WEBVTT

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(bright music)

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- [Eric] There's a lot to
unpack with "Gunbrella",

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a stylish noir action side-scroller

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from the makers of "Gato Roboto"

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that's out this week on
PC and Nintendo Switch.

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For starters, I'm ready to
anoint the titular Gunbrella

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as a strong attender for
video game gadget of the year.

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More than just a weapon,

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you can use it to glide, swing, dash,

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and dive around stages.

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Gunbrella's tale is one of revenge,

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following our nameless protagonist

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as they investigate
their loved one's murder

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and the mysterious origins
of this hybrid firearm.

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But something I really
want to call attention to

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is just how much "Celeste" is in here

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beyond simply the surface level

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pixelated platforming comparisons,

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especially in how "Gunbrella"
presents its characters

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and dialogue text.

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See, much like OK Games'
stellar 2018 platformer

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and mental health journey,

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which had you ascending a mountain

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while literally coming
to grips with yourself,

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"Gunbrella" highlights and shakes keywords

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in its dialogue boxes in
order to convey emotion.

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It's a little visual
trick you've likely seen

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in other games, but
one that in my opinion,

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"Celeste" mastered and
"Gunbrella" has nailed as well.

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In the game's opening hours,

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you meet a colorful cast
whose portraits shift

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between various states and locations,

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illustrating their changing mood

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and bringing the conversations to life.

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These dynamic portraits are something else

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"Celeste" made excellent
use of in its own story.

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This all comes together to
add a whole lot of personality

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to minor interactions, helping
the world of "Gunbrella"

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feel that much more lived in.

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Think back to "Celeste"

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and how that game's dynamic
portraits breathed life

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into interactions with
ghostly hotel owner, Oshiro,

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Madeline's incredibly coifed
stalwart friend, Theo,

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and of course Madeline's
other half, Badeline.

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In "Celeste" and "Gunbrella",

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the player is treated to the
surprising emotional range

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sprites can convey.

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Again, while having sprite's emote

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isn't breaking any sort of ground

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as a narrative gaming device,

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I feel it's executed to perfection here.

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As for gameplay, traversal
controls are silky smooth

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and I felt myself getting
gradually more skilled

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at making use of the
Gunbrella's maneuverability

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and combat capabilities.

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That said, "Gunbrella"
is difficult as shit.

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Perhaps I'm outta practice
with side-scrollers,

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but while playing on normal,

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I was regularly getting my butt whooped.

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So if you're rusty with the genre

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and are looking purely to explore

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Gunbrella's intriguing narrative

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and distinctive noir punk art style,

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I'd say there's no shame
in bumping it down to easy.

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We're all busy people here.

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Your secret's safe with me.

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"Gunbrella" is available now
for Nintendo Switch and PC.

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Let us know in the comments below

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how you're all finding
Doinksoft's latest side-scroller.

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And for more gaming coverage,

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be sure to check out kotaku.com.

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(bright music)