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Gungrave G.O.R.E, developed by South Korean studio Iggymob, marks the return of the stylish third-person shooter franchise after an 18-year hiatus. This latest installment, short for Gunslinger of REsurrection, promises a high-octane action experience reminiscent of classic action movies. But does it live up to the legacy? This review explores the exhilarating gunplay, compelling soundtrack, and unfortunately, the repetitive gameplay that holds Gungrave G.O.R.E back from its full potential.

Gungrave G.O.R.E Gameplay

A Ballet of Bullets: Gungrave’s Satisfying Gun Fu

Inspired by iconic action films like Desperado, Equilibrium, and Hard Boiled, Gungrave G.O.R.E delivers a visceral and satisfying gun fu experience. Wielding dual pistols, Cerberus, protagonist Grave decimates hordes of enemies with stylish trick shots and devastating close-range attacks. The visual and sound design amplify the impact of every bullet, from the booming gunshots and trails of smoke to the gruesome, over-the-top gore that lives up to the game’s name.

Gungrave G.O.R.E Death Hauler

Grave’s iconic coffin, the Death Hauler, adds another layer to the combat. Functioning as a powerful special weapon, the Death Hauler transforms into rocket launchers, miniguns, and chainsaws, allowing for crowd control and spectacular finishing moves. Charging up these devastating attacks provides a satisfying sense of power and further emphasizes the game’s focus on stylish action.

The melee combat, however, falls short. While Grave’s coffin swings carry weight and impact, the animations feel stiff and lack the fluidity of the gunplay. The limited hitboxes also contribute to a frustrating experience, often requiring precise positioning for attacks to connect.

Gungrave G.O.R.E Combat

Despite the melee shortcomings, the combination of gun fu and Death Hauler abilities creates a thrilling combat loop. This is further enhanced by the energetic soundtrack, composed by industry veterans Tetsuya Shibata (Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy XV) and Yoshino Aoki (Breath of Fire, Final Fantasy XV). The blend of metal, techno, and synth-pop fuels the adrenaline-pumping action, even if some tracks become repetitive over time.

Repetitive Gameplay and Design Shortcomings

While Gungrave G.O.R.E excels in delivering stylish action, its repetitive gameplay loop ultimately hinders its long-term appeal. Levels are linear and offer little beyond moving from point A to point B, eliminating waves of enemies along the way. The environments lack interactive elements, collectibles, or puzzles, resulting in a monotonous experience.

Gungrave G.O.R.E Linear Level Design

The combat, while initially satisfying, becomes predictable after a few hours. While a skill tree allows for upgrades and new abilities, the limited options fail to provide enough variety throughout the game’s 31 stages. The lack of alternative weapons, both ranged and melee, further restricts the gameplay possibilities. Sticking to the iconic Cerberus pistols and Death Hauler limits the potential for diverse combat encounters.

Gungrave G.O.R.E Repetitive Combat

Further detracting from the experience are overly obvious navigational prompts from a supporting character, Quartz, which feel redundant given the linear level design and in-game compass. The sheer number of stages also feels artificially inflated, with many environments being visually indistinguishable from one another. Finally, some levels suffer from poor enemy placement and frustrating difficulty spikes, suggesting a lack of thorough playtesting.

Gungrave G.O.R.E Environmental Repetition

Conclusion: A Stylish but Shallow Experience

Gungrave G.O.R.E Final Thoughts

Gungrave G.O.R.E delivers on its promise of stylish, over-the-top action. The gunplay is visceral and satisfying, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the chaotic combat. However, the repetitive gameplay, linear level design, and lack of variety ultimately hold the game back. While fans of the franchise may find enjoyment in the familiar gun fu, Gungrave G.O.R.E fails to capitalize on its potential and ultimately offers a shallow, albeit stylish, experience.