Review of The Retro-Inspired Platform Game Klaus Lee – Thunderballs PS4

Klaus Lee – Thunderballs is a gleefully over-the-top retro-inspired platformer that revels in its absurdity, offering players an 80s-fueled ride through explosive set pieces, tongue-in-cheek humor, and tight, satisfying level design. Developed by NUKKLEAR and published by Assemble Entertainment, the game is a side-scrolling action platformer that blends pixel art aesthetics with modern mechanics, and it’s all wrapped around a comically macho protagonist with a name that screams “parody.”

You play as Klaus Lee, an ex-Navy SEAL, stuntman, and secret astronaut on a mission to “save the Earth from ultimate destruction” while showing off the most ridiculously exaggerated masculine traits possible. Think Duke Nukem meets MacGyver, all drenched in synth music and vaporwave color schemes. The narrative is intentionally campy, presented with comic-book style panels and self-aware writing that pokes fun at 80s action movie tropes.

Gameplay-wise, Thunderballs is primarily a fast-paced, physics-based platformer. Klaus zips around each stage with agility, performing double jumps, wall runs, and mid-air dashes. Levels are compact but cleverly designed, often challenging players to master movement and timing in order to collect hidden items or reach hard-to-access exits. Every level has optional objectives like gathering thunderballs, finding secrets, or completing speed runs, encouraging replayability for those who love to perfect their runs.

The controls are precise and responsive, making the fast movement and momentum-based traversal feel rewarding. There’s a fluidity to Klaus’s movement that keeps the pacing snappy and engaging. It’s not a combat-heavy game—in fact, many levels are more about environmental navigation and puzzle-solving than shooting—but that’s where the game thrives. It leans into creative level design rather than brute force.

Visually, Klaus Lee – Thunderballs sports a detailed pixel art style that evokes the golden age of 16-bit gaming. Levels range from dystopian cityscapes and jungle bases to orbital space stations, all filled with neon lights, laser traps, and crumbling platforms. The aesthetic is both nostalgic and slick, with plenty of visual gags and cultural references for those in the know.

The soundtrack is another highlight, filled with retro synth beats that perfectly match the game’s goofy energy. It’s energetic, punchy, and varies enough across levels to keep things fresh.

That said, the game isn’t without its flaws. The humor, while self-aware, can feel repetitive over time, especially if you’re not on board with its exaggerated tone. Some levels also suffer from trial-and-error gameplay, where progression relies on memorizing traps or exact movements rather than skill alone. A few difficulty spikes may frustrate casual players, though checkpointing is generally generous.

Final Thoughts

Klaus Lee – Thunderballs is not a game that takes itself seriously, and that’s precisely the point. It’s a loving send-up of 80s action clichés wrapped in a genuinely fun and addictive platforming experience. With stylish visuals, satisfying movement, and a healthy dose of absurdity, it’s an enjoyable ride for anyone with a soft spot for retro flair and ridiculous heroes.