GUNHEAD
- November 8, 2023
- Alientrap
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam"GUNHEAD is a single-player Science Fiction Open World game, where players board and neutralize procedurally generated alien starships in a roguelite FPS experience. With over 50 weapon options and jetpack-enabled gameplay, plan a strategy to defeat each unique enemy ship's security systems, to the beat of a blood-pumping soundtrack."
Reviews
- The game successfully translates the core gameplay loop of Cryptark into a 3D environment, offering fast-paced combat and strategic planning.
- Movement and gunplay are generally enjoyable, with a good sense of speed and fluidity that enhances the gameplay experience.
- The game features a variety of weapons and upgrades, allowing for customization and different playstyles during runs.
- The game feels unfinished and lacks polish, with numerous bugs and a clunky user interface that detracts from the overall experience.
- Many players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in variety, with enemy designs and environments feeling generic and uninspired.
- The transition to 3D has resulted in a loss of the unique charm and aesthetic of Cryptark, making the visuals feel bland and less engaging.
- gameplay34 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Gunhead, a 3D reimagining of Cryptark, is described as fast-paced and accessible, maintaining the core mechanics of its predecessor while introducing a more frenetic atmosphere. However, many players feel that the execution lacks personality and excitement, leading to a hollow experience despite the potential for engaging mechanics. While some appreciate the strategic planning and unique art style, others criticize the janky controls and frustrating elements that detract from the overall enjoyment.
“The non-combat 'outside the airlocks' movement is somehow more satisfying than the dungeon interior shooting gameplay through sheer sense of speed and true zero g.”
“Gunhead is a re-imagining of Cryptark in a 3D space that was, for me, a lot more accessible and fun, while still keeping the dense atmosphere, challenge, and deep planning before every mission, with arguably better gameplay.”
“It’s a perfect balance between straightforward strategic planning and 3D shooter gameplay.”
“This game reminds me of Robo Quest, in that the basic gameplay and core concept is okay, but the overall execution feels like there's a sense of identity and personality missing from the world. It feels like a hollow, lifeless video game world, and not in a cool liminal space way.”
“Managing only 4 guns but having to buy ammo for them made for less thrilling gameplay, especially when I was only left with 1 gun or a melee weapon.”
“Sadly, these mechanical shortcomings massively outweigh the great concept of procedurally generated alien husks for you to tactically dismantle, and Gunhead is simply not fun or pleasant to play as an FPS should be.”
- story21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in "Gunhead" is criticized for its lack of depth and engaging world-building, with many reviewers noting it feels like a repetitive and uninspired rehash of previous titles like "Cryptark." While some appreciate the game's atmosphere and challenge, the absence of a compelling narrative and the frustrating mechanics—such as persistent damage between missions—detract from the overall experience, leaving players longing for the richer storytelling found in its predecessor.
“Gunhead is a re-imagining of Cryptark in a 3D space that was, for me, a lot more accessible and fun, while still keeping the dense atmosphere, challenge, and deep planning before every mission, with arguably better gameplay.”
“I am really enjoying this game regardless of the valid concerns regarding the interface outside of missions.”
“The objectives that one finds are quite a lot and fun to complete, but most of the tasks that give extra rewards are based on destroying things fast, not destroying things and killing the core as fast as possible, so it doesn't feel rewarding to explore, or do everything on the ship.”
“This game is a sad story we've seen many times with remakes/sequels before. The gameplay itself has lost so much; the only improvement at all was the addition of a third dimension. The difference between Risk of Rain 2 and Gunhead is that Risk of Rain 2 had a modding scene to save the gameplay during the developer's incompetence. In Gunhead, you just cry and remember better times in 2017.”
“Almost total lack of a story is only disappointing if you're aware of Cryptark having one.”
“In Gunhead, starting a mission at 0 health just isn't that fun, even though it does up the tension as your health dwindles and the difficulty increases.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with some praising the unique art style and character designs, while others criticize the lack of depth and variety in environments, describing them as bland and repetitive. The enemy designs, though interesting in concept, fail to convey personality or horror, often appearing as generic or cartoonish. Overall, while the game has moments of visual appeal, it struggles to create a compelling aesthetic experience.
“Love the graphical style, the game visually looks fantastic!”
“Really cool music, great graphics (you can see for yourself), nice voice acting.”
“Has more interesting gameplay loop than most roguelikes with a unique art style and good soundtrack.”
“But the game's graphics/art style really don't do a concept like the necro-mech skeleton cyborgs justice. There is no blood, no gore, nothing remotely creepy, no sense of body horror whatsoever. The enemies are essentially just flying cow skulls half the time, when they aren't generic robots.”
“The 3D visuals are way less pleasing to look at.”
“Fiddling with the in-game graphics options or disabling v-sync didn't change this.”
- music7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many reviewers highlighting its quality and variety, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. The soundtrack is noted for being particularly engaging, contributing to the game's unique atmosphere and complementing its distinctive art style. Overall, the music stands out as a significant positive aspect of the game.
“Has more interesting gameplay loop than most roguelikes with a unique art style and good soundtrack.”
“I 100%'d Cryptark 5 or 6 times because I loved the variety of gameplay and the killer soundtrack.”
“Really cool music, great graphics (you can see for yourself), nice voice acting.”
“So far, the music in Cryptark was better.”
- stability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its significant bugs, particularly with control rebinding and boss difficulty, which many players find too easy or unthreatening. Despite these issues, some users appreciate the overall combat experience and express hope for future improvements from the developers. Overall, while the game runs well visually, its stability is marred by these persistent flaws.
“The game looks and runs great as it is.”
“FSR2 and a couple more graphics settings would also be nice to have.”
“It does have some flaws; it's significantly buggy (the control rebinding only works for combat, not menus) and the bosses are way too easy, but I can forgive some flaws if the developers are still working on it.”
“The biggest criticisms that I can levy at Gunhead as it is are that it's kind of buggy as it stands, and that the bosses range from 'easy' to 'laughably pathetic.' The combat otherwise, against alien drones set on defending the ships, can be quite intense and difficult, but the bosses are not that.”
“It is pretty buggy and not much of a threat (they get stuck a lot); rather, they aren't aggressive enough. The original game is still superior.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often feeling like they are stuck in poorly designed environments that contribute to a sense of monotonous busywork.
“Seriously though, it's just tedious and repetitive busywork in what feels like the same terribly designed room over and over again.”
“Currently a bit tedious to play.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express mixed feelings about replayability in rogue-like games, noting that it may be lacking if players don't feel a strong attachment to the game or are primarily motivated by achievements. In contrast, Gunhead is perceived to provide a more consistent replayability experience.
“The replayability of a rogue-like is truly enhanced when you feel a unique attachment to the game, like with Cryptark, or when you're motivated to unlock all the achievements.”
“Gunhead feels like it will offer significant replayability.”
“Is the replayability of a rogue-like really there if you don't feel weirdly attached to Cryptark or just want all of the achievements?”
“Gunhead feels like it will offer the same replayability.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Gunhead is described as more relaxed and accessible compared to Cryptark, while still maintaining a dense and challenging environment that encourages deep planning before missions. The frenetic gameplay adds to the overall fun, making it an engaging experience.
“Gunhead is a re-imagining of Cryptark in a 3D space that was, for me, a lot more accessible and fun, while still keeping the dense atmosphere, challenge, and deep planning before every mission, with arguably better gameplay.”
“It's fun; compared to Cryptark, it's more frenetic in gameplay and relaxed in atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere feels bland and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players.”
“Despite the interesting premise, the overall atmosphere is dull and fails to engage.”
“The game’s atmosphere is inconsistent, making it hard to feel connected to the world.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of engaging content, with repetitive dungeon designs and environments that feel uninspired and lifeless, leading to a sense of emptiness in the gameplay experience.
“The monetization system feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money for basic gameplay features that should be included for free.”
“It's frustrating to see that the best items and upgrades are locked behind a paywall, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the game without spending extra cash.”
“The constant barrage of ads and prompts to purchase in-game currency detracts from the overall experience, making it feel more like a cash grab than a game.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players enjoying the character interactions, particularly with the lizard people, but finding their incessant commentary on performance to be distracting and excessive.
“The optimization in this game is severely lacking, making it frustrating to progress.”
“I appreciate the concept, but the performance issues really hinder the overall experience.”
“The constant performance feedback from NPCs becomes overwhelming and detracts from the gameplay.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game features appealing art and character designs, players feel that the character development is undermined by excessive dialogue that lacks meaningful substance.
