Title image with Montezuma's Revenge pedro running from a giant spider. Published on: LadiesGamers

Montezuma’s Revenge – The 40th Anniversary Edition Review

Game: Montezuma’s Revenge – The 40th Anniversary Edition
Genre: Action, Puzzle, Platformer
System: Steam (Windows) (also on Nintendo Switch, PS4&5 and Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: Mission Critical Studios, Handcrafted Mystical Games, Normal Distribution | eastasiasoft
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck:
Playable
Price: US $ 19.99 | UK £ 16.75 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: January 16th, 2025

A review code was provided, and many thanks to Keymailer.

Montezuma’s Revenge – The 40th Anniversary Edition: A Retro Classic Reawakened 

Few games from the early 1980s hold the lasting legacy of Montezuma’s Revenge. Originally released in 1983, this multi-room platformer combined challenging gameplay with a unique sense of adventure, captivating players as they navigated treacherous Aztec ruins. Now, Montezuma’s Revenge: The 40th Anniversary Edition resurrects this beloved classic with an interesting modern coat of paint and a host of new features, including 100 rooms, enhanced visuals, and even the option to play as either Pedro or his sister Rosita. Definitely one for the retro fans and those looking for a challenge.

The Gameplay: Classic, Challenging, and Rewarding

At its core, Montezuma’s Revenge is a multi-room platformer that requires precision, patience, and plenty of problem-solving. Players navigate Pedro (or Rosita) through a sprawling maze of interconnected chambers filled with traps, treasures, keys, and roving enemies like snakes and rolling skulls. Each room offers its own challenges, from disappearing platforms to fire-spewing obstacles, requiring you to carefully plan your movements and learn through trial and error.

One of the game’s greatest strengths is its unapologetic retro charm. It doesn’t hold your hand, and its high difficulty encourages you to improve through repeated play. Lives are lost from small missteps, such as falling from a platform even from a short distance, a feature that may frustrate newcomers but is faithful to the original design. The addition of modern accessibility options helps mitigate this frustration. For example, players can enable a “continue” feature that allows them to complete the game without worrying about high scores, a welcome option for casual players.

Montezuma's Revenge exploring the ruins. Published on: LadiesGamers
Why did it have to be snakes and skulls?

Additionally, the game provides multiple difficulty settings, which add more enemies to the levels for those seeking a tougher challenge. The draw to replay the game is ultimately to get a high score whether its in competition with yourself or to hit the leaderboard.

Exploration and Experimentation

One of the joys of Montezuma’s Revenge is its emphasis on exploration. The game encourages players to experiment with different routes to progress through its labyrinthine structure. Keys must be collected to unlock doors, treasures are scattered throughout the ruins, and each new room presents its own unique hazards. Reaching the final showdown with Montezuma himself feels like a genuine accomplishment.

Adding to the charm is Montezuma’s own voice, which mocks your efforts as you enter new chambers but offers begrudging praise when you succeed. It’s a humorous touch that adds personality to the game’s narrative and makes each victory feel more rewarding.

New Features and Retro Roots

Montezuma’s Revenge – The 40th Anniversary Edition introduces several updates while staying true to its retro roots. The biggest change is the transition to 2.5D visuals, with vibrant 3D models layered over detailed Aztec-inspired backgrounds. While the graphical update is ambitious, it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The character and enemy models look simplistic and slightly clunky, lacking the charm of the original pixel art. The disconnect between the detailed backgrounds and the basic sprites can be jarring, and some fans may feel the game has lost a bit of its aesthetic magic.

Montezuma's Revenge ghost scene, with a ghost saying "your success is like a dagger in my back." Published on: LadiesGamers
A spooky encounter

For purists, the Deluxe Edition offers the ability to play the original 1983 version, a nice touch for those who want to experience the game in all its retro glory on modern systems.

Niggles

Despite its many strengths, Montezuma’s Revenge isn’t without its flaws. The game’s high difficulty, while true to its origins, can feel punishing at times. Losing a life for minor mistakes, like falling from a short ledge, may alienate players unfamiliar with the tough-as-nails design of early platformers. Frequent restarts are part of the experience, but they might not appeal to everyone.

While the gameplay is timeless, the overall design doesn’t feel like it has evolved much from the original. The game’s unapologetically retro approach will delight purists but may leave others wishing for more modern innovations.

Montezuma's Revenge original game. Published on: LadiesGamers
Going retro (available in the deluxe edition of the game)

Conclusion: A Nostalgic Celebration

Montezuma’s Revenge: The 40th Anniversary Edition is a faithful celebration of a gaming classic. The retro gameplay is intact, offering the same sense of challenge and reward that made the original so beloved. With its accessible features and expanded content  the game appeals to both old-school fans and new players willing to embrace its retro charm.

That said, its visual update feels hit-or-miss, and the difficulty level may deter some players. Still, for those who love high-score chasing and mastering tough platformers, this game delivers a rewarding, nostalgic experience.

Final Verdict: I Like ItI like it

Do you like our content?
Support LadiesGamers as a member on Patreon!

Button to click on to be a Patron of LadiesGamersOr buy us a cup of coffee or tea on Ko-Fi!
 Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *