First impressions: Gunslugs on PlayStation Vita

I didn't have much interest in the indie titles that were released for PlayStation Vita in a four-week period, but Gunslugs looked the most promising. Combining two or more elements in gaming is always a gamble, but it pays off with a great version of the game on Sony's handheld.



Gunslugs is an old-school arcade shooter with a pixelated, retro look. Players are given objectives in a similar way that runner games are. Just one life is given at the start of the game and there are no continues unless players purchase them throughout their run.

Combining arcade shooter and running objectives works out flawlessly. There's always incentive to go back and play more, and it's much more fun than replaying the same stage over and over again. Some runs can last a long time as players improve their skills.

What does that mean for the objectives changing? Gunslugs' system is very fair. Missions are separated into three parts; at each conclusion the game will check out the objectives that were met, and will switch them out for new ones. Already met an objective to get 125 coins when entering a new stage? Just collect one coin, and the objective is recognized and complete.



Redundancy isn't an issue. Two characters are available to pick from at the beginning, and more can be unlocked as missions are complete. Each stage is randomly generated, with the exception of the boss levels. That means each replay will be different and each building that players enter won't have the same options from their last play-through.

I've only unlocked one character after completing the first mission, and was able to start on the second mission after slecting them. There's at least a sense of progress if objectives don't do it, and players won't always have to start on the first mission.

Actual gameplay is fun, although sometimes frustrating. Sometimes the bullets don't seem like they register properly on enemies. But everything feels and looks great (for a retro game) on the Vita.

It's basic, but it's very fun.  I've played a lot of worse apps on Android that cost more than two dollars. This feels like a more full-fledged game and it's very satisfying on the Vita than any tablet or phone could provide.

Gunslugs is developed by Orange Pixel has been ported onto the Vita by Abstract Games, the same team that brought over Hotline Miami, which is critically acclaimed and highly recommended on the handheld.

Editor's note: Had both companies switched around in the original post. It has since been corrected.

Image credit: Flickr

PlayStation update for February 18th includes Strider, Rayman Legends for PS4, and two new free games on PS Plus!

Still excited about your PlayStation 4 purchase? For the second straight week, there's a lack of not only exclusive content, but content made for the new-gen console altogether. However, for those that have been anticipating the remake of Strider or the re-release of Rayman Legends, they're in luck!


For those that don't care about PS4 just yet, there's additional releases along with a free game on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.

Here's the full list of new retail and digital games:

PS4

• Strider - $14.99 (Digital)
• Rayman Legends - $39.96* (Digital / Retail)

PS3

• Strider - $14.99 (Digital)
• Earth Defense Force 2025 - $47.99* (Digital / Retail)
• Forest Legends: The Call of Love - $11.99** (Digital)

Vita

• Gunslugs - $1.99*** (Digital)

Other (Digital only)

• Neo Contra (PS2 classic) - $9.99**
• Mr. Driller (PSone classic) - $5.99**
• Tomba! 2 (PSone import) - $9.99

*Retail price found on Amazon as of this posting on Monday night.

**Suggested price that it will be on the PlayStation Store (subject to change).

***PlayStation Plus launch price.

Strider is, without question, the biggest release of the week. Reviews won't be available until the Tuesday launch day, but it has been confirmed that it will come out at the usual $15 mark for old remakes like this.

The most promising recent retro indie release for the Vita is Gunslugs, and it will be 50 cents off on Tuesday for PlayStation Plus members for a total of just a couple bucks. I haven't dove into the other new releases on Sony's portable system, but Abstraction Games, the team that helped bring Knytt Underground and Hotline Miami to the Vita, is working on this game. I'll be downloading my copy ASAP.

Here's a couple pricing notes: First, Forest Legends is published by Alawar Entertainment. I believe the price will be $11.99, the same as Twisted Lands: Shadow Town, that was released under the same publisher for the PS3.

Secondly, I'd highly recommend not purchasing Earth Defense Force 2025 at the moment. The price will likely be $50 on the PSN store. Considering the game was available for just $43 at one point during the preorder period, it won't take long for the title to reach $40 or less.

The only discount is Gunslugs, so let's move on to the Instant Game Collection. There are two free games available this week.

A couple of games by Capcom, who previously released Resident Evil 5 for free with PS+, are available: Remember Me on the PS3 and Street Fighter x Tekken on the Vita.

RM received mixed but positive reviews. It's a platformer with a uniqueness to manipulate enemies' minds. Definitely recommended for both sci-fi and platforming fans. SFxT is recommended for those that aren't tired yet by fighters on their Vita.

Have a great week everyone!

Image credits: Flickr