Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Untouchable brings a fresh take to the one-on-one fighting genre by combining real-time full motion video with intuitive controls. Unlike traditional sprite-based fighters, every punch, kick, and block in this title is performed by actual martial artists, which elevates the authenticity of each bout. Players select from 19 unique characters, each with their own fighting style—ranging from Muay Thai strikes to Brazilian jiu-jitsu locks—and step into the arena determined to topple the ultimate challenge: “The Untouchable” himself.

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Controls are responsive and straightforward, allowing newcomers to pick up basic combos quickly while still giving seasoned players room to master advanced techniques. Thanks to the game’s engine running above 30 frames per second, inputs translate faithfully on-screen, reducing the input lag common in earlier FMV titles. You’ll spend time chaining together rapid-fire strikes, mastering counters, and exploiting target-specific vulnerabilities, making each match an exercise in timing and precision.

One standout feature is the dynamic camera zooms and pans that highlight cinematic moments—whether you’re landing a finishing blow or narrowly dodging a spinning heel kick. These camera moves, paired with rotoscoped edges around fighters, create a visually sharp experience that remains smooth, even during the most frantic exchanges. The Untouchable’s approach to blending video footage with interactive gameplay mechanics marks an innovative stride in fighting games.

Graphics

Graphically, The Untouchable breaks new ground by using digitized video of real martial artists against 3D-rendered backgrounds. This fusion gives each stage a tangible depth, from rain-soaked urban rooftops to sunlit dojo interiors. The detail captured in the FMV sequences—sweat glistening on foreheads, the snap of fabric in high kicks—brings visceral realism seldom seen in its contemporaries.

The rotoscoping technique outlines fighters in crisp detail, making their movements stand out against the layered environments. Subtle lighting effects further enhance the mood: a spotlight illuminating your warrior in a dim arena, or flickering neon signs casting colored shadows across a gritty alleyway. These graphical flourishes never feel gimmicky; they serve to immerse you in the heat of combat.

Despite its reliance on video footage, the game maintains a stable performance, thanks to careful optimization. Transitions between FMV clips and interactive segments are seamless, ensuring the action remains fluid without stutters or frame drops. On the technical front, this title set a high bar for FMV-based titles, proving that digitized video could coexist with responsive, 3D-tinged environments.

Story

The narrative structure of The Untouchable unfolds through a series of character-specific vignettes, each offering insight into the fighter’s motivations. Whether you’re drawn to the disciplined dojo disciple seeking redemption, or the street-fighting rebel out to prove herself, every story arc feels purposeful. These backstories not only provide context for each duel but also add emotional stakes to your quest to dethrone The Untouchable.

Progressing through the roster, you unlock personal cutscenes that detail rivalries, alliances, and the enigmatic origins of “The Untouchable.” While the overarching plot centers on this mysterious martial artist’s rise to invincibility, the game wisely lets you drive the narrative by choosing which challengers to face next. As you advance, the story threads converge in a climactic finale that tests all the skills you’ve honed along the way.

Though it’s not a sprawling RPG epic, the focus on authentic martial-arts culture and individual character journeys gives the game surprising depth. Each dojo, underground fight club, or secret training hall you visit feels alive with history. By merging cinematic storytelling with high-octane combat, The Untouchable ensures that every victory carries narrative weight.

Overall Experience

The Untouchable stands out as a pioneering effort in the FMV fighting genre, offering a unique blend of realism, technical innovation, and pulsating audio. Its CD-quality soundtrack—featuring heavy hitters like Prodigy, Future Sound of London, Juno Reactor, and Sister Machine Gun—keeps adrenaline levels high from the first round to the last. These tracks perfectly underscore the intensity of each contest, making every bout feel like a high-stakes showdown.

Replay value is substantial, thanks to the diverse cast and multiple difficulty settings. Once you’ve mastered one character’s style, tackling the roster again with a different fighter reveals new combos, secret moves, and hidden story beats. Multiplayer matches ramp up the excitement even further, as friends trade rounds to see who can best embody their chosen martial artist and ultimately face the legendary final boss.

While fans of Mortal Kombat and other arcade fighters may initially balk at the FMV format, The Untouchable’s smooth controls and cinematic flair win them over quickly. It’s a specialized experience that rewards patience and dedication—once you acclimate to its real-time video mechanics, you’ll discover a depth of combat that few fighters of its era can match. Whether you’re a martial-arts aficionado, an FMV enthusiast, or just a curious gamer, this title delivers a memorable journey toward conquering the unconquerable.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10