“Yars Rising boldly takes an Atari 2600 classic into the future with ingenious results.”
Pros
- Respectful of the Yars legacy
- Loaded with style
- Economical adventure design
- Genius throwback minigames
Cons
- Hacky humor
- Simplistic combat
- Messy traversal skills
How can a classic video game’s legacy be honored in a way that carries it into the future? While many focus on nostalgia-driven ports, remasters, or flashy remakes, WayForward’s Yars Rising stands out as a modern reimagining of the Atari 2600 classic Yars’ Revenge. By transforming the series into a new Metroidvania adventure, it pays a respectful and transformative homage to its roots.
With its blend of economic design, Yars Rising sets a new standard for reviving retro games while avoiding reliance on nostalgia alone. The game’s bold reimagining combines past and present elements seamlessly, creating a fresh experience with a strong foundation in the series’ history.
Past and Present Fusion
By expanding the original simple concept into a full-fledged Metroidvania adventure, Yars Rising offers players a mix of side-scrolling shooting, stealth gameplay, and hacking puzzles. This approach not only modernizes the gameplay but also weaves a narrative that respects the original lore while adding new depth to the story.
The game’s vibrant art style, motion comic cutscenes, and catchy soundtrack blend classic Atari energy with modern influences, creating a balanced fusion of past and present. WayForward successfully captures the essence of the original while adding its own creative flair to the mix.
Economical Gameplay Design
While Yars Rising may feel stripped down in some areas, its straightforward combat, exploration mechanics, and traversal powers offer a breezy adventure reminiscent of classic handheld games. The game’s compact map and rewarding exploration make every secret discovery feel worthwhile, encouraging players to explore every corner.
Unique equippable mods and hacking puzzles add depth to the gameplay, challenging players with clever nods to the original Yars’ Revenge mechanics. These puzzles serve as bite-sized challenges that highlight the game’s elegant design and offer a nostalgic yet engaging experience.
Retro-Inspired Challenges
The hacking puzzles in Yars Rising not only pay homage to classic Atari games but also showcase the game’s creative spirit. Each challenge builds on core concepts from the original title, offering increasingly complex and engaging minigames for players to master.
By blending elements of action and space shooting, Yars Rising distinguishes itself as a genre-changing experience that revitalizes a classic franchise. The game’s inventive approach to gameplay and narrative sets a high bar for reviving retro games in a way that honors the past while embracing the future.
Yars Rising was tested on PC and Steam Deck OLED.
