Trex Warrior

Trex Warrior: 22nd Century Gladiator is a lesser-known title developed by Thalion and released in 1991 for the Amiga and Atari ST. While Thalion was better known for their graphically impressive RPGs like Amberstar and Ambermoon, as well as the fast-paced shooter Wings of Death, Trex Warrior took a different approach, blending elements of side-scrolling action with futuristic gladiatorial combat in a cyberpunk setting.

The game puts players in control of a cybernetically enhanced warrior forced to participate in brutal, high-stakes battles against increasingly dangerous opponents. Set in a dystopian future where entertainment has turned into deadly combat, Trex Warrior delivers a mix of platforming and fighting mechanics. The protagonist must navigate hostile arenas, dodging hazards, and using a variety of weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques to take down enemies. The game’s mechanics reward precision, as button-mashing leads to quick defeats against the game's ruthless AI opponents.

Graphically, Trex Warrior follows Thalion’s tradition of impressive visuals, featuring detailed sprite work and atmospheric backgrounds that effectively capture the game’s bleak futuristic world. The game mixes 3D graphics and pixel art very well. The Amiga version, in particular, benefits from smoother animations compared to the Atari ST release. The soundtrack and sound effects enhance the experience, delivering an intense, mechanical tone that fits the setting.

Despite its engaging concept, Trex Warrior struggled to stand out in a crowded market filled with similar action-oriented games. Compared to other arena-based fighters of the time, its gameplay could feel stiff, with somewhat unforgiving controls that required patience to master. Additionally, while the game's cyber-gladiator theme was intriguing, it lacked the depth and complexity of Thalion’s more acclaimed titles.

Although it never reached the cult status of other Thalion games, Trex Warrior remains an interesting entry in the developer’s catalog, showcasing their ambition to experiment with different genres.