(Game Review) The Gunstringer

Time to read: 3 min read

Game Cover Game Cover

His goal was to get revenge on his old posse who had packed him with lead and left him with a permanent address under three feet of Texas clay... then get dangerously drunk on apple jack whiskey. He was a one-man judge, jury and executioner on the bloody vengeance trail. He was... the Gunstringer.

Platform played on: Xbox 360 (Kinect)

Review

This is, in my opinion, one of the criminally under-rated games on the Xbox 360. While the Kinect (a motion-detecting camera) has now faded into obscurity, it left behind many hidden gems which made good use of Kinect functionalities, The Gunstringer among them.

The story follows the adventures of the Gunstringer, a marionette out for revenge against his old posse. The story is corny and filled with classic Western tropes. The game doesn't take itself too seriously and is often ridiculous and funny.

The controls work very well, one hand is used to gesture the movement of the Gunstringer, and the other hand is used to aim and shoot. The shooting feels very satisfying and is very fun.

Gameplay Gameplay

One of my favourite aspects of the game is its narration, which is both dramatic and hilarious; the music also pairs execellently with the narration, adding to the drama and excitement.

Conclusion

A fun Western adventure that is equally ridiculous and funny.

Overall rating: 8.5

What does the rating mean?

DLC Reviews

Wavy Tube Man Chronicles

This DLC is a FMV rails shooter similar to Mad Dog McCree. I'm a bit too young to appreciate the nostalgia surrounding FMV light gun games, but it's fun DLC that adds fresh content to the game.

Wavy Tube Man Chronicles Way Tube Man Chronicles Gameplay

Overall rating: 8.4

Real Big Shootin'

This DLC focuses solely on the shooting mechanics of the game, and is reminiscent of games like Duck Hunt. While it's fun trying to beat the challenges, it didn't really add much to the game.

Real Big Shootin' Real Big Shootin' Gameplay

Overall rating: 7.6

El Diablo's 'Merican Adventure

This DLC adds a new story surrounding El Diablo, a "sinister soul" looking for love. I like the cartoonish art style and the wacky story. The gameplay is a downgrade from the main game, however, as the platforming element is removed, and instead of a six-shooter, a shotgun is introduced, leading to a less satisfactory shooting action.

El Diablo's 'Merican Adventure El Diablo's 'Merican Adventure Gameplay

Overall rating: 7.9