GunnRunner
- March 16, 2023
- pixelCast Games
GunnRunner is an action platformer, bullet-swarm, with an emphasis on skilled movement. The game is set in a virtual world controlled by sentient machines that call themselves "The Assembled". These machines have destroyed your home planet and trapped you in an environment of their creation. Plow through every enemy in your path or skillfully dodge the onslaught of bullets. Venture deep …
Reviews
- GunnRunner features addictive gameplay with a blend of speedrunning, puzzle-solving, and fluid movement mechanics that are easy to learn but hard to master.
- The game offers a variety of unique levels and boss fights, along with a complete level editor and global leaderboards, enhancing replayability and competition.
- Players appreciate the nostalgic retro style, engaging soundtrack, and the developer's commitment to refining the game based on community feedback.
- Some players experience crashes during gameplay, particularly when engaging with boss fights, which can disrupt the experience.
- The game can be frustratingly difficult in later levels, potentially alienating less experienced players who may struggle to progress.
- While the gameplay is strong, some reviewers feel that the artistic direction of the environments and enemy designs lacks cohesion.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its addictive nature, fast-paced mechanics, and a well-designed difficulty curve that gradually introduces players to various level mechanics and enemy types. Players appreciate the diverse range of levels, which include educational, speed-focused, and puzzle elements, while the absence of lengthy tutorials and level reset times enhances the overall experience. However, some users note a lack of artistic cohesion in the environments and enemy designs, though this is seen as a minor issue compared to the engaging gameplay.
“Found this gem at PAX East - wildly addicting with a great range of difficulty and mechanics in play.”
“+ Blazing fast gameplay (no level reset time, quick movement options, does not waste time with slow tutorial).”
“+ Tons of unique and varied levels (some are mechanically educational, some are pure speed, some are puzzling, etc.).”
“The only real issue I have with this game is that it doesn't really feel like it has much of an artistic direction in the environments, and sometimes the enemies feel a bit juxtaposed against the environment. However, that hardly matters in the face of the gameplay, and at times can even make it a bit easier to go through the levels faster.”
“The game's difficulty curves at a consistent rate, with the earlier stages introducing you to how the level mechanics work and the type of enemies you'll encounter.”
“While the gameplay is blazing fast with no level reset time and quick movement options, it does not waste time with a slow tutorial.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in Gunrunner is highly praised for its nostalgic chiptune soundtrack, which evokes a sense of fondness reminiscent of classic games. Reviewers appreciate the vibrant and inviting atmosphere created by the soundtrack, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the game.
“+ Mega Man-ish chiptune OST (very nostalgic)”
“To be frank, while I have started to pick back up my deep love for video games since the start of the pandemic, I have noticed a nostalgic difference with Gunrunner compared with the other games I have played - including, among other things, its absolute banger of a soundtrack, colorful and inviting vibes, and immersive bits and pieces (e.g., the helmet color mapping that corresponds to your health)!”
“+ Megaman-ish chiptune OST (very nostalgic)”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the leaderboard grinding aspect highly engaging, often feeling compelled to continue playing to improve their rankings.
“I can't pull myself away from grinding the leaderboard.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I find the grinding mechanics to be tedious and unfulfilling.”