Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Under the Skin places you in the tentacles—or rather, the gloved hands—of Cosmi, an adorable alien whose spaceship is in tatters. Your primary goal is simple: earn enough Earth money to fund repairs and blast back into the cosmos. To achieve this, you must terrify unsuspecting humans scattered across each level. By sending them screaming, you watch as they drop coins like ripe fruit, and that satisfying jingle becomes the soundtrack of your interstellar payday.

The game’s arsenal is a delightful grab bag of absurdity. One moment you’re rolling a giant bowling ball down Main Street, flattening hapless joggers; the next you’re belting out an ear-piercing karaoke set that shatters windows and eardrums alike. A trusty cannon blasts terrified crowds out of your way, while more exotic gadgets—unlocked by scanning human DNA—offer special effects like temporary paralysis or explosive panic. It’s not just about brute force; you’ll soon discover that timing a cannon shot at the peak of someone’s run yields higher coin payouts.

Level design keeps the loop fresh. From suburban cul-de-sacs to neon-lit downtowns, each map introduces new human types with unique resistances and quirks. Scanning a burly construction worker might give Cosmi a “hard head” ability, reducing damage, while snooty socialites grant stealth bonuses. Trying out different loadouts—say, a karaoke cannon or a bowling-ball drone—becomes a core part of the fun. Each successful frenzy builds toward the final goal: a fully repaired spaceship that whirs back to life in your hangar.

Graphics

Under the Skin embraces a bold, cel-shaded art style that feels plucked from a Saturday morning cartoon. Colors pop with vivid intensity, transforming mundane cityscapes into whimsical playgrounds of terror. Buildings sport exaggerated angles, and crowds move with rubber-limb fluidity, creating a world that never takes itself too seriously. This consistently vibrant aesthetic softens the chaos of your rampages and adds a layer of visual charm.

Character models range from round-bellied tourists to spindly goth kids, each sporting unique outfits and facial expressions that underscore their panic. Cosmi himself is a caricature with oversized eyes and stubby limbs, darting around with infectious energy. Even Nemesis—the towering foe from Raccoon City—gets a cel-shaded makeover, trading horror-movie grit for comic menace. His stern scowl and bellowing growls contrast hilariously with the game’s lighthearted palette.

Environmental effects elevate the spectacle. Smoke trails follow airborne bowling balls, neon signs flicker during karaoke breakdowns, and coins sparkle mid-air before clinking into your tally. Dynamic lighting highlights nighttime terror runs, while day levels bask in warm sunlight that makes every scream feel public and mortifying. Whether you’re flattening traffic cones or sending crowds sprinting down alleyways, the graphics deliver clear, consistent feedback that’s as fun to watch as it is to cause.

Story

At its core, Under the Skin offers a delightfully ridiculous premise: an alien stranded on Earth must scare humans out of their hard-earned cash to pay for spaceship repairs. There’s no hidden existential dread here—just Cosmi’s quixotic hustle to refuel his ride home. This straightforward setup provides ample room for comedic scenarios, from accidentally flattening a hot-dog stand to rivaling street performers in decibel output.

The narrative unfolds in bite-sized cutscenes that introduce each new location and its resident oddballs. You’ll meet chatty tourists, disgruntled mall cops, and even the infamous Umbrella Corporation’s own experiments in Raccoon City. While the story doesn’t aim for deep emotional beats, it weaves in enough humor and tongue-in-cheek references to keep players smiling. Dialogue is snappy, with NPCs delivering panicked quips as your latest gadget sends them fleeing.

By visiting iconic settings—like the zombie-ridden streets of Raccoon City—you get a playful mashup of genres. The game never takes its horror cameos too seriously; instead, it leans into the absurdity of seeing Nemesis shriek and scatter like a startled pigeon. This self-aware tone keeps the narrative light and fun, ensuring every level feels like a new episode in Cosmi’s runaway quest for credits.

Overall Experience

Under the Skin shines as a short-burst thrill ride, combining slapstick humor with accessible action. The core loop—scan DNA, choose weapons, incite panic, collect coins—remains engaging thanks to varied level design and a steady flow of gadget upgrades. It’s the kind of game you can pick up for a quick session or binge in one sitting, thanks to its tight pacing and clear objectives.

There are a few rough edges: the repetitive nature of scaring crowds can wear thin after multiple passes, and camera angles occasionally hamstring your view during frantic chase sequences. Some DNA abilities feel underpowered compared to more flamboyant gadgets, making a few unlocks feel like missed opportunities. Still, these quibbles rarely derail the fun.

For players seeking an offbeat action game with heaps of charm, Under the Skin delivers a memorable ride. Its cartoonish violence, clever weapon combos, and humorous nods to other franchises make it a standout pick for anyone tired of grim, ultra-realistic shooters. Strap in as Cosmi, unleash mayhem, and watch the coins—and laughter—come pouring in.