We recently reported that the arcade action puzzler Klaus Lee Thunderballs was out on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, priced at €12.99. The game has been developed by Assemble Entertainment and described by publisher Nukklear as an “over-the-top retro action-platformer.” We’ve now had a go on Klaus Lee Thunderballs and bring you our initial thoughts.
The game pays homage to many classic arcade-style adventure and platform titles. Each level requires you to find your lost friends at the end of a cavern or maze. Along the way, all the usual tropes of keys, switches, and precision platforming appear in the general gameplay. However, you’ll have to race against the clock as your jetpack constantly drains fuel. You also have a handy eye laser that breaks down walls and kills enemies.
During our time with Klaus Lee Thunderballs, we saw glimpses of the over-the-top retro action promised by the developer. The opening video shows the titular character in an all-out 80s-style action movie trailer. It was just a shame it wasn’t a bit longer, as the play on the typical action guy was brilliant and set the game up well. This theme continues throughout the main game, especially when you die in over-the-top ways.
Speaking of dying, everything, and we mean everything, puts you back to the start of the level in Klaus Lee Thunderballs. Spikes on walls, ceilings, and floors, spiders and other creepy crawlies litter each screen, and water that kills you instantly. There is no life gauge or saving throws; Klaus will die in true retro-style if he touches anything. This sets the scene for some old-school gameplay.
The first reaction we had to starting playing through the main adventure was how Amiga-like this game feels. Everything from the graphics and animations to the mechanics and colors, all felt like Klaus Lee Thunderballs belonged on an A500 or even A1200. The gameplay is quick to pick up, and as you get better with the jetpack, you’ll be flying around levels in no time. The controls are generally responsive, and the game plays fast.
There are times in the game when some puzzles pop up, usually based around hitting the right switch and having the right keys to hand. These help break up the action and add a bit of depth to controlling Klaus mid-air, as it can be tough looking around the levels and avoiding hitting the deadly spikes that are everywhere at times. The gameplay loop is fun, and there are plenty of extra missions and other modes to try once you get through the main levels.
Overall, Klaus Lee Thunderballs is worth picking up if you have a fondness for Amiga-like titles that pose a tough challenge. There is also the option to design your own levels, so there is longevity as well. For more casual fans, there is some fun platforming action, although nothing that hasn’t been seen in other similar games. Anyone who just wants some pure arcade gameplay will also appreciate what is on offer here.
