Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Sharkey’s Moll
Item: Sharkey’s Moll
Author: Retro Replay

Sharkey’s Moll marries the relentless pace of a classic rail shooter with strategic resource management, delivering an adrenaline-fueled romp through 1920s Chicago. You assume the role of Lieutenant Sharkey, whose mission is to bring down the notorious Rubbers Malone and dismantle his criminal empire one henchman at a time. The core mechanic—moving a crosshair over a continuously scrolling background—feels instantly familiar to fans of Operation Wolf, yet the 1920s setting and occasional branching paths add a fresh twist to the formula.

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Ammo conservation and bonus item scavenging become crucial as you progress through each level. Standard bullets are finite, and Molotov Cocktails offer high damage but limited uses, pushing players to decide when to unleash a fiery barrage or pick off enemies one by one. Grabbing replenish items—dropped by special crates or hidden in windows—injects a layer of risk-and-reward: break open a boarded-up storefront to reveal extra ammo, but be ready for a surprise ambush from behind shattered glass.

Enemy placement is intelligently varied. Street thugs, getaway cars, rooftop snipers, and window-gunners challenge your reflexes and prioritization. A clever bonus system awards extra points for hitting culprits in precarious positions—shoot a mobster leaning out of a Model T and you’ll feel the rush of a well-earned trick shot. At the end of each stage, the informant scene tests your accuracy under pressure: missing the target or accidentally shooting the helpful informant wipes out all the progress from that level, ratcheting up tension and keeping you on your toes.

Graphics

Visually, Sharkey’s Moll captures the gritty glamour of Prohibition-era Chicago with striking clarity. The pixel art backgrounds depict rain-slicked alleyways, neon-lit speakeasies, and smoky jazz clubs in rich sepia and muted blues. Each environment scrolls smoothly, and parallax layers—such as distant skyscraper silhouettes—lend a sense of depth rare for games of this style.

Character sprites and enemy designs feel lovingly detailed: from the tailored suits of Malone’s lieutenants to the ragged uniforms of street toughs. Animations are crisp—bullets whizz, Molotov flames leap, and window panes shatter realistically. Even the seemingly minor flourish of a passing streetcar or a horse-drawn carriage adds life, preventing the world from feeling static or repetitive.

The user interface is clean and unobtrusive, with ammo counts and health bars neatly tucked into the corners of the screen. Bonus icons and informational pop-ups use art-deco fonts to reinforce the period setting without obscuring the action. When the pace heats up, there’s never a moment where you’re unsure of your remaining resources or current score multiplier, which helps maintain immersion and flow.

Story

While Sharkey’s Moll is foremost a shooter, its narrative backdrop gives purpose to each firefight. Lieutenant Sharkey is a war veteran turned Prohibition agent, haunted by unresolved mysteries from the Great War. His assignment to take down Rubbers Malone—a mobster known for brutal tactics and rumored connections to corrupt politicians—provides both personal stakes and pulse-pounding drama.

Each level feels like a chapter in a larger crime saga as you move from the city docks to underground opium dens, backroom poker tables, and finally Malone’s fortified mansion. Brief cutscenes bookend stages, delivering sharp dialogue and noir-inspired narration. The informant encounters at the end of levels deepen the immersion: friendly operatives drop clues about Malone’s next hideout, reminding you that this is more than a mindless shooting gallery.

Though the plot doesn’t take many detours into moral ambiguity, it reinforces your motivation to survive and succeed. The story effectively punctuates the action, giving you a clear objective beyond racking up high scores. For players who appreciate a loose but engaging narrative driving their arcade thrills, Sharkey’s Moll strikes a satisfying balance.

Overall Experience

Sharkey’s Moll offers a heart-pounding blend of classic shoot-’em-up mechanics and Prohibition-era flair. The tight controls and responsive targeting system make every headshot feel rewarding, while the variety of enemy types and level design keeps familiar shooting segments from growing stale. Replayability is high, thanks to hidden bonus routes and leaderboard incentives that encourage you to master each stage.

Sound design bolsters the action with gunfire that packs a punch, the crackle of Molotov explosions, and a rousing jazz soundtrack that underscores the era. Voice snippets—like the informant’s hushed warnings or Malone’s taunts—add polish without detracting from the rapid-fire gameplay. The audio cues seamlessly guide you through intense sequences, signaling incoming threats or prompting quick reloads.

Whether you’re a veteran of Operation Wolf and The Untouchables or new to arcade shooters, Sharkey’s Moll delivers satisfying challenge and period-rich atmosphere. Its balanced difficulty curve makes it accessible to newcomers, yet die-hard score chasers will find plenty to master. If you’re seeking a visually stylish, action-packed journey into 1920s crime-fighting, Lieutenant Sharkey’s quest against Rubbers Malone is a wild ride you won’t want to miss.