Squirrel with a Gun, as you’d expect from the title, is a quirky shooter that puts a unique spin on the sandbox genre by centering the action around an armed squirrel. Developed by Dee Dee Creations and published by Maximum Entertainment, the game offers a bizarre yet entertaining experience on the PlayStation 5. Players take on the role of a mischievous squirrel equipped with firearms, navigating a suburban neighborhood while collecting golden acorns and battling secret agents. Does the novelty wear off though? We checked it out.
The game’s premise is immediately eye-catching due to its absurdity, and the fun comes from embracing the sheer chaos it allows. One moment, you’re terrorizing pedestrians or outsmarting agents; the next, you’re using weapon recoil to boost yourself through the air to solve platforming puzzles. The contrast between the cuteness of the little squirrel and the firepower it wields creates a comedic effect that’s hard to resist, making for plenty of entertaining gameplay moments.
Mechanically, the game is luckily more than just a gimmick. It presents a variety of puzzles that require creative solutions, often involving the clever use of weapons to overcome environmental challenges. Using firearms as tools to solve puzzles is not only amusing but also adds a surprising layer of depth to the otherwise chaotic gameplay. That said, some of the puzzle sections feel repetitive after a while, and the novelty of gun-boosting through the air can wear thin over time.
When it comes to combat, Squirrel with a Gun offers an arcade-like shooting experience that feels responsive. However, the AI of enemies, particularly the agents, can feel a bit simplistic at times, making the encounters more of a distraction than a genuine challenge. The customization options, such as unlocking new weapons and cosmetic items, add some replay value, but the core combat remains lighthearted and not too difficult to master.
Visually, the game strikes a balance between a cartoony style and some surprisingly detailed environments, giving the squirrel’s antics a grounded feel within a suburban landscape. The audio design complements the gameplay well, with upbeat tunes setting the tone for playful exploration and over-the-top firefights. The sound effects, especially the gunfire from such an unexpected protagonist, further emphasize the game’s silly premise.
Overall, Squirrel with a Gun delivers exactly what its title suggests: a mix of absurd humor and sandbox chaos, backed by surprisingly solid mechanics. While it might not offer the depth of more serious titles, it knows its niche and thrives within it. The game’s biggest strength is in its ability to make players smile and be entertained, whether through hilarious interactions with the environment or the novelty of being a tiny rodent causing large-scale mayhem. If you’re looking for a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers a good dose of fun, Squirrel with a Gun is worth picking up – just don’t expect it to hold your attention for the long haul.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 