Short and Sweet

I don’t know if anyone needs to hear this but I just want to let you know at the outset that Gunborg: Dark Matters is in fact NOT Star Trek related. I think I am just so desperate for a Star Trek game that I really had hoped this one was about Capt. Ben Sisko (my favorite ST Captain) going to enact some vengeance for taking his wife and ship from him at Wolf 359. Yes, this is all a stretch but I did say I was quite desperate; but enough about me let’s talk about Gunborg: Dark Matters.

The premise for Gunborg is simple: players are tasked with infiltrating a space ship and taking out various targets within. Players will begin each level with a sword instead of a gun but as progression is made and enemies are defeated players can pick up weapons and use them until they run out of ammo. While there are ammo crates that can appear, they are really far and between; so, you’ll really want to make your shots count if you don’t want to have to defeat a boss with just a sword…like this guy I know. Ahem.

MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $14.99

The other piece of equipment that is introduced and honestly what I think makes Gunborg the most unique is the energy shield. Not only is it used to block and deflect shots back toward enemies it is also used for navigation. Each level is set up kind of like the old school Mega Man corridors, so there will be obstacles and enemies’ in-between players and the door to the next room until they reach the boss. The aforementioned obstacles present by way of these jutting pinkish crystals that will line the floor and ceilings. Using the energy shield it’s possible to bounce off these crystals not only is it possible but it will be necessary to mix clever use of shield bouncing and regular jumps to navigate many areas.

Being able to successfully navigate these levels and defeat these enemies wouldn’t be possible without the smooth as silk controls that lone developer; Rickard Paulsson used in Gunborg. I must say that using the triggers and bumpers for jumping and attacking is starting to grow on me. Having adapted the style for Elden Ring, I have found success in other games that use it and Gunborg is no different. Each button has a function, one for jumping, attacking, energy shield and picking up weapons and it all felt incredibly smooth and natural to put into practice. I experienced no issues with lag or latency, and each time my head hit a glowing crystal and I died I knew it was because I pushed the jump button too hard. Movement and aiming felt just as natural using the analog sticks just as much as any other twin-stick shooter; having comfortable and familiar controls can go along way for player success, I think anyway.

The only issue I had with Gunborg was the games length, being able to be cleared in just over 2 hours; just when I felt like everything was coming together and all the systems clicked the game ended. On top of that there isn’t any real reason to replay it as players will see everything the game has to offer the first time through. There are 3 collectables hidden through each level but most can be picked up as you progress. Now I didn’t feel cheated or anything, I just would have loved to experience more. Which in this day and age can be accomplished with some dlc updates, but I don’t know if that’s in the cards for the developer. Also, I want to give him a special shout out again, Rickard Paulsson did an incredible job creating Gunborg. The slick neon futuristic 80’s vibe, the music, the pitch perfect controls… he really deserves all the success he gets from this game and I can’t wait to see his follow up titles.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.