Stuck in the past
We often hear comparisons to games from the past. Saying a game feels like it is from a previous era is relatively common and rarely accurate. In the case of Gungrave G.O.R.E. though it is extremely accurate. This ballet of bullets feels like it was designed during the PS2 era in both structure and awkward control options. Things feel like they are still learning what modern controls are. If you played games during that time you know exactly what I mean. There wasn’t a standard on how third-person shooters should work. Weird button mappings and stiff aiming make what should be a mindless fun feel like a slog through molasses.
Each level kicks off with the simple task of words plastered across the screen: ‘Kick Their Ass.’ It is a simple request and essentially all the game offers. Levels are linear with only slight variations in direction. Enemies come barreling at our main character like they cannot wait to perish. These are the quintessential ingredients for a mindless action game. From screenshots and videos it seems like the game would play akin to something like Devil May Cry. A mixture of ranged and melee combat combined for a wreckless good time. Instead everything feels awkward.
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
Aiming down sights with the left bumper is questionable. Having to stand still to parry incoming attacks is absurd. Top it all off with the fact that you have to constantly tap the right trigger to fire bullets consistently instead of holding it down and it feels like the game wants to reject your fun. All questionable decisions that make it feel like a date entry that doesn’t understand the normal conventions games have silently agreed to.
The story of G.O.R.E. actually follows up the previous two VR entries. Players are once again thrown into the shoes (or boots) of Beyond the Grave. His friends just call him Grave though. He and the other members of El-Al Cahnel are tasked with destroying the thought to be eradicated drug called SEED. This time it is being sold to the Raven Clan, so Grave and his team which consists of returning characters Mika and Dr. Aso as well as a new face named Quartz. Yeah the story is ridiculous, but fun. I never felt the need to know the history, but for those that do the game has a nice little section in the main menu to catch up on the lore. Yes, there is Gungrave lore.
On paper the combat sounds amazing. Grave has his coffin that can be used for melee attacks as well as his trusty pistols to mow down hordes. The coffin can also be used to deflect some attacks and Grave has a collection of special moves that are executed using a secondary meter that are truly a spectacle to witness. The game sounds like it has all the trappings of a fun, mindless action game. Then in practice it falls apart. Everything feels stiff. Combat does not flow well. Movement feels off and aiming down sights feels jerky most of the time. The game has a generous auto aim which makes up for the frustration, but it never feels as fun as it should.
The campaign runs around 12-14 hours depending on difficulty, but it feels longer. The game just never mixes up the combat enough to maintain interest. Boss battles are the highlight, but even those start to wear out their welcome far too soon. The hook to the combat is the Beat Count. Think of it as a combo counter that increases as Grave attacks. It can go up into the thousands for skilled players and it gives access to a rapid fire attack called Storm Barrage. The attack is a spectacle, like most of the attacks in the game, but keeping the count going can be a challenge. Players can continue their counts with objects in the world when enemies run dry. The sad part is it doesn’t feel as rewarding as it should. Enemies are fodder for the most part so regular attacks take them down just fine. That is the biggest crux of this game. Nothing feels rewarding or as fun as it should.
I do love the look of the game. The characters, enemies, and bosses all look fantastic. The levels are also extremely interesting in their design. It is impressive considering there are 31 levels in total, and each one felt like it brought something unique to the table. The enemy designs do taper off though. After about ten levels they start to repeat which is disappointing. The frame rate holds true and I do love the wacky design of the main characters. This game is anime as hell and it shows. The intro drives that fact home and the music is exactly what you are envisioning in your mind right now. Excellent.
Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a game that feels stuck in the past. The design is excellent, the characters are fun, but the game just gets so repetitive and boring far too quickly. It isn’t a long game either and it feels like it is. That is not a good sign. I wanted to love it more than I did as I love the universe and have fond memories of those older PS2 games. This just feels like a continuation of those without the modern design and control scheme, and that drags down the fun factor over time.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
