looks awesome, sounds amazing and is great retro fun. Furthermore, its lack of complexity makes it the perfect casual experience. However, it will still challenge you and push you all the way. I disliked the controls, but this shouldn’t detract from its brilliance. I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you take down the enemy hive? Shoot, chew, and blast them out of space.
