GUNHEAD

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 196 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
GUNHEAD Game Cover
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"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."

  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 196 reviews
gameplay18 positive mentions
stability8 negative mentions
  • The game offers a fast-paced and engaging gameplay experience, reminiscent of its predecessor, Cryptark, but in a 3D environment.
  • Players appreciate the strategic planning involved in missions, as well as the variety of weapons and upgrades available.
  • The movement mechanics are praised for being smooth and enjoyable, allowing for dynamic combat and exploration.
  • Many players feel the game lacks polish, with issues such as a clunky UI, bugs, and repetitive gameplay that can lead to boredom.
  • Critics argue that the game does not significantly innovate beyond Cryptark, feeling more like a 3D adaptation rather than a true sequel.
  • The enemy AI and boss encounters are often described as underwhelming, with some players finding them too easy or lacking in challenge.
  • gameplay68 mentions

    The gameplay of Gunhead is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its fast-paced, strategic FPS mechanics reminiscent of its predecessor, Cryptark, while others criticize its lackluster presentation and mechanical shortcomings. The addition of a third dimension is seen as a positive, but many feel that the overall execution lacks excitement and depth, leading to a less engaging experience. Despite its potential, the game struggles with issues like limited weapon management and frustrating mechanics that detract from the fun.

    • “It's fun; compared to Cryptark, it's more frenetic in gameplay and relaxed in atmosphere.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “Some of the alarm system combos can get pretty annoying too, like one that heals others alongside one that swaps their position, it can make the gameplay less like a frantic struggle that pays off as your skills improve, and more like a series of frustrations that have you resigning to defeat against the RNG gods.”
    • “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.”
  • story42 mentions

    The story in "Gunhead" is criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many reviewers noting it feels like a repetitive and uninspired remake of "Cryptark." While the game introduces a 3D environment, it fails to deliver a compelling narrative or world-building, leading to disappointment among fans of the original. Overall, the absence of a meaningful story detracts from the gameplay experience, making it less enjoyable for players seeking a rich narrative.

    • “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 much preferred Cryptark's system where you choose a loadout and have to accomplish the mission with just that gear.”
    • “I kinda liked the lizard people that you work for, but they won't shut up and constantly nitpick your performance in missions.”
    • “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. 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.”
  • graphics28 mentions

    The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with many praising its unique art style and character designs, which contribute to a visually appealing experience. However, criticisms arise regarding the lack of variety in environments and enemy designs, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and missed potential in conveying a more engaging aesthetic. Overall, while the graphics are generally well-received, they fall short in delivering a deeper, more immersive visual experience.

    • “Love the graphical style, the game visually looks fantastic!”
    • “Really cool music, great graphics (you can see for yourself), nice voice acting.”
    • “It looked cool and fun with a good art style.”
    • “The 3D visuals are way less pleasing to look at.”
    • “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.”
    • “Fiddling with the in-game graphics options or disabling V-Sync didn't change this.”
  • music14 mentions

    The music in the game is consistently praised for its quality and variety, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the unique soundtrack, often comparing it favorably to other titles, particularly highlighting its role in making the gameplay loop more engaging. Overall, the combination of good music, impressive graphics, and effective voice acting contributes to a well-rounded audio-visual experience.

    • “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.”
  • stability10 mentions

    The game is reported to be significantly buggy, particularly with issues like control rebinding only functioning in combat and bosses being too easy, often described as "laughably pathetic." While the combat against alien drones is intense, the overall stability is lacking, with frequent bugs affecting gameplay. Despite these flaws, some players express hope for improvements from the developers.

    • “The game looks and runs great as it is.”
    • “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 kinda 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.”
  • grinding4 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”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Players express mixed feelings about the replayability of rogue-like games, noting that it often hinges on emotional attachment to the game or the desire to complete achievements. Titles like Cryptark and Gunhead are mentioned as having potential for replayability, but this may not resonate with all players.

    • “Gunhead feels like it will offer significant replayability.”
    • “The replayability of a rogue-like is enhanced when you feel a strong attachment to the game and strive for all the achievements.”
    • “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.”
    • “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?”
  • atmosphere4 mentions

    The atmosphere in Gunhead is described as a blend of frenetic gameplay and a relaxed ambiance, making it more accessible and enjoyable compared to its predecessor, Cryptark. Despite this lighter feel, it maintains a dense atmosphere filled with challenge and requires deep planning before missions, enhancing the overall 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.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with players appreciating the engaging character interactions but expressing frustration over the incessant criticism of their performance during missions.

  • character development2 mentions

    Character development is criticized for lacking depth, as players feel that while the art style and character designs are appealing, the dialogue often lacks substance and fails to contribute meaningfully to the characters' growth.

  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for its lack of engaging content, with players feeling that the repetitive environments and uninspired design detract from the overall experience. The absence of diverse aesthetics and meaningful gameplay elements suggests that the monetization strategy may prioritize quantity over quality, leading to a hollow gaming experience.

    • “The monetization model feels exploitative, with constant prompts to spend money on items that should be earnable through gameplay.”
    • “It's frustrating to see that the best gear is locked behind paywalls, making it nearly impossible to compete without spending real money.”
    • “The game is riddled with microtransactions that disrupt the experience, turning what could be an enjoyable adventure into a cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

3hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
3-3hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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