Gunfire Reborn, developed by Duoyi Games and published by 505 Games, is a level-based adventure game that combines elements of FPS, roguelite, and RPG genres. In this cooperative experience, players can control unique heroes with different abilities as they venture through procedurally-generated levels and collect randomly-dropped weapons. Having been released on PC and Xbox before, we’ve now been able to check it out on a PlayStation 5.
Starting with the premise and narrative, Gunfire Reborn lacks a complex story but provides a suitable backdrop for the gameplay. Players are introduced to a posada, a type of inn, where they encounter anthropomorphic heroes in their quest for survival. The game focuses more on empowering the characters and progressing through acts rather than delivering a deep narrative experience.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Gunfire Reborn offers satisfying gunplay and an expansive build system. The game follows a roguelike structure, with players starting in a dungeon and progressing through randomized levels filled with enemies. The combat is fast-paced and requires strategy as players utilize cover, reload, and aim to defeat their foes. Each playthrough grants skill points that can be used to enhance the character’s abilities, creating a sense of progression and replayability.
Gunfire Reborn boasts a wide variety of weapons and over 100 different items, allowing players to experiment with diverse builds. From traditional firearms to magical and extravagant weapons, the game offers a range of options to suit different playstyles. Additionally, the inclusion of elemental effects adds depth to the combat system. The fire, corrosion, and lightning effects each have unique properties that can be applied to weapons and interact with enemy vulnerabilities. Upgrading these elemental effects using scrolls obtained from various sources further enhances the gameplay experience.
While Gunfire Reborn excels in gameplay, it falls a bit short in terms of visuals and audio. The art style draws inspiration from the Borderlands series, featuring cel-shaded visuals reminiscent of the popular franchise. However, the game’s visuals and character models could benefit from more polish and variety, and levels can feel visually empty even though there’s plenty of action going on. On the audio front, Gunfire Reborn lacks standout sound design or a memorable soundtrack, with the audio elements being serviceable but not particularly noteworthy.
In terms of multiplayer, Gunfire Reborn can be played cooperatively with up to three other players, making it a more enjoyable experience when shared with friends. The game’s cooperative nature emphasizes teamwork and coordination, elevating the overall enjoyment and providing an opportunity for strategic gameplay.
While Gunfire Reborn offers an enjoyable gameplay experience, the repetitive nature of the themed levels and the lack of differentiation within each section can be a drawback. However, the game’s smooth gunplay, expansive build system, and cooperative gameplay make it a worthwhile experience, and it’s easy to see why this was so well-received on other platforms.
In conclusion, Gunfire Reborn offers a satisfying blend of FPS, roguelite, and RPG elements, providing an engaging gameplay experience. While it may not bring groundbreaking innovations to the genre, the game’s strengths lie in its skill and build system, alongside its cooperative multiplayer mode. With its distinct art style and enjoyable gunplay, Gunfire Reborn is worth exploring as the next action-packed roguelite for fans of the genre.
Score: 7.6/10
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