GUNHEAD

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 98 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 98 reviews
gameplay9 positive mentions
stability4 negative mentions
  • 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 in navigating the environments.
  • 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 uninspired, with a lack of variety in enemy designs and environments.
  • The transition to 3D has resulted in a loss of the unique aesthetic and charm of Cryptark, making the visuals feel bland and less engaging.
  • gameplay34 mentions

    The gameplay of Gunhead, a 3D reimagining of its predecessor Cryptark, is described as fast-paced and accessible, maintaining a core loop that fans of the original may enjoy. However, many reviewers feel that the execution lacks personality and excitement, with mechanical shortcomings and frustrating elements detracting from the overall experience. While the game offers potential with its customizable arsenal and strategic planning, it struggles to deliver a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience compared to its predecessor.

    • “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

    The story in "Gunhead" is criticized for its lack of depth and world-building, drawing unfavorable comparisons to its predecessor, "Cryptark." While some players appreciate the game's atmosphere and challenge, they find the narrative uninspired and repetitive, with gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall experience. The absence of a compelling story and the frustrating mission structure contribute to a sense of disappointment among fans of the original game.

    • “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.”
    • “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, the only positive in the entire thing is the 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

    The game's graphics and art style receive mixed reviews, with some praising the unique character designs and overall visual appeal, 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 unremarkable. Overall, while the game has a good art style and runs smoothly, it lacks the atmospheric elements that could enhance its aesthetic potential.

    • “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

    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 engaging and memorable, contributing positively to the unique art style and atmosphere of the game. Comparisons to other titles, like Cryptark, suggest that the music stands out as a significant aspect of enjoyment.

    • “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

    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 intense combat against alien drones and acknowledge that the developers are actively working on improvements. Overall, while stability is a concern, the game's performance is generally regarded as good.

    • “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

    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 monotony.

    • “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

    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. However, some believe that titles like Gunhead may provide a more satisfying replay experience.

    • “The replayability of a rogue-like really shines when you feel a unique attachment to the game and strive for 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

    The atmosphere of 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.

    • “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.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of engaging content, with repetitive dungeon designs and environments that feel lifeless and uninspired, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among players.

    • “The monetization system feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money for basic features that should be included in the game.”
    • “It's frustrating to see that the best content is locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without shelling out 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

    The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players enjoying the character interactions but finding the constant criticism from NPCs to be excessive and distracting during missions.

    • “The optimization in this game is severely lacking, making it frustrating to progress.”
    • “I appreciate the effort, but the game feels unpolished and needs significant optimization.”
    • “The constant performance issues really detract from the overall experience.”
  • character development1 mentions

    While the game features appealing art and character designs, the character development is criticized for lacking depth, as dialogue often feels trivial and unmeaningful.

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 1 analyzed playthroughs

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