Jet Gunner
- August 4, 2014
- Sinclair Strange
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam"Jet Gunner" is a fast-paced, side-scrolling shooter game that features intense action and vintage graphics. As a mercenary named Sinclair, players must navigate through various levels while battling against hordes of enemies and powerful bosses. With a wide range of weapons and special abilities, players can customize their playstyle and strategize to overcome challenges. The game also includes local co-op mode for up to 4 players.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Authentic retro feel reminiscent of classic NES platformers, capturing the nostalgia of old games.
- Challenging gameplay that provides a sense of achievement when completing difficult levels.
- Variety of weapons and mechanics, including a jetpack, that add depth to the gameplay.
- Unfair enemy placement and instant attacks from enemies can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Controls and movement can feel unresponsive or awkward, detracting from the overall experience.
- Randomized weapon pickups can lead to situations where players are left with ineffective weapons, making progression difficult.
- gameplay65 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising its retro aesthetics and mechanics reminiscent of classic titles like Mega Man and Contra, while others criticize its janky mechanics, frustrating knockback effects, and unbalanced enemy placements. Although the jetpack mechanic adds a unique twist, many players find the overall execution lacking polish and often veering into punishing territory rather than challenging. Overall, while the game offers nostalgic fun for some, it struggles with design flaws that detract from the experience.
“The graphics, the sound, and the gameplay quality are all fine, and the challenge is great, especially in the last levels.”
“Pure retro jump-n-shoot gameplay from the NES era, good chiptune music, good controls, varied enemies and levels, does not become repetitive nor does it overstay its welcome.”
“Fantastic gameplay and that 'retro' feel.”
“Up to that point you deal with a lot of janky mechanics and terrible weapon design.”
“The worst thing this game had going for it was stage 5 and its reduced gravity and knockback mechanics.”
“The same mechanics are all here, but they're clunky and unrefined; lacking polish and inspiration as if designed to intentionally bore the player, perhaps in the hopes that they quit playing before happening upon the later stages in the game which feature cheap deaths and frustrating gimmicks in place of creative level designs and solid combat.”
- graphics43 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are primarily praised for their retro aesthetic, effectively capturing the look and feel of classic NES titles with vibrant colors and pixelated designs. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm, others note that the graphics lack detail and can sometimes confuse foreground and background elements. Overall, the visuals are considered decent for a retro game, though opinions vary on their execution and appeal.
“Graphics are excellent for what they were going for; levels are well laid out and boss battles are fair.”
“The visual aesthetic is very nice, with colors that absolutely pop, though certain foreground elements looked like background elements and vice versa.”
“Quite a solid platformer which stays true to NES aesthetics in sprite work, palette choices, and music.”
“The graphics leave much to be desired in actual detail; there are even some times when you can mistake the background for a wall or a platform.”
“I had high hopes for Jet Gunner being I had it on my wishlist for so long but with the technical issues, ugly artwork, and questionable game design I can't suggest this game even with its low price.”
“I can respect that some people might want retro graphics and retro gameplay, but I truly feel that it's completely overdone at this point.”
- music39 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its retro 8-bit style and nostalgic feel, while others criticize it for being repetitive, poorly looped, and lacking memorability compared to classic NES titles. A few reviewers highlight standout tracks, but many express disappointment, suggesting that the soundtrack could have been significantly improved with more varied instrumentation and better composition. Overall, while the music fits the retro aesthetic, it often fails to leave a lasting impression.
“Very nice game, good music too!”
“Pure retro jump-n-shoot gameplay from the NES era, good chiptune music, good controls, varied enemies and levels, does not become repetitive nor does it overstay its welcome.”
“The music and sound effects for this game are perfect.”
“Music could have been better (fuller sound with more varied instruments, less repetitive at some parts; best track was the stage 5 bgm).”
“The music, while not very special, isn't horrible either, but loops terribly enough that you can hear where it cuts off to repeat the current song.”
“Sadly, the music doesn't compare to most decent NES games' OSTs, and is unfittingly quite poor in comparison to the rest of the game's quality.”
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and often considered a non-essential aspect, with many reviewers noting its simplicity and lack of depth typical of classic 8-bit games. While some find the storyline exhilarating, others criticize it for being cheesy and poorly executed, suggesting that the gameplay mechanics and challenges compensate for the lack of a substantial narrative. Overall, the consensus is that the story serves more as a backdrop for the arcade experience rather than a focal point.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Although the story and the setting are as simple as it gets (which is a non-issue), the game has enough unique features and mechanics for it not to be just a nostalgia throwback clone.”
“- an exhilarating storyline”
“There really isn't a whole lot of a story to this game, but as it's emulating the classic 8-bit style games of old, I'm not really too concerned about it.”
“Additionally, due to the cheesiness of the text and the lack of explanation to get involved in the story, it feels like cheap writing that sounds like a three-year-old made it, along with monkey-looking characters.”
“The main story is quite short on normal mode, but at least the challenges fill in the time.”
- stability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has significant stability issues, with users reporting frequent glitches, buggy hitboxes, and problems with fullscreen and windowed modes. Overall, the experience is marred by persistent technical problems that detract from gameplay.
“The game doesn't work with my Xbox controller; it sometimes glitches out a bit most of the time.”
“What lies underneath the veneer of 'nostalgia' is a buggy, ugly mess.”
“Really buggy hitbox and hit detection.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it both funny and engaging. However, some reviewers suggest that the humor may not appeal to everyone, comparing it to specific styles like Ninja Gaiden or Clash at Demonhead. Overall, it is considered a cheap and entertaining option for those who appreciate its comedic elements.
“I like this game; it's very funny and interesting.”
“It's a cheap and funny game.”
“Either go for Ninja Gaiden-style quality, Clash at Demonhead-style humor, or just don't bother.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game evokes nostalgia for the 90s, but some players feel it lacks depth and balance, with a forced difficulty that detracts from a meaningful experience. Overall, while it has interesting elements, it may not resonate emotionally for everyone.
“It made me feel like I am back in the 90s!”
“All in all, it's an interesting little game, but for me, it felt a bit rushed and unbalanced, forcefully trying to be harder with the player without any heartfelt goal.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and overwhelming, leading to a negative impact on their overall enjoyment.
“Gets tedious and overwhelming fast.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive.”
“It quickly becomes a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's use of a classic square resolution limits its replayability, as it does not take advantage of widescreen formats that could enhance the overall experience and playability.
“This game forces itself upon using the classic square resolution rather than utilizing widescreen to its advantage, making it less playable.”
“The lack of meaningful choices and consequences means there's little incentive to replay the game.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's not much left to draw you back in for a second playthrough.”
