Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Untouchables delivers a compelling blend of side-scrolling action and tense first-person shooting sequences, all wrapped in the Prohibition-era atmosphere of 1920s Chicago. With seven distinct levels—The Street, The Warehouse, The Bridge, The Alleys, The Train Station, The Hostage, and The Rooftop—the game keeps players on their toes by alternating between classic platforming and cover-based firefights. Each stage draws directly from the film’s narrative, ensuring that fans of the movie will recognize key set pieces as they chase down Al Capone’s henchmen.

In the traditional side-scrolling segments, players guide Eliot Ness and his fellow lawmen through gritty urban backdrops, jumping across crates, dodging enemy fire, and lining up precise shots with a limited arsenal. The controls are responsive, with a tight jump mechanic and a shoot-on-the-run feature that makes each encounter feel dynamic. Environmental hazards—falling beams, explosive barrels, and streetcars—add an extra layer of challenge, demanding both quick reflexes and strategic positioning.

The first-person shooter moments inject a fresh burst of intensity, as your character leans out from behind walls to pick off gangsters in timed bouts. You’re tasked with eliminating a set number of targets before the clock runs out, and running dry on bullets forces you back into cover to reload. This mechanic creates a satisfying risk-reward loop: stay out in the open for maximum kills at the risk of taking damage, or play it safe and reload more frequently.

Pacing across the seven levels is well balanced, with difficulty ramping up from street skirmishes to the climactic rooftop showdown against Capone’s top enforcers. While some players may find the timed objectives stressful, the clear goals and checkpoint system ease frustration. Replay value is high for completionists aiming to beat time limits or perfect each level without taking a hit.

Graphics

Visually, The Untouchables captures the smoky, prohibition-era streets of Chicago with a muted color palette and period-appropriate architectural details. Brick-lined alleys, vintage streetlamps, and Model T automobiles create a convincing backdrop that evokes the film’s iconic mood. The art direction leans heavily on sepia tones, punctuated by the vibrant flashes of gunfire and explosion effects that light up the screen.

Character sprites are well-defined, with Eliot Ness and his cohorts sporting recognizable trench coats and fedoras. Enemy mobsters exhibit a variety of silhouettes—burly thugs, sharpshooters, and armored bosses—each animated with a handful of frames that, while modest by modern standards, remain surprisingly fluid and expressive. Muzzle flashes, bullet tracers, and smoke plumes add polish to every firefight.

Environmental animations, such as swaying street signs and fluttering newspaper clippings, bring the levels to life without overwhelming the action. In the moments between gunbattles, subtle visual cues—like flickering lights in a warehouse or drifting fog on The Bridge—enhance immersion and remind players that they’re crawling through the underbelly of a city on the brink of chaos.

Story

The Untouchables faithfully follows the film’s overarching plot, tasking players with assembling Ness’s “untouchable” squad and methodically dismantling Al Capone’s criminal enterprise. Brief interlude scenes—rendered as comic-book style panels with voiceover narration—bridge the levels, offering snippets of dialogue and context that keep the momentum moving forward. While these segments are relatively short, they capture key emotional beats from the movie.

Each level feels like a chapter in the larger narrative, from the gritty street confrontations to the high-stakes raid on a moving train. The game’s fidelity to the source material is commendable, with recognizable set pieces—such as the warehouse raid and the rooftop gunfight—recreated faithfully. Fans will appreciate the nods to iconic moments, even if the game occasionally streamlines or omits minor plot twists for the sake of pacing.

Though character development is necessarily sparse in an action-focused title, the personalities of Ness, Malone, and Stone shine through in their quips and determined expressions. Al Capone himself looms large as the unseen puppet master, his influence felt in every skirmish. By the time players reach the final confrontation atop the city skyline, the buildup feels earned—and the payoff suitably dramatic.

Overall Experience

The Untouchables stands out as a solid licensed game that respects its cinematic roots while delivering varied and engaging gameplay. Its mix of platforming and cover-based shooting keeps the action fresh, and the period-accurate presentation heightens immersion. Though some may gripe at the occasional repetitive segment or tight time limit, the core experience remains satisfying from start to finish.

For retro enthusiasts and fans of the 1987 Brian De Palma film alike, this adaptation offers a nostalgic trip back to the roaring ’20s underworld. The challenge level strikes a nice balance—tough enough to feel rewarding, but not so punishing as to deter casual players. Speedrunners and perfectionists will find plenty of opportunities to hone their skills and shave seconds off their best times.

Ultimately, The Untouchables succeeds by leaning into its strongest asset: a compelling blend of cinematic flair and hands-on action. While it may not revolutionize either genre it inhabits, it nonetheless provides an entertaining, atmospheric journey through one of film history’s most memorable crime sagas.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10