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CRITIK

Enter the Gungeon

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Enter the Gungeon
Item: Enter the Gungeon
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Shooter, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 5, 2016

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperDodge Roll

Overview

Enter the Gungeon is a gunfight dungeon crawler following a band of regretful misfits seeking to shoot, loot, dodge roll and table-flip their way to personal absolution by reaching the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past. Select a hero and battle your way to the bot¬tom of the Gungeon by surviving a challenging and evolving series of floors filled with the dangerously adorable Gundead and fearsome Gungeon bosses armed to the teeth. Gather precious loot, discover hidden secrets, and chat with opportunistic merchants and shopkeepers to purchase powerful items to gain an edge.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Enter the Gungeon are overall positive. CGMagazine, EGM, and Gameplanet appreciate the setup and narrative premise of the game, with characters embarking on a quest to find a weapon to kill their past, encountering gun-themed elements, engaging characters, and tough battles along the way. IGN and GameSpace also highlight the unique and charming tone of the story, with IGN specifically mentioning the giant uber-bullet falling from the sky as a central plot point. Nintendo Life praises the world-building and humor present in the game, adding depth to the overall storytelling experience. On the other hand, some critics such as Shacknews, DarkStation, and GameCritics find the story of Enter the Gungeon to be basic or minimal in development. Shacknews mentions the straightforward goal of killing the past with a magic gun found in the Gungeon, while DarkStation and GameCritics note the lack of significant story progression beyond the premise of finding a gun to erase the past. This minimal narrative focus may leave some players wanting more depth or complexity in the storytelling aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Enter the Gungeon's story may be simple or basic in nature, it effectively serves the gameplay experience by providing a solid foundation for the action-packed dungeon-crawling adventure. Critics like Arcade Sushi and GameCrate appreciate how the narrative complements the gameplay mechanics, adding an interesting element to the overall experience. Despite varying opinions on the depth of the story, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's ability to immerse players in its world through engaging characters, humor, and a unique premise centered around finding a powerful weapon to alter the past.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on the story of Enter the Gungeon: some praise its engaging characters and unique premise of finding a weapon to alter the past, while others find it basic and lacking depth. Despite differing views, most agree that the story complements the gameplay well, adding an interesting element to the action-packed adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the gameplay of Enter the Gungeon, highlighting its engaging and challenging mechanics. Critics such as GameSpot, Gameplanet, and The Digital Fix commended the tight combat, dodge rolling, and variety of weapons that added depth to the gameplay experience. The game's blend of twin-stick shooting, roguelike elements, and bullet-hell mechanics was well-received, providing players with a dynamic and fulfilling gameplay loop. The dodge roll ability, diverse enemy types, and satisfying controls were consistently mentioned as standout features that contributed to the game's overall positive reception. While the overall sentiment towards Enter the Gungeon's gameplay was highly positive, some critics did point out a few drawbacks. CGMagazine noted issues with spongy bosses and slow progression, which could potentially hinder the pacing of the game for some players. ActionTrip mentioned that the gameplay mechanics were quite basic, focusing primarily on shooting and dodging, which may not offer enough complexity for certain players seeking more intricate gameplay systems. These criticisms, however, were in the minority compared to the overwhelming praise for the game's engaging and challenging gameplay mechanics. In conclusion, Enter the Gungeon received widespread acclaim for its exceptional gameplay, with critics lauding its blend of twin-stick shooting, roguelike elements, and bullet-hell mechanics. The game's challenging yet rewarding gameplay loop, diverse arsenal of weapons, and strategic mechanics like dodge rolling and cover usage were highlighted as key strengths. Despite a few minor criticisms regarding boss difficulty and gameplay simplicity, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority finding the gameplay of Enter the Gungeon to be dynamic, engaging, and highly enjoyable.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about Enter the Gungeon's engaging gameplay, praising its tight combat, diverse weapons, and challenging mechanics. Despite some minor criticisms about boss fights and basic gameplay mechanics, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive. The game's blend of twin-stick shooting, roguelike elements, and bullet-hell mechanics provided players with a dynamic and fulfilling experience, making it a hit among critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Enter the Gungeon are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as GameSpot, Gameplanet, and The Digital Fix praise the game for its charming and unique visual style, featuring pixel art that is both visually appealing and well-detailed. The retro-inspired pixelated artwork mixed with contemporary styles, as mentioned by GameSpot, adds to the game's overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the game's gun-themed visuals, revolver chamber iconography, and enemies based on bullets or guns, as highlighted by CGMagazine and We Got This Covered, contribute to a cohesive and engaging visual design that complements the gameplay experience. The variety of guns with different designs, as noted by EGM, also adds depth to the visual aspect of the game. On the downside, some critics point out occasional performance issues with the graphics. We Got This Covered mentions slowdowns and performance problems on the Nintendo Switch version, while ICXM and PSNStores note occasional framerate drops and stuttering on the Xbox One and PS4 respectively. Metro GameCentral also highlights that the bullets-as-monsters character design can become repetitive over time. These technical issues and design repetitions could potentially detract from the overall visual experience of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Enter the Gungeon. The game's pixel art style, detailed sprites, and creative enemy and boss designs are widely praised for their charm and appeal. Critics such as GamingTrend and NintendoWorldReport commend the colorful and intricately animated visuals, while GameCrate and Game Debate appreciate how the visuals complement the gameplay seamlessly. Despite some minor performance issues and design repetitions pointed out by a few critics, the majority agree that Enter the Gungeon's graphics and visual design enhance the overall experience of the game, making it a visually engaging and memorable title for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Enter the Gungeon's charming pixel art style and creative designs, praising its unique visuals and gun-themed graphics. While some mention performance issues like slowdowns and repetitive character designs, the majority agree that the game's graphics enhance the overall experience, making it visually engaging and memorable across platforms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Enter the Gungeon are largely positive. Critics like GameSpot, Gameplanet, and Push Square praise the energetic and whimsical soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Gameplanet specifically mentions the crisp audio and pumping soundtrack that elevate the combat experience. GameSpace and CGMagazine also highlight the cool and incredible soundtrack of the game, respectively. The use of electronic scores and pulsating soundtracks, as noted by Push Square and Gaming Nexus, keeps players engaged during intense battles and exploration, contributing to the overall immersive experience. Vooks appreciates how the music and sounds complement the gameplay, creating an immersive experience that adds to the charm of the game. On the flip side, some critics express mixed feelings about the memorability of the music in Enter the Gungeon. PSNStores notes that while the music fits the game well, only the title theme stands out as memorable. DarkStation struggles to recall specific pieces outside of the sounds of gunfire, suggesting that the accompanying music may be less memorable for some players. GameCrate mentions that while the chiptunes complement the gameplay, they may not be as memorable, with the sound effects of gun firing taking precedence over the music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Enter the Gungeon features a sound design and music that significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy appreciate how the audio presentation complements the action-packed gameplay, while GameSpew and Arcade Sushi highlight the dynamic and rocking electronic soundtrack that changes based on gameplay situations. Despite some concerns about the memorability of the music, the majority of critics find the sound design and music to be a positive aspect of the game, contributing to its overall charm and immersive qualities.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise the energetic and whimsical soundtrack of Enter the Gungeon, with GameSpot, Gameplanet, and others highlighting how it enhances the gameplay experience. Some critics mention mixed feelings about the music's memorability, but overall, the consensus is that the sound design and music significantly enhance the game's charm and immersive qualities.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Enter the Gungeon received mixed feedback from critics. On the positive side, the game was praised for its quality-of-life elements that kept the action moving smoothly on both PS4 and PC, as noted by IGN for both platforms. PSNStores highlighted the quick-start feature on the PS4 version, allowing players to jump right into the action. Nintendo Switch also received positive feedback, with NintendoWorldReport mentioning that the game ran great in both docked and handheld mode, and CGMagazine stating that despite some Joy-Con stick issues, gameplay was not severely impacted. Additionally, Attack of the Fanboy and GameCrate reported stable performance on PC without specific technical issues mentioned. However, there were some notable technical drawbacks on certain platforms. For instance, the Xbox One version faced performance issues, with ICXM mentioning stuttering and slowdowns, particularly during boss fights. ZTGD also noted bouts of slowdown during intense sequences on the same platform. On the Nintendo Switch, GameSpace highlighted long load times possibly due to the Gungeon rebuilding itself after each playthrough. We Got This Covered mentioned occasional slowdowns and performance problems on the Switch, although they acknowledged improvements made by the developer, Dodge Roll, over time. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Enter the Gungeon is somewhat mixed. While the game generally ran smoothly on PS4 and PC, with quality-of-life features enhancing the gameplay experience, issues such as stuttering, slowdowns, and occasional framerate drops were reported on the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch platforms. Despite these technical hiccups, most critics found the performance to be stable enough to enjoy the game, with Dodge Roll's efforts to address and improve performance problems being recognized positively. The game's engaging gameplay and unique features seemed to outweigh the technical issues for many reviewers, making Enter the Gungeon a generally well-received title across multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Enter the Gungeon's technical performance received mixed reviews across gaming platforms. Critics praised quality-of-life features on PS4 and PC, but noted performance issues like stuttering on Xbox One and long load times on Nintendo Switch. Despite drawbacks, most found the game enjoyable, with Dodge Roll's efforts to improve performance recognized positively. Overall, Enter the Gungeon's engaging gameplay outweighed technical issues, making it a well-received title on multiple platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

Enter the Gungeon has garnered high praise from the majority of critics for its exceptional replay value. The game offers a plethora of positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Critics like CGMagazine, Gameplanet, and We Got This Covered highlight the game's procedurally generated levels, secrets to uncover, and a wide variety of weapons and items, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging. The inclusion of co-op play, as mentioned by CGMagazine and We Got This Covered, further enhances the replay value by providing a different dynamic to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the game's challenging nature, addictive combat mechanics, and the promise of new content post-launch, as noted by Attack of the Fanboy, contribute to the 'one more run' feeling that keeps players engaged and coming back for more. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks that may impact the overall replay value of Enter the Gungeon. GameSpot criticizes the lack of meaningful progression and the frequency of finding mundane weapons, suggesting that a better balance of extraordinary weapons as frequent drops could improve replayability. Push Square mentions the absence of leaderboards or a daily run mode as a frustrating oversight, which could have added more competitive elements to enhance replay value. PC Gamer notes that the game can be tight-fisted in handing out new items and power-ups, leading to potential frustration for players seeking constant rewards and progression. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Enter the Gungeon. The game's combination of randomly generated levels, diverse weapons, challenging gameplay, and the continuous discovery of new content, as highlighted by Game Informer, GameSpace, and Nintendo Life, solidify its status as a highly replayable title. The variety of gameplay mechanics, unlockables, and secrets, as well as the addictive nature of the gameplay loop, as emphasized by Destructoid and ZTGD, make Enter the Gungeon a must-play for fans of roguelike games seeking a rewarding and endlessly replayable experience. In conclusion, Enter the Gungeon's exceptional replay value, as recognized by a vast majority of critics, cements its position as a standout title in the genre, offering hours of enjoyment and discovery for players looking for a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Enter the Gungeon is praised for its outstanding replay value due to its procedurally generated levels, vast array of weapons, and engaging gameplay. Critics commend the game for its challenging nature, addictive combat, and promise of new content post-launch. Some drawbacks mentioned include the lack of meaningful progression and infrequent extraordinary weapon drops. Despite these criticisms, Enter the Gungeon is widely celebrated for its replayability, making it a must-play for fans of roguelike games seeking a rewarding and endlessly engaging experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Enter the Gungeon has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many praising its engaging gameplay, challenging yet fair mechanics, and high replay value. Critics such as Gameplanet and PSNStores commend the game for its distinct bosses, creative weapons, and overall fun factor. The game's blend of genres, as highlighted by IGN and TheSixthAxis, has been lauded for providing a unique and enjoyable experience for players. Additionally, the game's visuals, addictive combat, and polished mechanics, as noted by Gaming Nexus and GameSpew, have been highlighted as standout features that contribute to its overall appeal. Despite its overall positive reception, Enter the Gungeon does have some drawbacks that were pointed out by a few critics. GameSpot mentions that the game's roguelike elements and vast array of weapons may not always mesh well, leading to a somewhat disjointed experience. VideoGamer also notes flaws in the loot system, co-op mode, and certain weapons that may not be as enjoyable to use. Additionally, the high difficulty level of the game, as highlighted by Game Informer and The Digital Fix, may be off-putting to some players, especially those who are not fans of challenging gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Enter the Gungeon. The game is praised for its engaging gameplay, variety of content, and high replay value, making it a must-play for fans of the roguelike genre. Critics such as EGM and The Digital Fix consider it a masterpiece within its genre, while others like Nintendo Life and GameSpace recommend it as one of the best indie games available on their respective platforms. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that Enter the Gungeon offers a rewarding and satisfying experience that is well worth the investment for players seeking a challenging and fun gameplay experience.

TL;DR

Enter the Gungeon is a critically acclaimed indie game praised for its engaging gameplay, unique bosses, and high replay value. Critics highlight its blend of genres, creative weapons, and addictive combat. While some mention drawbacks like a disjointed experience and high difficulty, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Considered a must-play for fans of the roguelike genre, it offers a rewarding and satisfying experience with standout features that make it one of the best indie games available.

CRITIK

Reviews

116 reviews found

100

GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is praised as a game for everyone, with random chance that benefits less skilled players and does not rely solely on luck for experienced players. The game is described as funny, frightening, cute, fun, and fair. The review concludes that Enter the Gungeon is a phenomenal game with tons of fun weapons and a gorgeous art style.

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100

CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Enter the Gungeon on the Nintendo Switch as an absolute bullseye.

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100

Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is praised as one of the most accessible, beautiful, and fun games on the Switch eShop. It is recommended as a must-buy.

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100

PSNStores

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is a fantastic game that offers satisfying gameplay, creative weapons, and challenging bosses. It provides a rewarding experience worth playing, even for those not typically fans of the genre.

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Destructoid

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review recommends Enter the Gungeon to those who enjoy roguelikes, bullet hells, and twin-stick shooters. It praises the gameplay and replay value, but mentions that the difficulty may turn off some players. It also states that the game is worth the price.

PC Invasion

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is praised for its skill-based gameplay, rewarding progression, humor, and diverse weapon options. It is recommended for fans of action roguelites, offering an enjoyable and entertaining experience.

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EGM

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is an absolute masterpiece of the genre.

Game Debate

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is described as a wonderful, demanding yet rewarding game that is worth sitting alongside other great roguelike games.

The Digital Fix

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Enter the Gungeon is an absolute masterpiece, praising its detailed sprites, variety of guns and items, and overall design as a masterclass in making a roguelike game.

COGconnected

Xbox One

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Enter the Gungeon is a highly recommended game with lots of side content, tight controls, and high replay value. It is enjoyable for fans of bullet hell rogue-likes.

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