Gungrave

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2002
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 7 out of 28
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  1. Armchair Empire
    75
    For some inexplicable reason, while playing Gungrave I couldn’t help but think about old “shooter” games like "Zaxxon" and "Galaga" despite the fact that Gungrave isn’t set in space and there were no aliens to be seen anywhere.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Has an elegant anime look that makes it a must-play East-meets-Western. [11 Oct 2002, p.86]
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  3. GamerWeb Sony
    75
    I really enjoyed Gungrave. I was able to come to terms with it’s short play length and old school simplicity, but I understand that this game might not pack enough staying power to warrant the $50 price tag.
  5. GameSpy
    81
    Brilliant looks and attitude (each new level starts with the message "Kick Their Ass!") only get you so far.
  6. GameZone
    76
    A lot like Gradius or Raiden. You’re basically maneuvering around enemy fire while mashing on the fire button.
  7. IGN
    80
    Shooting things, when properly presented, is one hell of a lot of fun, and Gungrave presents more shooting packed more densely with more impressive style than just about any other game in the last several years.
  8. Media and Games Online Network
    86
    It has a lot of excitement and endless action for those action gurus who enjoy toting dual guns and a few rocket launchers here and there. If you are a serious fan of blowing stuff up, this is a game you must own.
  9. netjak
    79
    For what the game is, a stylish, in-your-face, shoot everything in sight, moving or not, killfest, the game's excellent. [Import]
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  10. Play Magazine
    80
    If the first minute of the opening cinema doesn't move you in some way, you bought the wrong gme, but if it does, well, you can join our club. [Sept 2002, p.65]
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
54
#54 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. Captain_Chaos
    Aug 16, 2016
    8
    An incredibly short, but very stylish third person shooter. It has exceedingly simple gameplay and little replay value, but I can forgive itAn incredibly short, but very stylish third person shooter. It has exceedingly simple gameplay and little replay value, but I can forgive it this for its excellent presentation.… Full Review »
  2. DeadsFortune
    Feb 13, 2023
    8
    Short, straightforward and simple.

    Like many games of the early 2000s, Gungrave epitomized the arcadeyness that still persisted early in    Short, straightforward and simple.

    Like many games of the early 2000s, Gungrave epitomized the arcadeyness that still persisted early in the sixth console generation.

    From end level scoring & bosses to linear level design and combat that was simple & fun but made an effort to not overstay it's welcome with a runtime spanning 2-3 hours.

    Twenty years later Gungrave still holds up visually thanks to it's cel shaded art design and still remains a game that's easy to pick up and play.

    It's a much overlooked game of it's generation but deserves to hailed up next to similar games of it's era, such as Devil May Cry, Shinobi & Viewtiful Joe.

    Also... you're doing yourself a great disservice if you haven't watched the anime. It's not a necessary component to enjoying the games; it's just really good.    … Full Review »
  3. frederik1478
    Mar 25, 2022
    7
    gungrave a truly unique and entertaining PS2 game which is better if you have watch the anime.If I had not watch the anime, I would not havegungrave a truly unique and entertaining PS2 game which is better if you have watch the anime.If I had not watch the anime, I would not have enjoyed this match the problem is that all the context and story is in the anime and there's barely anything inthe PS2 game.But what is there is serviceable at least and the gameplay and graphics holds up surprising wall. hat to do some button remapping because I wanted to shoot on the R2 trigger and it worked and I enjoyed it way more and it's not that difficult to where you are losing a teeth. So that's always the best.… Full Review »
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