FLASHBACK™, the hit action-adventure game with over 2.2 million units sold, is back!
The developers meticulously hand-animated the protagonist's movements over live-action footage, giving the game a fluid, lifelike feel to its platforming and action sequences. Players control Conrad B. Hart, a scientist who must navigate through lush jungles, dystopian cyberpunk cities, and other environments while evading enemies and uncovering a conspiracy.
Conrad possesses a versatile moveset, allowing players to run, jump, crouch, roll, and even "morph" to squeeze through small spaces. However, the controls purposefully feel sluggish and deliberate, requiring players to carefully time their inputs. This challenging control scheme heightens the sense of tension and importance of precision in the platforming challenges.
In addition to traversal, the gameplay blends combat and environmental puzzle-solving. Players can acquire futuristic weapons to fend off hostile aliens and robots, requiring careful aim and use of cover. The game also presents a variety of puzzles, such as activating switches, utilizing teleportation devices, and exploring branching paths to progress.
The remastered version includes a "Rewind" feature, allowing players to reverse time and undo mistakes. While purists may prefer the original's unforgiving challenge, this mechanic can make the experience more accessible for newcomers or those wanting to minimize frustration.
The game's rotoscoped visuals, combined with a dynamic, synth-heavy soundtrack, create a distinct cyberpunk aesthetic that was groundbreaking for its era. The attention to detail in the environments, from lush alien landscapes to gritty futuristic cities, helps to draw players into the narrative and sense of exploration.
Many players fondly remember the game as a standout title from the 1990s, citing its challenging but rewarding gameplay and cinematic presentation. The remastered version's quality-of-life features have also helped introduce this classic cinematic platformer to a new generation of players.