Gunbrella is a Fantasy Novel Disguised as a Game
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Image coutesy of Devolver digital
I've got a problem. A metroidvania problem. I need more. Ever since I've played Hollow Knight, I've been searching for a game that would fulfill my need for exploration in a vast world. When I heard about a new metroidvania called Gunbrella I was very excited to try it out.
Well unfortunately, Gunbrella didn’t satisfy and I don’t quite know what to make of it.
It’s not a metroidvania
Even though Gunbrella is advertised as a metoidvania, I would classify it more as an adventure game. A staple of metroidvanias is non-linear exploration but the whole map feels like a long path that you're not allowed to leave. The way you move around the world is with a train that connects multiple isolated areas. Most of these areas have you going either to the left or the right with forking paths few and far between.
For a genre that is meant to focus on exploration, Gunbrella has very few opportunities to do so. The game also has several side quests that suffer from the linear design. Most of the quests are easy to complete because you never need to go out of your way to finish them and some of these quests are mandatory to beat the game which defeats the whole point of a side quest.
One of the main appeals of a metroidvania is the acquisition of new powers and abilities, but with Gunbrella there isn't much of that. At the start of the game, you get your gunbrella and that’s it aside from the various alternate ammo types. However, these items are limited and can be purchased at any shop at the earliest opportunity. I haven’t finished the game yet but the only permanent upgrade I've received was a special bullet that can kill one specific enemy.
There are, however, gun and health upgrades that feel more metroidy but finding something that lets your gun do slightly more damage isn't that exciting.
The gameplay is ok, but it's just ok
Despite my disappointment, there are some good things about this game. The combat and platforming systems are pretty fun though underutilized. I absolutely love using the gunbrella to fly all over the place and obliterate enemies. However, it’s a real shame that there are very few combat encounters to play with as you’ll be spending most of your time in towns or talking to other characters.
At least the story is good
The one thing that I have no problems with is the story because It’s pretty good. Since the game is mainly story-focused, it works more as an adventure game than anything. The game takes place in a 1930s type fantasy world and is about a woodsman who comes home one day to find his wife murdered and the only clue left at the scene of the crime is the titular gunbrella. And with that, you’re thrust into a story of revenge with monsters, cults, and dwindling natural resources.
As mentioned earlier, I haven't finished the game yet, but the story so far has been excellent as well as immersive. I’ve enjoyed going around the world investigating leads, sneaking around, and interacting with characters.
In conclusion, while Gunbrella isn't a very good game in terms of gameplay it has a very nice story that’s worth checking out. I’d recommend this game if you’re a new or inexperienced gamer or if you're just looking for a story. If you’re a longtime gamer, you’re better off reading a book.
I’m Nicholas, an aspiring author who’s too busy playing games instead of actually writing something. I love fast-paced boomer shooters, really long metroidvanias, and hardcore action platformers. My list of favourites includes Ultrakill, Hollow Knight, Deep Rock Galactic, and Blasphemous. If you're tired of big-budget AAA games letting you down and want to dive into the world of weird obscure indie games, I’m your guy.
