Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a bombastic and stylized action game with buckets of blood and explosions punctuated by a few restrictive moments.
Gungrave G.O.R.E. Game Review: Sublime And The Ridiculous
Although received mixed reception from critics over the years, Gungrave games have gained a cult following. Beginning with Gungrave in 2002, the franchise has received a handful of releases and even a Gungrave anime series in the latter decade. Now, courtesy of Gungrave developer IGGYMOB, Gungrave is back with G.O.R.E.
Gungrave G.O.R.E. Moody casts players back in the role of anti-hero Grave, a former hitman brought back from the dead. Grave is determined to destroy Seed, a mysterious alien drug, and find those responsible for the damage it’s causing around the world. This means shooting as many people as possible and causing utter chaos wherever the player goes, in a story that takes the player through various worlds in a dark future version of Southeast Asia. takes you to places.
In terms of style, Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a stylized third-person action game with a focus on an arcade-style point system and rampant violence flourishes. Those who enjoyed the tone in the best games in the Devil May Cry series will find a lot to love here, especially given its bizarre premise and mix of sci-fi imagery reminiscent of 2000s gothic. It’s wonderful bullshit when it’s at its best, like Type O Negative’s Peter Steele on a mission to save the world in the most dangerous way possible.
From a purely sensory perspective, Gungrave G.O.R.E. Literal explosion. The player drops round after round of ammo, causing pieces of the scenery to explode, spewing blood and fire in every corner. This also feeds into the gameplay, which although simplistic is rather satisfying, with the player always shooting and always moving with the goal of getting the best score at the end of each level, similar to Sonic.
This also feeds into the game’s soundtrack, which for the most part is a strong mix of techno and industrial. It matches the comical mood well, tapping into the intensity of its mood and adding intensity to the combat. There are some glitches, however, especially when it comes to transitioning between different classes or in and out of combat, which can be a bit jarring.
Gungrave G.O.R.E. There is a leveling system where the player can help build their own version of the Grave. This allows them to prioritise damage, melee power, or unlock new special techniques, which is a wonderful addition. It’s still quite limited, and the choices are frequently clear – obtain more specials and increase the damage done by ordinary bullets for the greatest enjoyment – but it adds a lot to the experience nonetheless.
Where Gungrave G.O.R.E. In the moments of its execution begins to fall down. It lacks finesse compared to peers like Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, with movement feeling clunky and the action sometimes feeling a bit repetitive. This problem is at its worst when there are parts of the game that require a bit more athletic movement than Grave would like, and these moments fall flat compared to his usual shtick.
Character is also extremely important in this type of blistering action game, and this is another area where Gungrave G.O.R.E. struggles. Grave may look the part — part Top Dollar from The Crow, part El Mariachi — but he’s a blank slate. It fails to make an impact when compared to the stronger characters of Dante or Bayonetta, and it means the game lacks that driving force.
Like Gungrave G.O.R.E. A fairly solid third person shooter with tons of action to be found throughout its different levels. It doesn’t have the nuances of its best competitors, with moments of clumsiness that keep it from greatness, but it still manages to be a satisfying adventure for the entirety of its runtime. Gungrave G.O.R.E. Game Releasing on November 22, 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
