Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Skunny: In The Wild West delivers a classic side-scrolling platform experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Players guide Skunny the squirrel through ten varied levels—crossing arid deserts, rickety wooden bridges, and saloon interiors—to rescue the stolen sheep from his parents’ farm in 1909. The core mechanic revolves around precise jumping, well-timed water pistol shots, and clever use of movable boxes to reach higher platforms or block enemy paths.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The water pistol is Skunny’s primary weapon: it can temporarily disable some foes and permanently dispatch others. Each stage introduces new hazards—from rattlesnakes to bandits on horseback—forcing you to adapt and explore alternate routes. Meanwhile, your energy bar and limited lives raise the stakes; one slip into an abyss or one too many hits by a hostile cowboy spells a restart from either the level’s beginning or the last save point.

Resource management plays a surprisingly strategic role. Water refills are scattered sparingly, and health pickups must be conserved for tougher sections later in the level. Boxes add an inventive puzzle-platform twist: carry one to create stair-like structures or to block enemy patrols. This blend of action and light puzzle elements keeps players on their toes.

In the shareware version, only the first two levels are accessible, giving a solid taste of the mechanics but leaving many surprises locked away until registration. Unlocking all ten levels not only extends playtime but also unlocks additional enemies, hidden areas, and cheat codes that add replay value for completionists.

Graphics

Visually, Skunny: In The Wild West embraces a colorful, cartoon-inspired pixel art style. The character sprites are well-defined with smooth animations—Skunny’s tail flicks, his jumps arc naturally, and his water pistol shots leave satisfying splashes. Backgrounds feature parallax scrolling, giving depth to desert vistas, mines, and wooden towns, and each environment feels distinct.

The enemy designs are charmingly varied: from grizzled bandits and pocket watches to coyotes and snakes. Though somewhat simplistic by modern standards, the visuals evoke nostalgia for 1990s shareware classics. The color palette leans warm—browns, reds, and golds—perfectly capturing the dusty Wild West atmosphere.

Subtle visual flourishes enhance immersion. Clouds drift lazily across the sky, tumbleweeds roll through ghost towns, and water effects shimmer when Skunny refills his pistol. Even UI elements like the health bar and lives counter are integrated into thematic frames, reinforcing the game’s personality.

Overall, the graphics strike a balance between functional clarity and playful charm. Environments feel alive without overwhelming the action, and the consistent art direction ensures you always know where to land, where to hide, and where to aim your water shots.

Story

Skunny: In The Wild West picks up immediately after the hijinks of Skunny: Save Our Pizzas, where our furry hero accidentally journeys back to Ancient Rome. This time, his well-meaning but meddling mother has tweaked the time machine once more, sending Skunny to 1909 America. His mission is straightforward: recover the farm’s stolen sheep and right the wrongs of local sheep rustlers.

Rather than focusing on deep narrative twists, the story serves as a lighthearted backdrop for the platforming action. Between levels, brief interludes show Skunny’s frustration with outdated technology and his comical attempts to navigate cowboy culture—complete with oversized hats and Western drawls. These moments add humor without bogging down the pace.

Each level subtly builds on the premise, from infiltrating a desert hideout to rescuing lambs corralled in saloon cellars. While there are no branching story paths, the escalating challenges and changing locales give a sense of progression. As you advance, new characters—like a train-robbing desperado or a sly prairie fox—appear to either hinder or assist Skunny’s quest.

Though not heavy on lore, the narrative’s simplicity works in its favor. It provides motivation for the action, ties together diverse environments, and sprinkles in tongue-in-cheek humor that keeps the adventure charming and accessible to players of all ages.

Overall Experience

Skunny: In The Wild West offers a delightful blend of old-school platforming and cheeky humor. The controls are responsive, the level design encourages exploration, and the pacing strikes a comfortable balance between challenge and fun. Whether you’re a veteran of 2D platformers or a newcomer looking for a nostalgic ride, Skunny’s Wild West adventure delivers.

The shareware model means the first two levels provide only a glimpse of the full game’s potential. However, those levels alone showcase the game’s strengths: solid mechanics, witty presentation, and varied environments. Registering the full version unlocks ten levels, extra enemies, and cheat codes—worthy incentives for anyone who enjoys the demo.

While the game doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it stands out through its attention to detail and endearing protagonist. The combination of platform puzzles, water pistol combat, and sheep-rescuing objectives forms a cohesive package that feels greater than the sum of its parts.

In sum, Skunny: In The Wild West is a charming platformer that pays homage to classic shareware titles. Its vibrant pixel art, snappy gameplay loops, and lighthearted story make it an engaging choice for anyone craving a taste of the Wild West, squirrel-style.

Retro Replay Score

null/10