Review: Gungrave G.O.R.E. – Amazing Old-Style Shooter

Apparently, nobody expects the Spanish inquisition, and, what is more likely, nobody has expected the comeback of one of the more intriguing series straight from Sony Ps2 times. This game has taken the gameplay from Devil May Cry and mixed it with a FPS shooter style. Does Gungrave G.O.R.E. do the trick as it used to?

The idea behind a shooter-stylized gameplay sounds great in theory. However, until this very day Gungrave games never seemed to get it quite right. Now, nearly 18 years have passed, and this iconic title rises from the ashes, and tries to prove that such gameplay style still has the potential, as it used to back in 2002 and 2004.

Gungrave G.O.R.E. has the same  ‘fighting spirit’ as young Jean-Claude Van Damme in the ‘Bloodsport’ movie.

The developers of Iggymob and Red Entertainment decided to take a brave step, and abandoned the idea of transforming their game into a modern-looking piece with an open world etc. – rather than doing so, they’ve created a game 100% inspired by the Playstation 2 era. So, one can say Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a stylish shooter with roots going back to the original games released literally 20 years ago – and one can taste it with every bite. 

However, is it really a good idea? Well, it depends on your approach. Personally, I’m a hardcore Ps2 fan, and I still play the classic titles on my “old black lady”, so, to my mind, Gungrave G.O.R.E. was a joyful and nostalgic journey to the world of retro videogame consoles.

If you’re not fond of such flashbacks, and admire more modern types of games, you probably shouldn’t grab it – because Gungrave G.O.R.E. is the materialization of both the best and the worst concepts of that time. As for the plot, it’s the continuation of the events, which took place in Gungrave Overdose. Playing as Grave, we carry on fighting against the syndicate responsible for worldwide dealing of the dangerous drug known as SEED. Generally speaking, a shooting game plot is just an excuse for the forthcoming action, however, this time, it fits quite decently.

Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a hardcore retro title

The most important role is played by the gameplay, which, according to the developers, has significantly changed since 2004, but is it really true? On the one hand, it is – more often we have to deal with hand-to-hand combat, using a coffin attached to the chains. If you haven’t played the original games for 20 years, you would get the impression that the game scheme is the same, but with better audio-visuals. Our infamous hero takes hundreds of enemies down with his gun, and smacks them on the heads with the coffin, not to mention his special skill – a gigantic explosive round that wipes out  a whole area.

Considering that Gungrave G.O.R.E. is retro-stylized game, it’s really decent, and there are no major cons – the Playstation 2 era magic does the trick for fanatics like me. However, if you’re used to extremely dynamic games like Devil May Cry 5 or Vanguish, you may feel some kind of sloppiness. Moving your character around is mundane and slow, so you could actually think that you’re playing an original Ps2 game. Moreover, the mission schemes bring back old memories.

Every task takes place in tight corridors, which, from time to time, bring you to a bigger arena with no side path, and, unfortunately, no cubbyholes or secrets – during my gameplay, I fruitlessly inspected every wall, searching for hidden rooms, challenges etc. – the only thing you can do, is to go straight from point A to point B. Unfortunately, almost every mission uses the same scheme, and, when the developers try to break the routine, they do it in a typical Ps2 era style – they serve you a frustrating time attack mission, or a rescue mission. Of course, some players may find it attractive – players like me.

Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a tribute to retro-lovers.

The combat system can give you lots of joy, and the bloody-meaty style of the series, will steal the hearts of the players, who enjoy pure and unlimited demolition.

Korean team of Iggymob has put its efforts into making a game that respects all the classic rules of PS2, and, I must admit, they’ve done a great job – If it wasn’t for the beautiful modern graphics, I would think I was playing an original game on the Sony’s old box.

If you really have a sweet tooth for the retro-stylized games, than you’re in the right place. Gungrave G.O.R.E. stands for an escape from the gigantic open worlds filled with micropayments.

Pros

•           Classic gameplay

•           Continuity of the gameplay

•           Created with retro Ps2 players in mind

•           Three playable characters

•           Decent soundtrack

Cons

•           Mundane locations

•           No secrets

•           Modern players may find the Ps2 style annoying

•           Irregular difficulty level

Gungrave G.O.R.E is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, as well as via Xbox Game Pass.