Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Untouchables delivers classic side-scrolling action with a 1930s Chicago twist. You step into the shoes of lawman Elliot Ness on a mission to dismantle Al Capone’s criminal empire across six distinct levels. Each stage introduces new hazards, from speeding getaway cars to rooftop gunfights, keeping you engaged and on your toes as you push forward.

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Weapon variety plays a key role in combat strategy. From the rapid-fire tommy gun to the single-shot shotgun, switching between firearms on the fly offers a satisfying sense of power and momentum. Strategic ammo pickups urge you to make every shot count, while limited-use items like grenades raise the stakes during tense encounters with Capone’s henchmen.

Controls are responsive, with simple jump, shoot and duck commands that veterans of 2D action games will appreciate. The difficulty curve ramps up in later levels, introducing tougher enemies, tighter platforms and boss fights that demand precise timing. Though challenging at times, the gameplay loop of advancing, picking up new weapons and clearing enemy waves strikes a rewarding balance.

Graphics

Visually, The Untouchables embraces a retro pixel-art aesthetic, capturing the gritty atmosphere of prohibition-era Chicago. Detailed background art transports you from city streets lined with vintage cars to shadowy speakeasies, and the occasional flicker of neon signs adds authentic period flair. The color palette is muted and moody, perfectly matching the game’s noir-inspired tone.

Character sprites are well-animated and packed with personality. Elliot Ness leaps, crouches and fires his weapons with fluid motions, while Capone’s henchmen react dynamically when hit, staggering or dropping weapons convincingly. Boss encounters feature larger-than-life sprites that loom over the screen, making each showdown feel like a dramatic set-piece.

Special effects—like muzzle flashes, smoke trails and explosion animations—are simple but effective. They never overwhelm the screen, and they highlight key moments in combat. Occasional parallax scrolling in the background adds depth to each level, making the environments feel alive despite the two-dimensional perspective.

Story

Though primarily action-focused, The Untouchables weaves a loose narrative around Elliot Ness’s real-life crusade against Al Capone. Brief cutscenes bookend levels, depicting “quotes” from historical records and painting a portrait of Chicago’s crime-ridden streets. These snippets help ground the action in a recognizable 1930s setting without bogging down pace.

Character interactions are minimal but effective. Allies occasionally appear to offer brief mission updates, while Capone’s underlings taunt Ness over the radio or through impromptu cut-ins. These moments add narrative color, reminding players that they’re part of a larger law-enforcement effort to take down the country’s most notorious gangster.

Each of the six levels represents a distinct chapter in the manhunt. From interrogation rooms to seedy docks and opulent mansions, the environments carry narrative weight. While the story doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it provides just enough context to motivate your progression and lend authenticity to the climb toward Capone’s final stronghold.

Overall Experience

The Untouchables delivers a punchy, no-frills action experience that will appeal to fans of retro shooters and gangster lore alike. Its tight controls, varied weapons and level design ensure that every play session feels focused and purposeful. The challenge can be steep, but learning enemy patterns and mastering weapon swaps offers a strong sense of accomplishment.

Replay value is bolstered by hidden bonus rooms, alternate routes and the lure of shaving time off your level completion. Although there’s no branching storyline, the pursuit of high scores and perfect runs will keep perfectionists engaged. Casual players will find the six-level campaign substantial enough for an evening of dedicated play.

Ultimately, The Untouchables stands out as a faithful tribute to both classic side-scrollers and the gritty era of 1930s crime-fighting. Whether you’re drawn to its period atmosphere, its relentless action or the thrill of toppling Capone’s empire, this game offers a satisfying package that’s well worth investigating for anyone seeking old-school arcade intensity wrapped in historical flair.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10