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Xcandy
04-17-2002, 05:03 AM
Gunvalkyrie

Our review of Gunvalkyrie

Gameplay:

I found that this game was created with the more experienced gamers in mind. A understanding and working of the controls is a needed and getting further in the game is impossible unless you master them. The game is too short to with just 10 levels, Gun Valkyrie is targeted more towards its replay value than out-of-the-box game time. When compared to games like Halo and Rallisport this seems way to short It tries to incorporate new and innovative aspects into the game that try to make up for that downfall. The majority of Gun Valkyrie is spent in heavy combat. In the attempt to boost game play they failed to incorporate any multiplayer modes whatsoever. This game needs multiplayer of any sort

The controls of the game are absolutely necessary to become familiarized with. About as hard on your controller as they are on your hands, playing a couple hours of Gun Valkyrie would constitute as a mini workout. Many people have said the the controls are awfull, but they are not they are pure gunious but it does take a little time to get used to them.

This game would obviously not suit those with poor hand eye coordination or poor motor skills.

The game is complete with huge interactive levels. Gun Valkyrie places the character at the starting point of ginourmous maps with a mission objective / challenge. The missions range from obtaining special weapons and documents, eliminating all foes in a level, and beating time challenges. Simple game engineering makes these tasks very hard.

The large open spaces of desolate valleys allow for perfect combat arenas. Level design remains a domineering factor in Gun Valkyrie.

The bulk of your time will be spent in the air ducking and cavorting your way through your masses of enemies. The game gives the player the option of choosing between two Gun Valkyrie agents. You can go for speed in the air with Kelly, or you can focus your strengths on power with Saburouta. Both agents are equipped with suits for GV Commandos, called Gearskins. These are your wings throughout the game. Hold down the left trigger to take flight far above your enemies. Once in the air is where it gets tricky. The Gearskin has a limited fuel cell that rejuvenates only when you are on the ground. You can do a special move called a boost dash in the air that allows you to make quick spurts in all directions. By pressing down on the left joystick and moving it in the direction you want to dash, While moving, you rotate the right joystick to look around and get a better angle on the situation. This is especially useful when you are in situations where the enemy is literally everywhere and you must do your best to avoid being caught in it.

Some of the weapons are available to both of the agents, and some are tailored to meet the specific strengths of a Kelly for example, uses the heat blaster that has low firepower, but allows her to maintain her mobility. Saburouta wields the matchlock cannon that has enormous power and damage but fires very slowly. Both of them have the plasma hook available that will allow them to reach areas they normally would not be able to. Each of the weapons can be accessed in game by hitting X, Y, or B. When you kill enemies, they may release an item called a GV Fuel Ball. A red fuel ball with increase your characters health. A blue fuel ball will regain your GV Fuel Gauge. When you have enough blue balls, you will be eligible to do special attacks which will dispatch enemies more effectively. You can also do boost dash combos to increase your GV Fuel Gauge. By doing many dash combos you will become much more versatile throughout the game, and you will have plenty of energy stored up to get yourself out of sticky situations.

An interesting part of the game play is the implementation of Gun Valkyrie Points (GVP) at the completion of each level. When you clear a mission, you are graded on your clear time, the number of enemies you defeated, your boost technique, your extras discovery, and whether or not you get a bonus. You are then given a rating based on your points. S for superior, A for excellent, B for above average, C for average, and D for below average. Your score is recorded in the GV record book for that particular level as well. Which makes this game excallent replayability because you always want to beat your scores.

Graphics/Audio:

Smilebit has broke away from their traditional cell shading and incorporated fully 3D rendered character models. The character models are nicely rendered and how the camera follows them throughout the levels adds to the game.

Gunvalkyrie manages to pull off all the elements of a sci-fi action thriller perfectly with enchanting audio. The music is cued up at just the right times to allow for added dramaticism or to pump you up for a big fight. All of the little quirks like the mutant noises coming from the insects and the dreamlike atmosphere of some of the more difficult levels are nicely portrayed through the audio.

Rating: 8/10


Goto Xcandy.co.uk for more

Ninja Scroll
04-17-2002, 08:54 AM
HEY YO!

over in the "new release" forums we have an offical GUNVAKYRIE thread over there.
check it out playa, lots of discussions, opinions, love, & hatered for this game. Good thread.:)

Afro Aura
04-17-2002, 11:09 AM
and where can you get the soundtrack from, it's great