Developer: Lenar Publisher: ASCII Released: January 31, 1997 Genre: Action-Adventure
The Legend of Zelda series had already been considered a classic in the eyes of many gamers back in the 90s. And If not A Link to the Past definitely cemented that reputation. With that in mind it is odd that there were so few games in that style. Crusader of Centy is the obvious choice but there is an even more egregious example only released in Japan. Gunple: Gunman’s Proof is a goofy take on the action RPG and made in Zelda’s image. While it isn’t as good as the game that inspired it Gunple is still a pretty good game overall and can be enjoyed thanks to a fan translation.
Gunple takes place in the Wild West, a unique setting for an RPG. In 1880 two meteorites crash on Earth. Their presence signals the appearance of creatures the people dub Demiseeds. Following the meteorites a UFO also comes to Earth. When a boy from Bronco village happens upon the UFO, its alien residents inform him that they are space sheriffs on the trail of the criminal Demi. With the boys help the alien Zero begins his quest to capture Demi.
While it may look like A Link to the Past is not as serious as that game. The goofy yet catchy title screen music is the first clue as to the hi-jinks within. If the intro doesn’t sell the tone than the world itself will. This is a world where everyone is packing heat, even children and no one bats an eye. The gun shop owner is a little too happy to teach a 10-year old how to use ever more destructive guns as well. Even though this is the Wild West they even throw in a little martial arts. You can learn various techniques, the last of which is a shoryuken. While the game is blatant with its Zelda “inspiration” the tone and setting help set it apart.
Although it looks similar there are differences. Combat plays the heaviest role in Gunple and the game gives you plenty of options. There are separate buttons for melee and ranged weapons with numerous weapons for each. I like the choice but to be honest melee attacks are simply not as good due to their limited range. With weapons you can fire in eight directions as well as strafe and crawl to dodge fire. Gun play is the focus and it shows.
Initially you start out with essentially a pea shooter. Eventually it can upgrade to a magnum. There are many secondary weapons but you won’t be carrying an inventory of items. Instead weapons drop from enemies and they cycle through your available options. Depending on the weapon ammo has set limits. Although it sounds limiting weapon drops are so frequent you will rarely rely on the standard gun. Weapons range from a machine gun to a bazooka and even a flame thrower. As with melee attacks you can learn a number of special techniques although they aren’t necessary. Their presence is welcome since you spend the majority of the game fighting enemies.
Gunple isn’t the slightest bit shameful in how closely it resembles A Link to the Past, down to its dungeons. But it is in this regard that the game stumbles a bit. The dungeons in Gunple are an empty experience as the intent is to speed run them as fast as possible. There are no puzzles and each is straightforward in its design. What few items are present only add to your end level score. If you know the exact route it is encouraged to fight the boss as soon as possible for more points. These points award extra lives, the equivalent of Zelda’s fairies.
I appreciate Gunple’s attempt to be different but feel they could have done more with their dungeons. Their theming is practically screaming for location specific puzzles such as the wood tower or the ghost town. Instead they want you to spend as little time possible in each one. In fact that applies to the game as a whole. With no inventory or puzzles to speak of there is little reason to explore the fun world they have established. I suppose that is to be expected as Gunple leans more on the action side than RPG, what with its points, lives, and ammo. They’ve created a large map but given you little reason to explore it.
On average action RPGS are not usually difficult. Gunple falls on the easier side of the spectrum. Food drops so frequently you will rarely have less than full health. For a game with such an emphasis on combat most enemies are dumb. Midway through you will encounter more aggressive demiseeds but they can easily be avoided. To make matters worse you can find the red bandana, which doubles attack power and cuts damage in half. You can double your strength or defense even further from that which makes the game a cake walk. I will give credit to the excellent boss battles, which go through multiple phases and actually present a challenge. Too bad the extra lives you will rack up trivializes them. Oh well.
In Closing
Gunple is a unique take on the Zelda formula that stands on its own. It falls flat in a few areas but its setting and creativity make up for it. If you have a slight interest in the genre Gunple: Gunman’s Proof is worth tracking down.
