Gunscape is a first-person shooter for Nintendo Switch. It serves as a throwback to the heyday of his 90s FPS titles such as DOOM and Wolfenstein, complete with blocky graphics, random weapons, and weird-looking monsters. does it work? Well, it depends on how much you enjoyed the games of yesteryear.
In Gunscape, you play the role of someone shooting something. There are various campaigns to play through, but there isn’t much backstory to offer.
Of course, there are other modes to try, such as the level-building feature that aims to make this title stand out. You can play levels uploaded by other players or upload your own to extend the life of the game.
Unfortunately the menu leaves a lot to be desired. Flicking through the available options is inconsistent and unclear, with many options locked by default.
It’s not that it’s hard to make it work. Ultimately you’ll know which button fires and which button changes weapons. Of course, movement is done with the control stick. The gameplay itself is generally smooth, moving through corridors and rooms at a moderate pace. Aiming the weapon is also very easy, with a handy on-screen crosshair that highlights where you’re pointing.
Shooting an enemy is a strange experience. Even in the first campaign, many of damage. And why are knives more effective than rifles? Even stranger are enemy movements and reactions. Some are trapped in rooms behind glass walls and somehow can be shot even though they appear unreachable. Even while you’re doing something with your weapon, it doesn’t seem to notice your presence.
Another surprise is that it requires an internet connection. You can’t play most of this game if you can’t go online on your Switch. I understand that there is a strong online component here, but the user interface makes it very difficult to find modes that work offline and keeps popping up asking for a connection. This narrows down the audience considerably. Not everyone has Switch Online.
Graphically, the game performs well, with a blend of colors and environments reminiscent of the same 90s titles. It’s not as blocky as it used to be, but it emulates that feeling. Enemies are bland and indistinguishable. Are they army soldiers? zombie? It’s like a screaming banshee with a weird dog monster. It’s actually pretty creepy, so it works on that level. Other levels use a more retro and upbeat approach with chimes and beats that inspire more good times.
Overall, Gunscape is an attempt to recreate the beloved world of 90’s first-person shooters. Will it succeed?well that To do Reminds me of the 90’s. But it doesn’t make me want to keep playing.
