Elemental Gearbolt

"Gearbolt Goodness"

From the moment I popped this gem into my PS2, I was stunned. I had to do a reality check. Was this a PS2 game? It sure as heck seemed like one! But no, it was a PS1 game brought to us by those kind-hearted souls over at Working Designs who brought us other gems such as Lunar Silver Star Story, Lunar Eternal Blue, and Vanguard Bandits. Anyhow, on to the review...

-Graphics 9/10-

The graphical quality is that of a PS2 game. No other PS1 lightgun game looks this good. It is definitely on par with Vampire Night, Dino Stalker, and Resildent Evil: Dead Aim for the PS2. It has virtually no choppiness and great framerate. My ONLY complaint was that the Anime cutscenes seemed a little grainy.

-Sound 10/10-

Now, this is something I would listen to even when I'm not playing Gearbolt. As a soundtrack, it strives to compete with Final Fantasy and succeeds in holding its own. It sets the mood in all the right places within the game.

-Control 9/10 -

You have a number of options with which to play Gearbolt with. You can use a standard controller, the GunCon, or even the Justifier (The Justifier is what I use, and although less accurate than the GunCon, it still does a pretty darn good job). Just aim and shoot. Switching between the three elemental weapons is a cinch as you can do it at the press of a button. I do have to do that when you get a top score, the ability to "shoot in" your initials (or whatever it is you want to "shoot in") is a fun little bonus.

-Gameplay 10/10-

Where do I start? This is a lightgun game with RPG elements thrown into the mix. Not only must you shoot down an army trying to stop you (and a friend if he/she is along for the ride), fairies must be freed, coins must be collected, and chalices must be found if you want a high score. In order to achieve that high score, however, you must make some critical decision at the end of each stage. You must distribute your points gained into your score OR into leveling up. Only through leveling up will you be strong enough to take on later opponents. But how strong must you be? That's for you to find out!

-Overall 10/10-

All in all, this is a fantastic game that should warrant a purchase (if you're lucky enough to track a copy down). This is an experience that should NOT be passed up. Even if you don't care for Working Designs, give this one a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/19/06