Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Respect Inc plunges you into the shoes of Chubsy Malone, a pint-sized crook with big ambitions. From the moment you pick up the controller, the game’s blend of open-world exploration and mission-based progression keeps you constantly engaged. You’ll roam the streets of Elmer City—then New Orleans, Chicago, and ultimately Las Vegas—scavenging for weapons and ammo while dodging rival gangsters intent on taking you down.

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The core loop revolves around “respect,” a resource you accumulate by undertaking newspaper missions. These range from high-stakes bank heists to tense building intimidations. Each task demands careful planning: you can choose a stealthy approach, quietly neutralizing guards, or charge in with weapons blazing. As your reputation grows, more lucrative—and challenging—jobs become available.

One of Respect Inc’s standout features is the ability to directly control every gang member in your crew. At any time, you can switch from Malone to one of your underlings, each with unique abilities and weapons proficiencies. This dynamic adds strategic depth, as coordinating your team’s roles can turn a risky job into a smooth operation.

Graphics

The visual style of Respect Inc leans into a gritty, neon-tinged aesthetic that captures the seedy underbelly of 1920s–30s America. The cities feel alive: flickering streetlights, drifting fog over back alleys, and the glint of gangsters’ tommy guns create a tense, immersive atmosphere. Character models are detailed enough to convey distinct personalities—Malone’s sharp suits always look crisp, while rival thugs appear ragged and dangerous.

Environmental variety is another strong point. Elmer City’s rusted warehouses give way to the jazz-infused nightlife of New Orleans, the industrial skyline of Chicago, and finally the glitzy decadence of Vegas. Each locale is packed with ambient details—smoke from brewery chimneys, bustling marketplaces, and ornate casino interiors—that reward exploration and make every street corner feel unique.

While the engine occasionally shows its age in densely populated scenes—leading to a slight dip in frame rate—the overall presentation remains polished. Lighting effects, especially during nighttime shootouts, are particularly striking, casting dramatic shadows that heighten the tension of every firefight. Minor texture pop-in is forgivable given the scope of the open-world cities you’ll freely traverse.

Story

At its heart, Respect Inc tells a classic rags-to-riches gangster tale, infusing it with humor and period charm. Chubsy Malone’s narration—often delivered through cheeky newspaper headlines and snappy dialogue—provides a witty framework for his ascent from small-time hood to underworld kingpin. You’ll find yourself rooting for his bravado and chuckling at his self-aware quips.

The newspaper missions serve a dual purpose: they drive the narrative forward and flesh out the world around Malone. As you muscle your way into new territories, you encounter colorful characters—disgruntled rival bosses, corrupt cops, and would-be allies—all of whom contribute to the evolving story tapestry. Every mission outcome influences your respect meter, subtly altering subsequent plot threads and keeping you invested in Malone’s journey.

While the overarching storyline follows a somewhat predictable arc—culminating in a climactic underdog showdown in Las Vegas—the game sprinkles in twists that feel earned. Betrayals, power struggles, and unexpected alliances give the narrative heart, ensuring you remain curious about how Chubsy will handle each new betrayal or opportunity.

Overall Experience

Respect Inc delivers a compelling mix of open-world freedom and structured mission design, anchored by an amusingly charismatic protagonist. Its respect-based progression system pushes you to diversify your playstyle—sometimes you’ll invest in flashy new suits for social intimidation, other times you’ll hit the streets seeking recruits to bolster your gang. This balance keeps the gameplay fresh across dozens of hours.

Although a few technical hiccups surface in the busiest districts, they don’t detract significantly from the fun. If anything, the occasional slowdown in a crowded street corner underscores just how dynamic and bustling the world has become under Malone’s rising influence. You’ll find yourself experimenting with both stealth and blood-soaked tactics as you carve your path from Elmer City rookie to Vegas kingpin.

For players who enjoy strategic open-world action, rich period atmospheres, and a touch of dark humor, Respect Inc is a must-try. Whether you’re planning a meticulous newspaper-mission heist or trading gunfire in a neon-soaked alley, the game consistently delivers high-energy thrills and a satisfying sense of criminal empire-building. Chubsy Malone’s quest for respect may be fictional, but the excitement you’ll experience is absolutely real.

Retro Replay Score

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