Retro Review: The Flash (GB)

I never expected The Flash on Game Boy to be anything more than a quick curiosity. We all knew about the cheesy superhero films and TV shows around at the time, so when I first slotted the cartridge into my Game Boy I assumed it would be another clunky tie in. Instead it became a genuine surprise hit for me. It was one of those games I kept returning to because it just felt good to play.

Released in 1991 for the Game Boy, it followed the early 90s TV series and kept things simple. Central City is under threat and the Trickster is planting bombs all over the place. Each level starts with a briefing and then you are thrown straight into the action, racing against a tight timer to find bombs, deal with enemies and escape before everything goes up. It is straightforward but that simplicity works in its favour because it gives every stage a clear goal and a sense of momentum.

The gameplay loop is what really caught me off guard. Levels are always time based, so you are constantly pushing forward. The trick that sold it for me was the A plus B move. Hold both, press a direction and The Flash explodes into super speed. Hold both without moving and he turns into a spinning storm of punches and kicks that tears through enemies. It is one of the few retro superhero games that genuinely makes you feel super powered, even on that tiny greenish screen.

It is challenging though. The timer is tight, the layouts can be unforgiving and you really have to learn how to chain movement and attacks together. But when it clicks it becomes incredibly satisfying. You sprint in, clear a group of enemies with the whirlwind attack, grab a bomb with seconds left and dash for the exit. That mix of speed, pressure and quick reactions kept me hooked.

The presentation does exactly what it needs to. The sprites are simple but readable, the sense of speed comes through far better than you would expect on a Game Boy and the music keeps the pace high. The recurring Trickster encounters give the game just enough personality to tie it all together and make it feel like you are chasing a proper villain rather than moving through disconnected stages.

Looking back The Flash on Game Boy was a proper surprise. A licensed game that was fast, addictive and far more fun than it had any right to be. If you enjoy tight arcade style challenges or just want to experience a retro superhero game that actually captures the feeling of being a hero this one is still worth revisiting.