Service with a Shotgun

About

Service with a Shotgun is a single player action game. It was developed by Nolyn Vansyckle and was released on November 6, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

In "Service with a Shotgun," you manage a rundown roadside shop during a chaotic zombie apocalypse, juggling bizarre customers and relentless undead threats. This unique blend of visual novel storytelling and frantic shooter action challenges you to survive hectic shifts through quick shooting, defense-building, and sharp dialogue. Expect escalating chaos, strange allies, and desperate situations as the story unfolds.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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96%

Audience ScoreBased on 57 reviews

story14 positive mentions

The game features a unique blend of visual novel and tower defense mechanics, providing an engaging and fun experience.
The writing is humorous and touching, with well-developed characters and an interesting story that keeps players invested.
Each chapter introduces new gameplay elements, preventing stagnation and maintaining a fresh experience throughout.

The game is relatively short, leaving some players wanting more content and depth.
Progress can be frustratingly reset when restarting chapters, which can hinder enjoyment and progression.
Some players found the writing quality to decline in later chapters, with characters becoming less relatable and the humor feeling forced.

story
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
26%
13%
The story in "Service with a Shotgun" is widely praised for its engaging narrative, charming characters, and effective pacing that balances storytelling with action. Players appreciate the mix of humor, plot twists, and character development, which enhance the overall experience without overstaying their welcome. The game successfully combines visual novel elements with action, making it a fulfilling and enjoyable journey for those who appreciate story-driven gameplay.
- “I don't usually leave serious reviews but wow this game was so good and touching. Sure it wasn't super action-packed the whole time (I'm not gonna lie, I played on the visual novel setting, okay..) but the story was really, really cool.”
- “The developer shows a strong understanding of pacing, keeping the story beats and action moments interwoven enough that neither overstays its welcome.”
- “I won't spoil anything, but the story has some fun twists and turns, and the chapter-based format makes it perfect for bite-sized sessions.”
- “No chapter or plot line overstays its welcome.”
- “Decent story, likable characters, pretty human writing.”
- “The dialogue of the characters you speak to has a great combo of sarcasm, humor, and actual story relevance.”
gameplay
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
52%
13%
The gameplay in "service with a shotgun" is characterized by a satisfying blend of storytelling and simple mechanics, featuring a balance between conversation and combat that evolves with each chapter. Players appreciate the gradual introduction of new mechanics and the engaging interactions with NPCs, although some find the gameplay flow lacking and desire more complexity. Overall, the game offers a fun and memorable experience, particularly for those who enjoy story-driven gameplay.
- “The gameplay structure revolves around a balance between conversation and combat.”
- “Each chapter had a different twist on the gameplay, and the story was pleasant and engaging.”
- “Fun adventure and cool gameplay, really enjoyed my time with all the characters!”
- “The game is super simple though if you're expecting complex mechanics.”
- “The entire game I've been wondering when I'd be able to finally get a damn turret. How are you gonna tease me with automation mechanics and not even let me touch them?”
- “The gameplay is really simple and is handled solely with the mouse, which is a nice change of pace.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and clever writing, with NPC interactions and dialogue offering a blend of sarcasm and story relevance that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the layered characters and the overall fun atmosphere, though some feel the humor may not resonate with everyone. Overall, the game's comedic elements contribute significantly to its appeal, making it both enjoyable and touching at times.
- “This is such a sweet, fun, extremely funny game.”
- “Characters are great, writing is amazing and funny, great music and the graphics complement it all.”
- “The dialogue of the characters you speak to has a great combo of sarcasm, humor, and actual story relevance.”
graphics
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their charm and unique art style, which effectively complement the storytelling and overall atmosphere. While some reviewers note that the visuals are not high-budget, the minimalist approach enhances the game's mood, creating an immersive experience. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's appeal, alongside its engaging characters and writing.
- “Characters are great, writing is amazing and funny, great music and the graphics compliment it all.”
- “The presentation leans into a gritty, retro-inspired aesthetic that complements the tone.”
- “The music is great, the graphics have a ton of charm, and the story and characters are a fun delight.”
- “It's not a high-budget production, but its minimalism is a weakness: the visuals and audio emphasize mood over spectacle, immersing you in a world that feels empty, tired, and quietly desperate.”
- “The presentation leans into a gritty, retro-inspired aesthetic that detracts from the overall experience.”
- “While I appreciate the art style, the graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
38%
The music in "service with a shotgun" is widely praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere, featuring a mix of slow, atmospheric tracks that build into energetic themes during combat. Reviewers appreciate the charming soundtrack, which complements the engaging story and characters, although some noted a lack of music in certain levels that felt awkward. Overall, the music is considered a standout element, adding significant value to the gaming experience.
- “The concepts are fun, with good music and a relaxing atmosphere, the zombies making it a little stressful but in a good way. The game had a lot of potential, and the first two chapters were pretty fun.”
- “The music is great, the graphics have a ton of charm, and the story and characters are a fun delight.”
- “The only nitpick I have is that the big level (you know the one) needs some music; it's awkwardly quiet.”
- “The soundtrack further reinforces this mood with slow, atmospheric tracks that rise into more frantic energy during combat.”
- “(The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission!)”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its emotional depth, focusing on personal stories and meaningful interactions among characters, which create a touching and charming experience. While it may not be action-packed, its narrative effectively balances humor and heartfelt moments, resonating strongly with players.
- “I don't usually leave serious reviews, but wow, this game was so good and touching. Sure, it wasn't super action-packed the whole time (I'm not gonna lie, I played on the visual novel setting, okay?), but the story was really, really cool.”
- “Instead, it focuses on personal stories, fleeting conversations, and tiny emotional beats shared between survivors who have nowhere else to go.”
- “There is a lot of charm to it all, and it is decently touching as well as funny at certain times.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a fun and relaxing vibe, enhanced by a well-crafted soundtrack that shifts from calm to intense during combat. The unique premise and thoughtful writing contribute to a memorable experience, while the presence of zombies adds a layer of enjoyable tension. Overall, the atmosphere effectively balances relaxation with moments of stress, making for an engaging gameplay experience.
- “The soundtrack further reinforces this mood with slow, atmospheric tracks that rise into more frantic energy during combat.”
- “Its unique premise, atmospheric presentation, gradual mechanical progression, and thoughtful writing give it a memorable character despite its modest scope.”
- “The concepts are fun, with good music and a relaxing atmosphere, the zombies making it a little stressful but in a good way.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers appreciate the strong integration of storytelling and character development within the game, highlighting how these elements enhance the overall experience, particularly in the context of fighting zombies.
- “I loved the mix of storytelling, character development, and fighting zombies.”