Goliath Depot, developed by Vidvad Games and published by Flynn’s Arcade, takes players on a retro-infused trip back to the mid 80s with some 2D arcade platforming action that revolves around slamming a bunch of doors around. Released now on the Nintendo Switch, the game offers a nice mix of challenging gameplay, retro visuals, and a few modern enhancements to keep things fresh.
The premise of Goliath Depot is as quirky as it is simple. Players step into the shoes of George, a night shift worker at the mysterious (and titular) Goliath Corporation. On a stormy night in 1985, George discovers that sinister doors have appeared all over the complex, and evil products are emerging out of them. His mission is simple – just close all the doors, kick away the enemies that come out of them, and thus save the day. The narrative, while light, serves as a fun backdrop for what is ultimately a straightforward arcade type of game.
Gameplay in Goliath Depot is where the game truly shines. With 40 single-screen levels spread across four distinct worlds/backdrops, players must navigate increasingly complex stages, closing doors and avoiding enemies. The mechanics are easy to grasp, and pick up, yet challenging to master. The addition of local co-op play adds a layer of fun, allowing two players to team up and tackle the chaos together, and we definitely recommend trying out that mode.
One of the standout features of Goliath Depot is its dedication to replicating the retro arcade experience from an era where single screen levels like those in Donkey Kong or Bubble Bobble were all the rage. The graphics and music in Goliath Depot are inspired by the 1980s, complete with pixel art and chiptune soundtracks that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. However, the game isn’t merely a throwback; it includes modern touches such as unlockable modes and online leaderboards that make it even more suitable for home play. The randomizer mode and speedrun options provide additional replayability as well.
But despite its many strengths and high fun factor, Goliath Depot isn’t without its flaws. The difficulty can be quite unforgiving, especially for those not accustomed to the challenges of fast-paced classic arcade games. Some players might find the lack of variety in enemies and the repetitive nature of the levels to be a downside as well – though arcade game enthusiasts won’t have these worries.
The controls on the Nintendo Switch are tight and responsive, which is great for a game that demands quick reflexes. The simplicity of the control scheme ensures that players can focus on the action and the challenging levels ahead of them.
Visually, Goliath Depot captures the essence of the arcade games that inspired it with its colorful and detailed pixel art. The levels are split between four unique areas that each have their own touches to keep the visual experience varied and engaging, while the audio complements the action nicely with a catchy chiptune soundtrack.
In conclusion, Goliath Depot is a delightful homage to the arcade classics of the 80s, offering challenging gameplay and charming visuals and music. While its difficulty and repetitive elements might not appeal to those not familiar with arcade gameplay, fans of retro games and those looking for a tough yet rewarding platformer will find plenty to enjoy. The addition of modern features like online leaderboards and unlockable modes ensures that Goliath Depot remains fresh and engaging, so there’s a lot of value for money here.
Score: 7.5/10
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