Elemental Gearbolt

 PlayStation
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. IGN
    83
    Simply stated: Elemental Gearbolt is easily one of the genre's finest moments.
  2. Game Informer
    83
    Elemental Gearbolt is just a great gun game (even though it's short). The anime cut-scenes are awesome, the game engine is super smooth with lots to shoot, and the music is fantastic. [Aug 1998]
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  3. netjak
    80
    If this game were just revamped to have cleaner 3D, and better framerates in 2 player mode, I think it would STILL blow everyone's mind today [March 2005]. Solid, fantastic work. If only someone had followed your lead, Alfa System...we might actually have a market for light gun shooters still.
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  5. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Of all the light gun games I've ever played, Elemental Gearbolt definitely has the best atmosphere. The 3D graphics are beautiful and very Panzer Dragoon-esque in design, while the music is just...soothing. [Aug 1998]
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  6. Absolute Playstation
    80
    While better than "Time Crisis" in many areas, it falls short in one very important area… longevity.
  7. GamePro
    80
    On the negative side, the polygonal graphics are plagued by pixelization and the game is way too short, offering only six levels of quick shoot-em0up action. All told, Elemental Gearbolt may be a just a little too easy for the hardcore shooter, but enthusiasts should definitely rent this commendable game.
  8. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Even more impressive is the soundtrack that's comprised of a collection of haunting orchestral CD tracks that give the game a dark mood and atmosphere difficult to put into words. [Aug 1998]
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  9. GameSpot
    75
    Namco's incredibly accurate GunCon is optional in Elemental Gearbolt, but it's not necessarily needed, as the enemies are quite large, and shooting in their general direction seems to cap them fairly easily.
  10. All Game Guide
    70
    A solid light gun shooter that will appeal to any fan of this genre. It's just too short and fails to add anything innovative in the gameplay aspect (i.e. you're still on rails and there's no alternate paths you can take).
  11. PSM Magazine
    60
    From a gameplay standpoint, Elemental Gearbolt is standard yet solid blaster fare. You're still on rails, and enemies still pop out from pre-determined locations. It's this lack of gameplay innovation that keeps the game just shy of classic status. [Aug 1998]
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  12. Gaming Age
    57
    Elemental Gearbolt sadly fails to satisfy in the gameplay stakes, which is really the most important aspect of the game. Certainly go for it if you like the presentation and so on, but the so-called innovation stops at the presentation and nothing is done to enhance the gameplay.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PS1 Game of 1998
17
#17 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998

User Reviews

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User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. TonyV.
    Nov 26, 2007
    8
    I've played many shmup games in my life, and this game ranks 1st as my favorite shmup game. my 2nd favorite being Ikaruga.
  2. AnthonyR.
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    This game is the bomb.