The Untouchables

The Untouchables

Introduction

Step into the smoke-filled streets of 1930s Chicago, where the law is often a suggestion and the mob rules with an iron fist. The Untouchables is a classic action title that transports players into one of the most iconic eras of American history: the Prohibition era. Based on the 1987 blockbuster film directed by Brian De Palma, this game allows players to step into the polished shoes of federal agent Elliot Ness. Known for its atmospheric presentation and variety of gameplay styles, the title successfully captured the tension of the cinematic masterpiece, challenging players to bring down the most notorious crime lord of all time, Al Capone. Whether you are navigating dark alleys or engaging in high-stakes shootouts, the game demands quick reflexes and a steady hand to deliver justice to the lawless.

Story & Setting

The narrative follows the legendary struggle between Elliot Ness and his elite squad of incorruptible lawmen—the eponymous "Untouchables"—and the criminal empire of Al Capone. Set against the backdrop of a decaying, crime-ridden Chicago, the game mirrors the emotional and physical toll of the squad’s crusade. As Ness, your mission is to gather evidence, disrupt Capone’s supply lines, and survive the constant threat of assassination. The setting is meticulously crafted to reflect the Noir aesthetic of the film, utilizing gritty urban environments and intense orchestral-style scores to build a sense of dread. From the Canadian border to the grand halls of the Union Railway Station, every location serves as a battlefield in the war for the soul of the city.

Gameplay

The core of The Untouchables lies in its diverse gameplay loop, which is divided into six distinct action sequences. Each stage offers a unique mechanical twist, preventing the experience from feeling repetitive.

  1. The Alleyway: A gallery-style shooter where players must lean out from behind cover to take down mobsters while avoiding civilian casualties.
  2. The Warehouse: A multi-directional action stage where Ness and his team search for contraband and evidence of Capone's tax evasion.
  3. The Border Raid: An intense outdoor shootout at the Canadian border, focusing on stopping alcohol shipments from entering the country.
  4. The Railway Station: Perhaps the most famous sequence, requiring the player to protect a baby carriage descending a staircase during a chaotic gunfight.
  5. The Hostage: A precision-based level where you must carefully time your shots to save an innocent life from a desperate mobster.
  6. The Rooftop Duel: The final confrontation atop the courthouse, where the game shifts to a cinematic duel to finally put Capone behind bars.

Players must manage their squad's health across these levels, as losing members of the team makes the journey significantly more difficult. The variety—ranging from side-scrolling action to first-person shooting galleries—ensures that players must master multiple skills to reach the end.

Platforms

This game was released on several platforms, including the Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

  • FAMILY COMPUTER: NTSC-J
  • NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: NTSC-U
  • SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: PAL, NTSC-U

Legacy

The Untouchables remains one of the most respected movie-to-game adaptations of its era. Developed largely by Ocean Software, a company famous for their cinematic tie-ins, it stood out by actually capturing the "feel" of the source material rather than being a generic platformer. While the different versions varied in quality—with the 16-bit Super Nintendo version offering significantly improved graphics and sound—the game is remembered fondly for its high difficulty and faithful recreation of the movie’s most memorable scenes. It paved the way for future cinematic action games by showing that a variety of mini-games could be woven into a cohesive narrative structure.

Fun Facts

  • The famous railway station sequence with the baby carriage is an intentional homage to the 1925 silent film Battleship Potemkin.
  • While the game is based on the movie, it also incorporates elements from the real-life historical accounts of Elliot Ness and his memoirs.
  • The NES version of the game is notoriously difficult, requiring near-perfect precision during the final rooftop sequence.
  • Depending on the platform, the game utilized different control schemes, including support for specialized light guns in some regions to enhance the shooting gallery segments.

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