Gunbrella: Akira-Poppins

Tanjou
3 min readSep 20, 2023

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Gunbrella is a mesmerizing amalgamation of storytelling inspirations, drawing elements from Quentin Tarantino’s gritty narratives, Mary Poppins’ whimsical charm, the dystopian world of 1984, and the punk and horrifying aesthetics of Akira. In this gripping metroidvania, you immerse yourself in a world that feels like a live metroidvania, complete with trains, noir punk settings, a grim backdrop, a malevolent satanic cult invoking surreal demons, and an oppressive taskforce armed with umbrellas. As the player, you assume the role of an elderly man armed with only the enigmatic Gunbrella — a weapon that tragically took your wife’s life. Your mission: to reunite with your daughter and exact vengeance.

Gunbrella’s gameplay is a striking blend of traditional metroidvania with a noir twist. The game offers a diverse array of weaponry that pays homage to classic titles like Metroid and Megaman. However, Gunbrella’s weapons come with their own noir-inspired quirks, adding depth to the combat mechanics.

What truly sets Gunbrella apart is its punishing difficulty level, which injects every moment with tension and excitement. This challenging aspect of the game provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon conquering its obstacles. In terms of gameplay, Gunbrella of fers a much more comprehensive experience compared to its predecessor, Gato Roboto.

Gunbrella’s game world is a remarkable example of design, intricately interconnected to offer players a sense of immersion rarely seen in the medium. While the game’s length may be relatively short, it more than compensates by immersing players in a living, breathing environment.

The world teems with stories, events, and characters, each with their own unique tales and dilemmas. What sets Gunbrella apart is the freedom it grants players — to intervene or merely observe these narratives, adding depth and replayability to the game.

The game’s pixel art is a visual treat that enhances both the world and narrative. Every frame is meticulously crafted to immerse players in the captivating story. However, what truly sets Gunbrella apart is its dynamic physics engine.

Elements like fire, water, and acid are not just passive features; they play integral roles in both combat and puzzle-solving. The Gunbrella itself serves as a multifunctional tool, allowing players to glide gracefully, connect to hooks, zip lines, and manipulate various elements in the environment. This added layer of complexity and creativity makes every encounter feel fresh and intriguing.

Gunbrella embodies the unmistakable atmosphere of Devolver Digital, combining their signature storytelling with engaging gameplay. The game’s soundtrack deserves special mention, as it enriches the overall experience with its emotional depth and seamless integration into the game’s narrative. Gunbrella manages to blend a wide array of influences into a cohesive and exceptional gaming experience.

In conclusion, Gunbrella stands as a remarkable achievement. It seamlessly weaves together elements from multiple genres and styles, excelling in every aspect. Its captivating narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, and vibrant world make it a must-play title for fans of metroidvania games. The infusion of noir-punk, creates an atmosphere that is not only immersive but utterly unforgettable. With its depth, challenge, and rich storytelling, Gunbrellais definitely an experience to remember.

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Tanjou

世界は豊かに、そして美しく Software Engineer, Game Dev and Content Creator. Founder of CyberCafe. Herald of caffeine. Extremely otaku. 🗣️PT-BR/ENG/日本語🌎