Lewd Arkanoid… LEWD ARKANOID!
Under the Hood's review
Developer: Shady Corner Games
Genre: Arcade
Store: Steam, Itch.io, Kagura Games’ Store, GOG, Nutaku
Reviewed version: Final
Censored: No
Patch Needed: No
OS: Windows
Language: English
Under the Hood is a breath of fresh air when it comes to casual NSFW games since most of them are either Match-3 games or extremely simple puzzles. It puts players in the shoes of Trish Pits' new hire as he has to work hard—in many ways—alongside three hotties: The garage owner and MILF supreme Trish, the kart specialist Sylvie, and the computer expert Frankie.
The meat of the game is in its gameplay, and it shows. It's a solid and original breakout-like game that ditches the usual power-ups that are a staple in the genre and replaces them with different car-themed features, such as pistons that spawn extra wrenches when hit and loose nuts you need to tighten by grazing them or straight-out hitting them to unlock spicy pics and new levels. What's more, the game features extra levels that owners of Marble Maid can access, featuring a few visual changes here and there to make it fit both the character and the game's theme.
Levels get more and more difficult as you progress by introducing different obstacles that make your life harder, such as hot tiles that overheat your platform and slow it down, treacherous conveyor belts that bounce off any wrenches that come from below but let go through any that comes from above, and the god-forsaken springs that bounce everywhere until they either go through or hit you and stun you. Furthermore, finishing the game unlocks a special mode that lets you play more difficult versions of the levels you've already beaten, just in case you're up for an even bigger challenge.
Visually speaking, the game is a feast for the eyes thanks to its detailed and pretty character designs and nicely drawn CGs. However, it's also inconsistent because each character's CG was drawn with a particular style, and while some CGs blend well with the game's look, like the ones with Sylvie or Trish, others stick out like a sore thumb. As for the soundtrack, the game features a few tracks that are nice to listen to and fit the casual vibe of the game.
Verdict: Enjoyable
Even if it's not perfect, I had a lot of fun playing Under the Hood. It doesn't take too long to beat it on easy mode, as I finished it in a bit more than an hour, but it sure takes a lot more to get all the achievements. Give it a shot if you're looking for an arcade game to play in short bursts or to relax after a long day.