Enter the Gungeon
" Addictive action-adventure bullet hell with diverse weapons and co-op but no online multiplayer "
Enter the Gungeon Review
Enter the Gungeon is a highly acclaimed bullet hell roguelike that combines challenging gameplay with a unique gun-themed universe. Players navigate procedurally generated dungeons filled with diverse enemies, bosses, and secrets, using an extensive arsenal of quirky and creative weapons. The game is praised for its tight controls, polished pixel art, and dynamic combat mechanics, including the iconic dodge roll that adds depth to bullet dodging.
Replayability is a standout feature, with numerous unlockables, secrets, and mod support keeping the experience fresh even after many hours. The game’s difficulty curve is demanding yet fair, encouraging skill development and perseverance. While the story is minimalistic, it is cleverly integrated into the gameplay, enhancing immersion without overwhelming players. Multiplayer is limited to local co-op, which some players wish to see expanded online in future iterations. Overall, Enter the Gungeon is regarded as a genre-defining masterpiece with enduring appeal.
Highlights
Players especially praise Enter the Gungeon's addictive and challenging bullet hell mechanics, which are both fair and rewarding. The game's pixel art style is charming and visually clear, contributing to the overall polished feel. The vast variety of weapons and items ensures each run feels unique and engaging. The humor, creativity, and well-integrated references enrich the game's atmosphere. Additionally, the smooth difficulty progression and multiple characters provide a satisfying learning curve. The game’s secrets and unlockables add depth and encourage exploration, while the soundtrack and sound design complement the action without being intrusive.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the absence of detailed in-game descriptions for weapon synergies, forcing players to consult external resources. Some find the multiplayer limited to local co-op, with occasional bugs, and express a desire for online multiplayer support. A few players feel the game can become repetitive after extensive playtime, citing a grind in unlocking items and achievements. Certain weapons are perceived as underpowered or situational, leading to reliance on a subset of gear. The camera system and some enemy placements occasionally cause frustration. Lastly, while the story is subtle, some players wish for a richer narrative experience.
Pros
- • Highly addictive bullet hell gameplay with tight, responsive controls.
- • Extensive variety of creative and humorous weapons and items.
- • Polished pixel art that balances charm and visual clarity.
- • Fair and well-paced difficulty curve encouraging skill mastery.
- • Rich replayability through secrets, unlockables, and mod support.
- • Engaging enemy and boss designs with clear attack telegraphs.
- • Local multiplayer co-op adds fun shared experience.
Cons
- • Lack of in-game descriptions for item synergies complicates gameplay.
- • Multiplayer limited to local co-op; online mode is absent.
- • Some weapons feel underpowered, leading to repetitive loadouts.
- • Progression can feel grindy and repetitive after many hours.
- • Camera movement occasionally causes visibility issues during combat.
- • Enemy placements sometimes create unavoidable damage scenarios.
- • Certain NPCs and vendors appear infrequently, limiting utility.
Rating Criteria
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell dungeon crawler following a band of misfits seeking to shoot, loot, dodge roll and table-flip their way to personal absolution by reaching the legendary Gungeon’s ultimate treasure: the gun that can kill the past.
