Fans of vertically scrolling shoot ’em up games are in for a treat Gunvein is set to launch on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop on May 11th. This announcement was made by the game’s developer, NGDEV. Gunvein was originally released on Steam for PC on November 11, 2022, and the game will also come to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One later in 2023. Gunvein is a fast-paced bullet hell STG game that draws inspiration from classic arcade games such as CAVE, Taito, and Raizing/Eighting. The game requires players to dominate the screen by using loc-ons and blasts of charged energy to take down enemies before they can take over the screen. Players can temporarily boost their shots or unleash a devastating screen-clearing bomb to create destructive feedback.
What makes Gunvein unique is that it rewards players for playing aggressively. Points collected during the game are returned as extra lives and currency for the in-game trading system. There are three main characters in Gunvein, each with their own unique playstyle. Riko pilots the Bagon ship and uses its speed and power to dance around shots, while Miko pilots the Damul ship which has great coverage, security and efficiency. Finally, Lizzy pilots the Gunex ship, which is a highly experimental ship that relies on planning and foresight to surprise enemies. Along with three main characters, Gunvein has several game modes, including Standard/Console Mode, Arcade Mode, and Roguelike Arrange Mode. Standard/Console mode provides a satisfying level of challenge for players who aren’t just looking for a single credit sweep or high scores. Arcade Mode is a limited amount of lives without continuing, while Roguelike Arrange Mode is a procedurally generated version of the game’s five stages. Gunvein also offers online leaderboards and handy practice tools to help players improve their skills. With all these features, Gunvein promises to be an exciting addition to the Nintendo Switch game collection. Fans of shoot ’em up games should definitely keep an eye out for Gunvein when it launches on the Nintendo eShop on May 11th.
