Gunvalkyrie
Screenshots
Summary
Gunvalkyrie is an alternate history and science fiction video game created by Smilebit and published by Sega for the Microsoft Xbox. Initially designed for the Sega Dreamcast, the game's visual style closely resembled the final Xbox version. The Dreamcast edition had a unique feature during development: it used a special control system that combined a light gun with a standard controller. This control method was abandoned when the game was moved to the Xbox platform. The gameplay differs significantly from typical third-person shooters, thanks to its distinctive dual analog control system, which contributes to the game's challenging learning curve. Players explore various worlds to investigate the mysterious disappearance of several colonies, which have been left with only massive mutated insect creatures. These insects form the majority of the enemies encountered throughout the game. Players control either Kelly or Saburouta using both analog sticks. The left stick handles forward and backward movement as well as turning, while the right stick is used for aiming weapons and, when clicked, enables quick turns. Clicking the left stick in a direction causes the character to boost. The left trigger is used for boosting or jumping, and when combined with the left analog boost, it allows for continuous mid-air movement, which is essential for certain levels. Face buttons are used to switch weapons, and the right trigger fires the selected weapon. The game consists of ten levels, with the story revealed through text between levels or through occasional in-game cutscenes. At the start of most levels, excluding boss fights, players can choose between Kelly and Saburouta. Kelly's primary weapon is faster but weaker, and she is generally quicker and more agile. Saburouta is slower, has less aerial mobility, and wields a more powerful primary weapon, the Matchlock Cannon. Essentially, the two characters represent two difficulty settings, with Kelly being the "Normal" and Saburouta the "Advanced" option. The main difference is that Kelly's playstyle allows for multiple lock-on targets, while Saburouta's weapon has splash damage and targets specific enemies. As a result, Kelly's gameplay is more chaotic and requires less precise attention, while Saburouta demands accurate aiming and direct attacks to be effective. Kelly is also the only character who can upgrade her gearskin. The game's artistic style is reminiscent of the steampunk subgenre, but the designers refer to it as "elec-punk," a term they use to describe a more advanced aesthetic that incorporates imaginative uses of electricity. The game's levels are split between indoor mechanical environments filled with gears and intricate metalwork, and outdoor stages set in organic-looking valleys, craters, and other surreal, otherworldly settings.
Storyline
Set in an alternate 1906, the world is under the dominion of the British Empire, which extends across Earth and distant colony planets. This empire thrives thanks to technology delivered to Earth by Halley's Comet in 1835. A mysterious material known as Halley's Core has been discovered globally, and those exposed to it have developed extraordinary powers, earning them the title "Halley's Chosen." The first of these was Dr. Hebble Gate, who was influenced by the comet while still in his mother’s womb. His enhanced intellect allowed him to unlock the secrets of Halley's Core, leading to revolutionary advancements in fusion energy, nuclear power, genetic manipulation, computing, and space exploration. Empowered by these breakthroughs, the British Empire swiftly conquered the globe, and Gate became a legendary figure for his role in this expansion. A figure of enigma, Gate also wields immense influence over global economics, politics, and military strategy. He founded the Hebble Foundation and the GunValkyrie (GV) Organization, a global network of Halley's Chosen dedicated to preventing the abuse of technology. His sudden vanishing left the world in turmoil, and by the time the story begins, he has been missing for four years. Alongside Gate’s disappearance, the population of the colony world Tir na Nog has vanished, replaced by a surge of massive alien creatures resembling giant insects. It is believed that prior to his disappearance, Gate was researching ways to enhance the colonists through genetic modification, leading to speculation that the insects and former colonists may be the same. In response, the elite military unit "Team Dolphin" (founded in 1887) from the GV Organization is dispatched to uncover the truth behind Gate’s fate and the crisis on Tir na Nog. Leading the mission is Meridian Poe, Gate’s only daughter, who relies on a life support system created by her father after he removed her head and took her body with him. The two playable protagonists are Kelly O'Lenmey, an idealistic woman from Ballymun, Ireland, who once supported the Irish Republic in its struggle for independence before leaving due to its extreme tactics and joining the GV, and Saburouta Mishima, a former samurai from Kyushu, Japan, who was exiled during the Meiji Restoration and later rescued by the GV after being wrongly condemned to death. Dr. Gate’s ultimate fate remains uncertain, as the game’s collected documents from Poe’s Report reveal that a body was eventually found, though its true identity is never confirmed.
Artwork
Similar games
Alternative titles
- Ganvuărukirī— Japanese title - romanization
- Gun Valkyrie— Alternative spelling