There are some well-established hallmarks of a good bullet hell game: a significant challenge, a killer soundtrack, cool visuals, and unique combat options like those presented in games like the best-selling Enter the Gungeon. Those picking up self-proclaimed bullet hell dungeon crawler Wildcat Gun Machine from Chunkybox Games and DAEDALIC Entertainment will find some of these recognizable inclusions but will be left searching for others, and it may underwhelm gamers looking for something meaty to sink their teeth into.
Wildcat Gun Machine players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist as they shoot their way through four acts, culminating in a brutally difficult climax. Each act takes place in a different zone, and the four areas provide a nice contrast in terms of visuals, enemy types, and intense electronic music. As far as narrative is concerned, Wildcat Gun Machine's is essentially nonexistent, as there are no cutscenes or dialog segments, and the main character's identity and goals are never established.
When it comes to gameplay, Wildcat Gun Machine might be compared to Archvale or other contemporary games that place an emphasis on quick and constant movement, relentless damage output, and vigilant attention to an onslaught of enemies. Each enemy slain will provide the player with bones, the game's currency. Bones can then be spent at each level's checkpoint for better primary weapons, extra dodge charges, grenade upgrades, and extra lives, which charmingly come in the form of ethereal cats. The primary weapons bought at checkpoints have infinite ammo but do significantly less damage than special weapons, which are obtained by exploring the game and have limited ammo. Players can also make use of the titular Gun Machine, which can be used to deal massive damage when fully charged.
While Wildcat Gun Machine's selection of primary weapons can be disappointingly limited and underwhelming, its special weapons are a different story. While Wildcat Gun Machine won't rival AAA games like Tiny Tina's Wonderlands when it comes to weapon and ability selection, there are over forty unique guns that players can unlock throughout their playthrough, each with unique capabilities like ricocheting bullets or piercing ammo. This wide arsenal means that finding new weapons in the early game can be extremely fun and satisfying.
Issues start to arise as Wildcat Gun Machine goes on, however, as players will quickly realize that their options for progression are very limited; there is an upgrade system in the game, but half of the upgrades are extra lives, which don't make for interesting gameplay opportunities or fun progression that can be found in other indies like Loop Hero. The Gun Machine will get a new modifier after each boss fight, but these wind up making very little difference in the damage output and function of this special ability. The rest of the upgrades are minor variations to movement speed, dash charges, and grenade type, which is a good start, but the fact that no new abilities or major buffs are earned after the first act means that Wildcat Gun Machine can get stale quickly.
Wildcat Gun Machine can be beaten in as little as seven or eight hours, so this lack of depth in the game's combat and progression won't be an issue for gamers interested in a quick, simple dungeon-crawling experience. Plus, the game is launching on Steam for only $15, making it a great choice for anyone searching for a solid, affordably priced title. However, players looking for a deep, complex combat system - or a narrative to follow - might want to pass on Wildcat Gun Machine.
Wildcat Gun Machine will be coming to PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PS4 on May 4. Screen Rant was provided with a Steam code for the purpose of this review.