Guwange

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Cave
  • Release Date: Nov 10, 2010
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Gamer.no
    Mar 7, 2011
    80
    Guwange is a first-rate shooter with all the ingredients that make games of its kind tick. It's hard, short, creative, perfectly framed and pithy. Compared to today's games, it might seem like a ghost of the past, but if you don't expect an epic storyline, there really are no arguments against getting this gem of a game.
  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    Jan 10, 2011
    80
    The super-high learning curve may turn off those not indoctrinated into developer Crave's brand of wicked-hard intensity, but genre fans will find more than enough to love(and die endlessly for)here. [Feb 2011, p.76]
  3. Metro GameCentral
    Nov 18, 2010
    80
    The name and the screenshots have probably put most people off already but this is a classic example of Cave's mastery of the 2D shooter.
  5. Edge Magazine
    Nov 12, 2010
    80
    Guwange appears the most accessible of Cave's late-90s output, even if the latter stages of the game, particularly in the two extra modes featured in this update, will require a combination of dedicated practice and natural skill to overcome. [Oct 2010, p.98]
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  6. Eurogamer
    Nov 12, 2010
    80
    Despite the wealth of options and the addition of infinite continues – which will no doubt lead some to complain that it can be completed in 20 minutes – Guwange makes few concessions to a modern audience, and as such, Cave has almost certainly restricted its game to a niche crowd. But that's an observation, not a criticism.
  7. SpazioGames
    Mar 22, 2011
    75
    It's a bullet inferno, strongly raccomended to old style 2D shoot'em up. Hard as hell, obviously.
  8. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jan 6, 2011
    70
    This core mechanic proves sound. [Issue#67, p.101]
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  9. GamesRadar+
    Dec 1, 2010
    70
    An atmospheric, challenging shooter unlike anything else out there, but it's definitely not for everyone – the odd controls and punishing difficulty will no doubt turn off many casual fans. If you love a short but intense thrill ride and/or carefully perfecting your high-score game, however, you'll find a lot to love in Guwange.
  10. Gamereactor Sweden
    Nov 28, 2010
    70
    Decent shooter action, but only for you hardcore players out there.
  11. GameZone
    Nov 10, 2010
    70
    Guwange is an excellent shmup with a genuinely unique mechanic that I eagerly recommend, so long as you're ready for a trip back to the '90s.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. envoy83
    Jun 19, 2013
    9
    You will die.... As long as you are okay with that then you've got one of the classiest bullet hell games ever made, from legendary JapaneseYou will die.... As long as you are okay with that then you've got one of the classiest bullet hell games ever made, from legendary Japanese developer Cave.
    The music and early feudal era artwork is incredibly detailed and imaginative which really sucks you into the battle. Its not known as the best of Cave games as you might struggle to control not only your character but also your shikigami spirit around the screen for precision damage, but I think it all adds to the intense fun and mayhem common in these games, if your not going for a deathless run!
    The whole visual and game play concept of this game is really unique, there's nothing else like it. For that reason I would consider this game a must buy for both newcomers and veterans to the genre    … Full Review »
  2. HyprUbrMtaCritc
    Nov 29, 2010
    8
    I've always appreciated Cave shmups for what they are: Inventive but blistering-hard tests of hand-eye coordination with buckets o' bullets toI've always appreciated Cave shmups for what they are: Inventive but blistering-hard tests of hand-eye coordination with buckets o' bullets to contend with. I'm thrilled to see games like Guwange and DeathSmiles getting releases in the U.S., and I hope they do well so we can see more Cave titles in the future. To be honest, Guwange isn't one of my favorite Cave shmups, though. The basic gimmick of controlling both fast-moving "shikigami" at the top of the screen and the slow moving human(oid?) character at the bottom gets frustrating, especially if you're playing on a big screen, because it requires you to be looking in two places at once. Also, things get way too cramped even for a Cave shmup with the amount of bullets PLUS buildings, bridges and other obstacles that limit the character's movement. It leads to a lot more deaths that feel unavoidable. That said, I applaud the U.S. release of this game, which is a great game despite the flaws I mentioned. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for ESPRaDe and especially Dangun Feveron -- the world's first and only disco shmup -- on XBOX Live.… Full Review »
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