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GUNHEAD

78%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
stability, replayability
78% User Score Based on 260 reviews

Platforms

PCPCPlaystation 5Playstation 5WindowsWindowsPlayStationPlayStationSteam DeckSteam Deck
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About

"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."

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GUNHEAD screenshot
GUNHEAD screenshot
GUNHEAD screenshot
GUNHEAD screenshot
GUNHEAD screenshot
GUNHEAD screenshot
GUNHEAD screenshot

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 260 reviews
gameplay36 positive mentions
stability10 negative mentions
  • Fun gunplay and excellent movement physics make for an engaging experience.
  • The game offers a unique blend of strategic planning and fast-paced action, reminiscent of its predecessor, Cryptark.
  • Visually appealing with a variety of weapons and a satisfying core gameplay loop.
  • Audio mixing issues make it difficult to hear voice acting and identify enemy locations.
  • The game feels repetitive and lacks variety in enemy design and environments, leading to a sense of monotony.
  • Many players feel it is unfinished, with bugs and a lack of polish affecting the overall experience.
  • gameplay
    132 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Gunhead, a 3D reimagining of its predecessor Cryptark, has received mixed reviews, with some praising its fast-paced mechanics and strategic depth, while others criticize its lack of identity and depth compared to the original. Players enjoy the chaotic, frenetic action and the thrill of zero-gravity movement, but many feel that the game suffers from mechanical shortcomings and a shallow experience, particularly in its weapon management and overall execution. Despite these criticisms, the core gameplay loop remains engaging for those who appreciate the genre, especially with the added dimension of 3D environments.

    • “The heart-pounding gameplay, the variety of weapons, the stunning visuals, and the addictive progression system create a gaming experience that's nothing short of epic.”
    • “The combination of fast-paced gameplay, strategic depth, and an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack makes Gunhead a game well worth exploring.”
    • “At first, it might feel frustrating and challenging, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll discover a deeply satisfying and engaging gameplay experience.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • story
    66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Gunhead" is minimal and largely serves as a backdrop for gameplay, revolving around missions to infiltrate alien ships and salvage their contents for a mysterious client. While some players appreciate the procedural generation of missions and the strategic elements involved, many criticize the lack of depth in storytelling and world-building, comparing it unfavorably to its predecessor, "Cryptark." Overall, the narrative is seen as decent but not a focal point of the experience, with players encouraged to focus more on gameplay mechanics than on story.

    • “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.”
    • “Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you really should), is to infiltrate these ships, complete objectives that range from the mundane to the absurd, and then gracefully disable the ship.”
    • “You’re given orders to invade alien spaceships full of alien space creatures with biomechanical designs to salvage whatever it is that they create/contain from a mysterious 'client.' This is essentially all of the story you’re given, and all that you need, for the most part.”
    • “This game is a sad story we've seen many times with remakes/sequels before. The closest thing I can relate this to is Risk of Rain and then Risk of Rain 2. The gameplay itself has lost so much; the only improvement at all was the addition of a third dimension. That's what we see with 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.”
    • “Last and least, don’t go into Gunhead expecting much in the way of story.”
  • graphics
    44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with some praising the unique pixel art style and vibrant visuals that evoke classic gaming, while others criticize the lack of depth and personality in enemy designs and environments, describing them as generic and uninspired. Many players appreciate the overall aesthetic and fluid gameplay, but feel that the art does not fully realize the potential of its more interesting concepts, leading to a visually repetitive experience. Overall, while there are standout elements, the graphics are seen as a missed opportunity to enhance the game's thematic elements.

    • “The pixel art style is a nod to classic gaming, but with a modern twist that feels fresh and exciting.”
    • “Love the graphical style, the game visually looks fantastic!”
    • “The heart-pounding gameplay, the variety of weapons, the stunning visuals, and the addictive progression system create a gaming experience that's nothing short of epic.”
    • “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.”
  • music
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising the soundtrack as deserving a standing ovation for its ability to enhance the gameplay experience. It is described as a blood-pumping, adrenaline-fueled accompaniment that perfectly complements the action, making it a standout feature alongside the unique art style and engaging gameplay. Overall, the music is consistently highlighted as a key element that elevates the game's intensity and enjoyment.

    • “The soundtrack deserves a standing ovation.”
    • “The blood-pumping soundtrack is perfect for the intense firefights you’ll find yourself in.”
    • “The music and action work together to form a near perfect blend of action and shooting.”
    • “The combination of fast-paced gameplay, strategic depth, and an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack makes Gunhead a game well worth exploring.”
    • “-so far, the music in Cryptark was better.”
  • stability
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is reported to be significantly buggy, particularly with issues like control rebinding and boss difficulty, which ranges from easy to frustratingly simple. While some players find the combat engaging, the overall stability is marred by these flaws, though many express hope for future improvements from the developers. Despite the bugs, the game is noted to run well overall, with some players finding it visually appealing.

    • “The game looks and runs great as it is.”
    • “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.”
    • “A tiny bit buggy but nothing serious. My biggest complaint is that it could have more meat on the bones as far as your ship, unlocks, and progression tracker are concerned. It's all very basic, with very little personality or things to interact with, making for a pretty boring ship. However, that's something that can maybe be addressed in the future.”
  • replayability
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Gunhead is praised for its high replayability, attributed to its procedurally generated levels and the engaging balance of target prioritization and time management. Players can enjoy multiple runs, with the game offering a new game plus (ng+) experience even after surviving a run, enhancing its replay value. However, some users question the replayability of other rogue-likes, particularly if they lack a personal attachment to the game or are primarily focused on achievements.

    • “Gunhead is an enjoyable roguelite with plenty of replay value and a surprisingly in-depth balance of target prioritization and time management.”
    • “Combined with the fact that even surviving a run sees you continuing in what is essentially a new game plus run, there's a decent amount of replayability here.”
    • “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?”
    • “Combined with the fact that even surviving a run sees you continuing in what is essentially a NG+ run, there's a decent amount of replayability here.”
    • “Gunhead offers a high level of replayability due to its procedurally generated levels.”
  • atmosphere
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its immersive environments and top-notch character design, creating a dense and engaging experience. Players appreciate the balance between frenetic gameplay and a relaxed ambiance, which enhances the sense of discovery and challenge throughout the game. Overall, the atmosphere is described as captivating, with moments that effectively heighten tension, especially during encounters with enemies.

    • “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 love this game, love the graphics, love the atmosphere, and I love the way that you never feel like your work is done; I always feel like there is something new to discover in this game.”
    • “It's fun, compared to Cryptark it's more frenetic in gameplay and relaxed in atmosphere.”
    • “The environments are dripping with atmosphere, and the character design is top-notch.”
    • “[*] atmosphere captured well especially when getting snuck up on, or dealing with multiple enemies.”
  • grinding
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often feeling like busywork in poorly designed environments. While there are additional achievements to pursue, the grind may deter some players from fully engaging with the content.

    • “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.”
    • “That aside, there is more in this game to achieve, but that's really up to you to decide if it's too grindy or not.”
  • character development
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development is highlighted by impressive design and a strong art style, but the dialogue often lacks depth, detracting from the overall substance of the characters' growth and interactions.

    • “The environments are dripping with atmosphere, and the character design is top-notch.”
  • monetization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for its lack of engaging content, with players noting repetitive environments and a lack of variety in gameplay elements. This has led to a perception that the game feels hollow and uninspired, detracting from the overall experience.

  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "gunhead" is characterized by its over-the-top chaos and a blatant disregard for subtlety, creating a uniquely entertaining experience that keeps players laughing throughout their rogue-like adventure.

    • “Prepare to embark on a hilariously chaotic adventure in 'Gunhead,' a rogue-like game that turns the concept of subtlety on its head.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with players appreciating the character design of the lizard people but expressing frustration over their incessant commentary and performance critiques during missions, which can detract from the overall experience.

Buy GUNHEAD

3h Median play time
3h Average play time
3-3h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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