Gungrave

Gungrave is inaccurately compared to Devil May Cry. The games share some style points but otherwise have nothing in common. Grave's controls only permit him the most cursory of acrobatics. He can dive a la Max Payne, but his normal gait is the shuffle of a zombie. In an original twist on controller schemes, he can move at regular walking speed via the L3 (pressing down on the joystick) but this kink quickly loses its novelty as it is difficult to hold and feels as if it will damage the controller. Unfortunately, the instant gratification this game brings is short lived. At about two hours of play, it clocks in as one of the shortest, as well as most repetitive, games available. --Ashley Pond V

Pros:

• Fabulous style and arcade action
• Minimal load times
• Easy to jump into

Cons:

• Too short
• Shallow and repetitive gameplay

You'll lead Grave through huge environments ranging from the bowels of the criminal underworld to graceful towers stretching toward heaven, all filled with relentless foes and insane power-ups. In these stages, there's no such thing as window dressing--everything you see on the screen can be perforated with your firearms. This includes the myriad enemies and boss characters foolish enough to stand in front of your gun barrels. If simply shooting your enemies isn't enough, there are devastating special attacks to unleash and secrets to be found.

I would recommend watching the show first (DVD volume 1 is out in america right now, but its available through fansub if you can find it.), and then playing the game.


Misunderstood and underrated by most   March 13, 2004
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Most people don't understand that this game is to pay homage to one of the greatest anime series to date. It is based after an anime of the same name, Gungrave. Grave, or Beyond the Grave is a character that was once known as Brandon Heat. A "sweeper" for the largest mafia syndicate in his city. He and his friend Harry McDowel rose through the ranks of the mafia at extreme rates due to their individual skills in what they did best. Harry was a cunning businessman and Brandon was a silent assassin. During the story, Harry betrays Brandon, kills him and pins his death as being a traitor killed for his own betrayal. Underground scientists give way to a new science called Necro-Rise which brings the dead back to life with extreme, almost invincible powers. Brandon, now Grave sets out to avenge his death and kill those who sent him to hell.

Overall the game is ok, but being a huge fan of this series, it pays homage to the anime perfectly and is a must buy for people who have actually seen it. Long live Brandon's True Grave power.


KICK SOME ASS!   January 16, 2004
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

being a proud owner of the playstation 2 like sooo many other people, i thought GG was another obscure SEGA game. but like so many "obscure" games produced by SEGA, (GUN VALKYRE,GUN GRIFFON,VIRTUAL ON MARZ,JET SET RADIO.ETC.) they often are fun with good replay value. the same goes for GUN GRAVE.
This character who was designed by the guy that produced the popular TRIGGUN anime is a hybrid of the CROW meets DEATHLOK (A classic marvel comic series from the 70's and up.)
but somewhat much cooler. GG is an assassin who takes revenge on a high tech syndicate who's boss is Harry Mcdowell, who was Brandon's (GUNGRAVE'S Namesake) former best friend and his killer
The game is somewhat repetitive, ( then again most shooters are.)as you blast,shoot and dodge your way through an onslaught of gangsters,hitmen and some of the weirdest boss battles ever.
i.e. bear walken who transforms into a giant rolling arm that packs a mean punch. the cel shaded graphics gives the impression that i'm playing an interactive FRANK MILLER comicbook. your character can also swing his coffin like a club as well as fire bazooka like rounds kinda like the robert rodrigeuz movie desperado. (remember the rocket laucher/guitar?).there's a "finishing move" for each of the bosses when using the coffin's demolition shot.GG regardless of it's "flaws"
is a great way to spend 2 hours on a sunday afternoon.can't wait for the sequel; GUNGRAVE OVERDOSE!

PS There's also a anime series based on GUNGRAVE which is pretty good. look for it sometime in 2004.


If you are awesome, then Gungrave is awesome   October 6, 2003
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

This has got to be the most underrated videogame I've ever had the pleasure of playing. I spit on those who deem it shallow and didn't play it hard and deeply enough to catch a glimpse of its true greatness. They just laid waste to everything in the game and thought that was it. I've watched alot of Hong Kong action movies, and I would love nothing more than to do all the cool stuff Chow-Yun fat does. In Gungrave, if I try hard enough, then all of that really cool stuff is possible. The great part is that doing all of it nets really huge points. So basically I'm being awarded for being a total badass in the game and having loads of fun. Unlike most other games, Gungrave is only fun if you make it fun. If you are limited, then Gungrave is limited. Already I can tell that most people who played this game are limited. I pity you, Magnolia fans!!!!!! Go back to your bathtubs filled with rose petals and stay away from this awesome game!!!!!!