Platypus Reclayed Review – A Retro Shooter Soaring with Modern Polish
Platypus Reclayed, released on August 9, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, is a remastered take on the 2002 indie shoot-’em-up from developer Idigicon, now revitalized by RetroRevive Studios. This side-scrolling arcade gem puts players in control of a platypus-piloted spacecraft battling bizarre enemies in a quirky, claymation-inspired world. Earning an impressive 85/100 (Generally Favorable), Platypus Reclayed blends nostalgic charm with modern refinements, delivering a fast-paced, accessible shooter that shines for retro fans and newcomers alike. While its short length and limited depth keep it from greatness, its polish and energy make it a standout in 2025’s indie scene.
A Quirky Flight Through a Claymation Cosmos Platypus Reclayed’s premise is delightfully absurd: you pilot the F-27 Platypus, a spaceship shaped like the titular animal, to fend off an alien invasion of anthropomorphic fruits, robots, and other oddities. The 5–7-hour campaign spans six vibrant worlds, with a light narrative told through humorous radio chatter and brief cutscenes. The story leans into its B-movie roots, offering little depth but plenty of charm, with dialogue poking fun at the game’s own ridiculousness. Compared to 2025’s Consume Me, Platypus Reclayed’s narrative is less ambitious but more cohesive, embracing its silliness. X posts capture the vibe: “A platypus shooting fruit aliens? I’m sold!” The lack of a deeper story or branching paths limits replayability, but unlockable difficulty modes and leaderboards keep players engaged.
Shooting with Precision and Retro Flair Gameplay is classic shoot-’em-up, with the Platypus weaving through bullet hell patterns, blasting enemies with upgradable weapons like plasma cannons and homing missiles. New “Overdrive” mechanics let players chain combos for massive damage, adding depth to the frantic action. Controls are tight, with responsive dodging and a new dash ability that enhances mobility. Levels are varied, with boss fights—like a giant sentient watermelon—demanding pattern recognition and skill. The game balances accessibility with challenge, offering adjustable difficulty and assist modes for newcomers. Local co-op, where a second player controls a support drone, is a blast, though the lack of online multiplayer disappoints. X users rave about the action: “So smooth and chaotic!” but note, “Wish it had online co-op.” Compared to 2025’s Moros Protocol, Platypus Reclayed’s gameplay is simpler but far more polished, capturing the genre’s addictive essence.
A Visual and Auditory Retro Delight Visually, Platypus Reclayed is a treat, updating the original’s claymation aesthetic with vibrant textures and smooth animations, running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Switch version, at 1080p/60 FPS, holds up despite minor detail loss. Enemies and backgrounds—neon cityscapes, lava planets—pop with color, and the claymation style gives everything a tactile, handmade feel. The remastered soundtrack, blending chiptune and techno, is infectious, with dynamic tracks that shift with the action. PS5’s DualSense haptics enhance immersion, with vibrations for gunfire and explosions. Performance is near-flawless, with only rare PC stuttering in crowded scenes, patched post-launch. Compared to 2025’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Platypus Reclayed’s visuals are less flashy but more cohesive, nailing its retro vibe.
A Short but Sweet Revival Priced at $25, Platypus Reclayed offers great value with extras like a digital artbook, soundtrack, and challenge modes. Its short runtime and lack of narrative depth are minor drawbacks, but the tight gameplay and polish compensate. X feedback is enthusiastic: “Pure arcade fun!” though some note, “It’s over too quick.” Compared to Gradius V’s complexity, Platypus is more accessible but less deep. Its charm and execution make it a gem, though more content could have pushed it higher.
Platypus Reclayed earns its 85/100 for its addictive gameplay, vibrant visuals, and nostalgic charm, making it a must-play for shoot-’em-up fans. While short, its polish and energy shine in 2025. RetroRevive nails the revival—here’s hoping for a sequel with more bite.
