Launched in 2002, exclusively on PlayStation 2, the Gungrave saga has been back in the spotlight since November 22, 2022. Named GORE, this new episode is developed by the independent studio Iggymob and published by Prime Matter. If at the time it was able to impress and enroll in the hearts of a good number of players with its high action and bloody gameplay, what is the finding of this return twenty years later?
Once upon a time there was a guy…
To understand the entire synopsis and the chronology of events that may have led to this final episode, you will have to go to the “history” tab of the main menu. A big summary through a succession of images, drawings to tell the truth. Surely handmade. It starts all over once more from the beginning, that is to say where it started, in 2002. You will have to be attentive throughout, because it is the one and only time when a semblance of history tries to appear. Try, yes. Because concretely it’s quite messy, messy even. I personally had trouble following everything, it follows quickly, like the subtitles. Even if we have time to read them, assimilating them is something else.
However, following several careful viewings and if it should be summarized, here is how it might be interpreted: nOur protagonist Grave, formerly known as Brandon Heat, had a life of ruthless crime. Working for Millennion, a mafia-like crime syndicate controlling all the doings of Billion City. This organization was led by a certain Big Daddy, a nickname relating to his physique, of course. His best friend, Harry McDowell, voulant to take the place of the latter, following the rise of a new drug on the market, has put in place a whole Machiavellian plan to remove it and take the chair of this big boss. Brandon, honest and loyal tried to intervene which caused his death. It was inevitable!
Fifteen years passed, Harry took the lead of the network but this sequence of events guided directly to the rebirth of Brandon. In fact no ! SEVERE ! He has become a killing machine, a merciless anti-hero. Enemies who dare to take the same path as Grave will be mowed down.
Rrecognizable for his penchant for a look slightly gothic, half-broken glasses and equipped with three imposing and lethal weapons, including one in each hand and a third chained to his torso. As said above, the game doesn’t really have anything to tell us. The Cutscenes in the game mostly consist of Grave going through a door or landing somewhere while focusing the final shot on his nice gear. Since he does not speak, like a grave, you will be accompanied throughout the game by the voice of your annoying colleague Quartz, who will say, for example, “Attention, Grave, behind you! » or « Come on, Grave, SHOOT! to each new area of enemies. Other than that, no communication, tension or anything happens between them.
Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot…and never stop…
Graphically and technically, there is no need to procrastinate on it, to beat around the bush if you prefer. We got stuck in 2002, it feels and it shows. The different images of this test speak for themselves elsewhere. As for the gameplay, it is very simple. Even very simple. Unlike most titles of the same genre, it is not possible to simply hold the trigger pressed and fire in bursts. You have to press it once more for each new shot. Aiming is done automatically by assigning itself to the nearest opponent. You can snipe enemies with a massive, powerful rifle (strapped on Grave similar to a purse), take a lighter approach with twin pistols, unleash melee attacks, or deploy a variety of offense specials now then choosing , , , to eliminate hordes of enemies. As the bullets fly in all directions, we can only see one thing: In movement, it is a fluid orchestra, a bloody and explosive ballet more than appreciable. Even if reality reminds us that we are in 2022.
Our character moves slower than you would expect from a game in this category. It nevertheless has a jump and dodge mechanism, slow, heavy and ridiculous, but effective if the need arises. You always have your weapons at hand and can face new threats continuously. Men with shields, rocket launchers, assault rifles or shotguns. If we quickly go around all these basic attackers in a single corridor, we can still see different end-of-level bosses. For example, a giant robot or a sharp-tongued monster named Ligabu. Rather than simply shooting wildly at enemies to increase and last your score, you sometimes have to resolve to let your character rest. Your movements can be decisive for your shield (in blue). If this gauge is completely empty, then the next damage will lower your life (in red). Although your shield will be able to return to its maximum capacity, no medkit will be available. Knowing that a note will be given to you according to these last criteria, but also on your percentage to aim right, and this each time you complete a level.
Moreover, there are some really unfair and punitive passages. In one of the stages, you have to progress on the roof of a speeding train. Your mission will be to reach the checkpoint represented by a big yellow arrow, vintage and impossible to miss. Time is running out for you to take cover on a lower wagon and go through the underground bridge. In which case, death will be inevitable. But on the course, you will also have to repel a nice band of thugs by avoiding the various explosions that will put you on the ground as well as the shotguns that will be able to throw you back. Obstacles that can immediately plunge you into the darkest depths. In other words, it’s like starting over, following a few seconds into the loads.
death in person
The soundtrack also has some cool elements, like a lyrical rock song reminiscent of Devil May Cry. The same comes up in practically every fight, with the merit of setting the mood among the dose of hemoglobin. Other than that, during transitions, lower quality music will be played. Even here, it lacks variety.
Let’s move on to the successes, nothing too hard even for the least seasoned hunters. Just note that you will have to do all the levels three times to get the achievements related to the difficulty (easy, normal and difficult). The remaining 85% will be done by doing what is most in this game: SHOOT! I will dare to say that the 1000G are largely doable, even childish if you give it time. No crazy objects to collect, special actions to do or whatever else that might seem like filler to increase the lifespan.
In conclusion, much of the game’s design is just frustrating, outdated, and boring. It is exceeded on several points, let’s be honest. The impression of being in 2002, and not in 2022 on Xbox Series X. With its always identical gameplay, the title can only be recommended to a few experienced players. We can blame no one for wanting to pull an old license out of the closet, but another way was surely possible. Afterwards, know that it is available in the Xbox Game Pass catalog then… It’s tempting given the price of the subscription. Then I said that the 1000G were doable.
The game has been tested using a version provided by the publisher, thanks to them.
Good points
- Many skills
- Fluid at all times
Negative points
- Hammering your trigger hurts your finger
- Steep Animations
- Not really a story
- Repetitive and boring
- Dull, dark decor
- Technically and graphically outdated
- Dated checkpoint
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