The Gunk

 Xbox Series X
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 175 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 175
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 175
  3. Negative: 33 out of 175

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  1. Nekrosis666
    Dec 17, 2021
    8
    The Gunk is vibrant beautiful game environmentand biom wise, character animation is a little crude and janky. A must play if you have gamepass if you don't still worth a go. personally I would wait for a sale, seeing the game is ratchet and clank short. Still I like it. Have fun!!
  2. ignore78
    Dec 18, 2021
    8
    i really enjoyed The Gunk. The exploration is fantastic, And the graphics is super nice. i play on xbox series S and it looks amazing. 60 fps through the whole game. all people who rate 0 because there is no russian voice in the game. grow up! i NEVER have swedish voice in any games, ever.
  3. Mustaphabtk
    Dec 20, 2021
    8
    To be honest this game is cool I play when am chilling after long gameplay in halo infinite
  4. Yayan14
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Buen juego, aunque inicia un poco lento, pero luego que vas explorando se vuelve interesante.… Expand
  5. Sallaboy
    Dec 17, 2021
    9
    Very underrated indie game !

    Action adventure game filled with interesting dialogs. Addicted gameplay. Very colorful graphics and amazing environment. The story is also interesting, nothing new but very good written..
    Dont miss, try it out.
  6. BillyRSea
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    It's a solid indie game but rating it 10/10 to counter some of the review bombing from right wing fanatics
  7. RoverDiscover
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    A nice surprise. The game looks beautiful, and it's very relaxing. A new great game on Xbox
  8. umaumai
    Dec 17, 2021
    8
    This is the kind of game my mom would have loved me to play when I was a kid. I can hear her saying, “see…it’s fun to clean!” The thing is the amount of vaccu-sucking “The Gunk” up you do here is a bit much and by the end it was tedious. The mechanic for this is well implemented, but a few times I had trouble continuing because the "clean area" bubble prompt didn’t pop and I could reachThis is the kind of game my mom would have loved me to play when I was a kid. I can hear her saying, “see…it’s fun to clean!” The thing is the amount of vaccu-sucking “The Gunk” up you do here is a bit much and by the end it was tedious. The mechanic for this is well implemented, but a few times I had trouble continuing because the "clean area" bubble prompt didn’t pop and I could reach the next part of the map.

    If I had to compare this to another game I’d say it’s part “Tomb Raider,” with all of the puzzle solving, and glazed with a little bit of “ Luigi’s Mansion 3” for its presentation and vacuum mechanics. While I finished this 8 chapter game in a day I think it was time well spent. I liked the characters, I liked the story and setting, and I thought it was pretty well put together. The platforming could be a little troublesome, but you immediately respawn where you fall so it’s not unforgiving.

    My one one big complaint is the upgrading system seems like something the developers tacked on at the end. I like that you can look for resources that you will use to upgrade your gear, but I could tell that most of them wouldn’t be necessary as the first thing you can “upgrade” is just having the ability to sprint. I literally went most of the game without buying a single upgrade, other than sprint, because I thought the difficulty curve would get worse at the end and I wanted to save my resources. Turned out I didn’t really need them at all.

    There is some action, but the most hardened of players might find it a bit weak. There are a few boss battles, but they don't add up too much if you are a seasoned gamer. All in all though I’d say if you have Game Pass you should absolutely give this game a try. My one suggestion is to scan everything that you come across. That’s how you unlock upgrades and in the end having traps for the last encounter would have been nice.    … Expand
  9. ArVilla
    Dec 17, 2021
    8
    Thoroughly enjoyed my time with game, so much that I completed it on a single sitting. Albeit, not a long game, but satisfying none the less. A few gripes= 1) could've benefited from a few more levels.
    2) the antagonist could have been a little more fleshed out.
    3) though, probably not the point of the game, there could've been some more variety in enemy types.. In the end, enjoyed my time    Thoroughly enjoyed my time with game, so much that I completed it on a single sitting. Albeit, not a long game, but satisfying none the less. A few gripes= 1) could've benefited from a few more levels.
    2) the antagonist could have been a little more fleshed out.
    3) though, probably not the point of the game, there could've been some more variety in enemy types..
    In the end, enjoyed my time with the game, and I recommend at least a try.    … Expand
  10. Bavari-90
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    Graphics 8/10
    Voice acting 9/10
    Story 7/10
    Environmental puzzles 8/10
    Platforming 9/10
    Facial expressions 7/10
  11. Squintmink
    Dec 21, 2021
    9
    The game makes vacuum cleaning seem like an amazing activity to do. Combat is simple, and the platforming elements are not overly difficult.

    Spent a few hours in total with it, and would recommend this game. Few bugs where you'd get stuck on something, or the game won't progress even after clearing everything in the area. Luckily the auto-saves are frequent, so you don't lose too    The game makes vacuum cleaning seem like an amazing activity to do. Combat is simple, and the platforming elements are not overly difficult.

    Spent a few hours in total with it, and would recommend this game.

    Few bugs where you'd get stuck on something, or the game won't progress even after clearing everything in the area. Luckily the auto-saves are frequent, so you don't lose too much progress.    … Expand
  12. Cocomacoco
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    I have to say i love this game , it's the most different and fresh experience i have had in Xbox for years , i felt like I was back in the PS2 or OG Xbox Era where so many beautiful inmersive platformers and exploration games were made and enjoyed, this game is beautiful and it starts slow enough but dobut don't be surprised if you cannot put it down
  13. scorp332211
    Dec 27, 2021
    9
    This is the 2nd surprise indy game that I’ve actually liked this year- the other being Kena Bridge of Spirits. The Gunk’s graphics remind me a little of Kena, but not quite as good. This is one of the most chill games I’ve ever played. The gameplay is interesting. It’s pretty mellow up until the end with some boss fights. It took me about 9.5 hours to complete- so not as short as some haveThis is the 2nd surprise indy game that I’ve actually liked this year- the other being Kena Bridge of Spirits. The Gunk’s graphics remind me a little of Kena, but not quite as good. This is one of the most chill games I’ve ever played. The gameplay is interesting. It’s pretty mellow up until the end with some boss fights. It took me about 9.5 hours to complete- so not as short as some have said. With this being on Game Pass- you really can’t go wrong. I highly recommend it & I’d play it again sometime in the future.… Expand
  14. Bellinzona
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Nice platform, underrated, very colourfull and funny, good characters and story, absolutely recommended.
  15. danomierda
    Dec 17, 2021
    8
    Juego muy interesante que te atrapa desde el minuto uno. No es un juego de diez ya que puede parecerle repetitivo a algunos jugadores pero sin duda merece la pena probarlo con GamePass ;)
  16. Ilkayson
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    It has its own style and gameplay, although there is no comparison with high-end games. The graphics and details look pretty good. The gameplay part is successful in its category. Good for the producers.
  17. BradMorgan
    Dec 30, 2021
    8
    The Gunk is a peaceful and colorful game in which you explore a beautiful world. It's not a big game that you should expect too much from but at the same time, the game has not let go of me from start to finish because of the fantastic art style, the dreamy music, and the fun (but sometimes monotonous) gameplay. Removing the gunk and turning each area into a vibrant ecosystem is addictiveThe Gunk is a peaceful and colorful game in which you explore a beautiful world. It's not a big game that you should expect too much from but at the same time, the game has not let go of me from start to finish because of the fantastic art style, the dreamy music, and the fun (but sometimes monotonous) gameplay. Removing the gunk and turning each area into a vibrant ecosystem is addictive and the puzzles are fun. The story isn't great but mysterious enough to keep it interesting. It is a great experience in Xbox Gamepass!

    Pros:
    - Art Style
    - Music
    - atmosphere
    - Removing the gunk
    - Save points. Never irritations because you loose progression.

    Cons:
    - Gameplay feels a bit monotonous at times    … Expand
  18. ayazovic
    Aug 1, 2023
    8
    It was a really nice experience in its beautiful atmosphere. I really liked it. It was very chill. I suggest you to play it in a napping position. However, there were some bugs and glitches. Those were not a game breaker but definitely needed to be fixed ASAP.
  19. Jt0429
    Jan 25, 2022
    9
    Pros-
    Rani and Becks are lovable characters and are well written
    A captivating story that builds up a good mystery Engaging loop of collecting resources and upgrading Unclogging the gunk is so satisfying Puzzles are smartly designed Areas are well designed and encourage exploration Exploration is constantly rewarding Scanning objects in the environment never gets boring A    Pros-
    Rani and Becks are lovable characters and are well written
    A captivating story that builds up a good mystery
    Engaging loop of collecting resources and upgrading
    Unclogging the gunk is so satisfying
    Puzzles are smartly designed
    Areas are well designed and encourage exploration
    Exploration is constantly rewarding
    Scanning objects in the environment never gets boring
    A surprising amount of environmental diversity
    Looks gorgeous thanks to amazing art design
    Great soundtrack

    Cons-
    Movement feels too cumbersome
    Some minor tech bugs like pop in and frame drops    … Expand
  20. churros
    Jan 13, 2022
    8
    Pros:
    + beautiful scenery
    + fun dialog
    + relatable characters
    + ambient soundtrack

    Cons:
    - boring combat
    - shallow mechanics
  21. SergeantDan
    Dec 23, 2021
    8
    The game was fine for what it was. A simple platformer with a simple Puzzle mechanic. You can easily get around the worlds to do what you need to do. The music did a job well done for that game. The story was done well for the size of the game. It was great for what is was. I just had a few times I had to quit out because the game had a problem with not allowing me to full clear toThe game was fine for what it was. A simple platformer with a simple Puzzle mechanic. You can easily get around the worlds to do what you need to do. The music did a job well done for that game. The story was done well for the size of the game. It was great for what is was. I just had a few times I had to quit out because the game had a problem with not allowing me to full clear to continue to the next zone. So had to knock the score down a couple points.… Expand
  22. Fanchbretagne
    Dec 24, 2021
    9
    Excellent petit jeu qui m'a bien surpris. J'en attendait pas grand et en fin de compte j'ai pas m'empêcher d'enchainer les parties. Fun, sympa, gameplay efficace... que demander de plus pour un petit jeu.
  23. mcbaker81
    Dec 18, 2021
    9
    This game has a good story and clean graphics. All good games don’t have to AAA. This is not a 0 or a 1. A very good shake up I’m my library of games.
  24. Theesc
    Dec 25, 2021
    8
    The First 3D game from the creators of the acclaim series Steamworld Dig. The Gunk is an interesting concept and idea that has a lot of potential. However, its falls short in the length, combat, and puzzles to make this game as good as it should have been. I still really like the game and have hope for the future of this series.

    The story of the Gunk is a fairly simple but enjoyable,    The First 3D game from the creators of the acclaim series Steamworld Dig. The Gunk is an interesting concept and idea that has a lot of potential. However, its falls short in the length, combat, and puzzles to make this game as good as it should have been. I still really like the game and have hope for the future of this series.

    The story of the Gunk is a fairly simple but enjoyable, and overall does the job in making you care about its two main characters Rani and Becks. You play as Rani a space explorer who lands on a remote planet in hope of making a big discovery to make a lot of money. Instead, you come across this foam-like goo called "The Gunk" this gunk is the main draw of this game as it has you cleaning up areas of this goo to restore the land to its former glory. In the process you discover the history of the planet and how the planet ended up covered in Gunk.

    The gameplay revolves around you going around exploring this foreign planet and cleaning up the gunk. There's a satisfying feeling of accomplishment akin to cleaning a room in real life. The combat in this game is very simple and limited. Only 3 different enemy types of in the game and all are fairly basic. Combat essentially just sucking up enemies and shooting them out. You gain upgrades by collecting materials on your journey. Upgrades are nice with things like a trap to lure gunk monsters and a stun shot. but most are pretty basic and would have been nice to have more impactful and variety to make combat more diverse and engaging.

    Overall, it's a fun idea and has an interesting world and characters you wish you had more time to expand on those ideas. With the main story only being about 4-6 hours at most it leaves you wanting more from the story and characters. What the game gives you is great. It just leaves you wishing they expanded on the core mechanics. I'm hoping, they learn from this game because it has a great game build off for future games.

    Gameplay: Very fun and satisfying sucking up and cleaning the gunk but basic combat and simple puzzles hold the game back
    Graphics: I really enjoyed the Planet they created very cool to just look at with great art and locations. would be nice to explore different locations, Basic character models leave a little to be desired at times
    Story: Enjoyable and fairly basic and safe story but does the job and keeping you invested in the game
    Music/Sound: Not many loops or sound effects more atmospheric and relaxing and I the voice acting for Becks and Rani are great
    UI/Menus: They do the job and present everything with you need nothing complicated or annoying
    Overall: Real Score 7.8    … Expand
  25. GameLabs2
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    The gunk is a really fun game with an interesting story its remains my of kena bridge of spirit
  26. rangeman
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    Relaxing adventure, gorgeous graphics, and easy gameplay. A nice surprise, I liked it
  27. alexis68
    Dec 22, 2021
    9
    Este juego me sorprendió gratamente es muy entretenido con unos gráficos muy bonitos, solo que es muy corto queda uno con ganas de seguir jugando.
  28. L3Fari0us
    Dec 20, 2021
    8
    The Gunk is a colorful chill experience with some delightful characters.

    Pros: +Casual & chill experience +Interesting main cast +Beautiful environments & soundtrack +Simple puzzles & combat that enhance the casual experience +Perfect length (5 to 6 hours to complete the game) +Fun mechanics +Good character designs +The need for resources makes exploration feel natural Cons:    The Gunk is a colorful chill experience with some delightful characters.

    Pros:
    +Casual & chill experience
    +Interesting main cast
    +Beautiful environments & soundtrack
    +Simple puzzles & combat that enhance the casual experience
    +Perfect length (5 to 6 hours to complete the game)
    +Fun mechanics
    +Good character designs
    +The need for resources makes exploration feel natural

    Cons:
    -Lack of puzzle & enemy variety
    -Facial animations leave a lot to be desired
    -Upgrades for your character cost too much (forcing the player to backtrack to find resources they missed)
    -Some upgrades feel meaningless & very niche
    -Levels are a bit too linear which restricts exploration

    Overall, while The Gunk isn't a game for everyone, I certainly recommend it to people who are looking for a more laid-back and creative game to play while traversing through beautiful landscapes.    … Expand
  29. rahiriz
    Dec 23, 2021
    9
    I enjoyed the game a lot and the story is very interesting. The reason im giving it an 9 is bc it lacks HDR and graphic wise they could have done a lot better. It is a very relaxing game tho, not hard, just play it to relax and enjoy the story
  30. cjud1e
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    It's a great game for what it is: an independent, small-budget game with a sweet story to tell.
  31. Masters33ch
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    A better version of power wash simulator which for me was one of those types of games that relax me.
  32. White_Death_81
    Dec 20, 2021
    8
    Game graphics look very beautiful and music is relaxing but after couple hours music start feel repetitive and game start boring but overall you should check out the game.
  33. Yoiga
    Jan 29, 2022
    9
    Muy bueno, puede ser lento al principio, pero a medidas que avanzas y descubres la historia se hace mucho mas interesante.
  34. Ironlion77
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    I just completed the game tonight and I loved the experience. The characters are sweet and optimistic just like any Disney type characters. For those complaining about the lack of a map, I enjoyed figuring out what to do next without it. A shame that people have been review bombing on Xbox reviews and such, all because the game has black protagonists and they feel that some kind of agendaI just completed the game tonight and I loved the experience. The characters are sweet and optimistic just like any Disney type characters. For those complaining about the lack of a map, I enjoyed figuring out what to do next without it. A shame that people have been review bombing on Xbox reviews and such, all because the game has black protagonists and they feel that some kind of agenda is being pushed on them. It's a good game that won't be everyone's cup of tea. There are plenty of games that aren't my cup of tea but there's never been a need to review them and talk down about them. This is a good game that doesn't need to be a shooter with a bunch of open world combat and a rugged white male protagonist to work. It has a charm of it's own.… Expand
  35. TheOldAlex
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    Simple and fascinating. Try it. It will surprise you with its colors and its world.
  36. fuzzydaug
    Dec 21, 2021
    8
    Just started playing this game today and have been enjoying it alot...the graphics are virtually flawless and create a beautiful interactive world that sucks you in. Sets you on a journey of discovery, and urges you to solve somewhat simplistic puzzles in a creative way....recommend giving it a go.
  37. CarolinaGamer28
    Dec 23, 2021
    8
    The Gunk is a very chill game. And it’s been a great experience as the visuals are on point. The combat isn’t action packed but for a Indie game it’s very enjoyable. I would recommend this game to someone who wants to take a break from the AAA games and have a nice laid back experience. The story is also good.
  38. robbster
    Dec 30, 2021
    8
    Extremely chill, colorful game. Really brought me into a good vibe during this dreary and colorless winter.
  39. ossimoro
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Great game from the creators of steamworld series, enjoyable characters and nice mechanics.
  40. timhanz
    Mar 4, 2022
    9
    This game was just mindless fun. Really enjoyed the story. Could have had a few more mechanics, but overall one of my favorites in awhile.
  41. Renzoamorin
    Jun 13, 2023
    8
    Excelente juego para ser un indie, gran ambientación y gameplay adictivo, una historia sencilla pero interesante al mismo tiempo.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2021
21
#21 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 41
  3. Negative: 1 out of 41
  1. Movies Games and Tech
    May 6, 2022
    60
    What I experienced was a fun but short and undercooked title. It needed much more depth and a greater range of difficulty. None of the aliens will test you and this undermines the difficulty. I wish the developers had worked on the resource management and upgrade system some more. If this had been explored, the gameplay would be exponentially better. All things considered, I enjoyed it, but I wanted much more.
    Read full review
  2. CGMagazine
    Feb 2, 2022
    75
    Though it doesn't have all the perks and features of bigger games, The Gunk remains gorgeous and engaging. A short but sweet adventure full of puzzles and fantastic scenery.
    Read full review
  3. Games.cz
    Jan 13, 2022
    70
    The creators of the Steamworld universe stepped out of their comfort zone for the first time - and it’s a solid step indeed. The Gunk is visually stunning and its central mechanism, vacuuming the titular substance off the ground, is really well done. The combat, though, is disappointing, as is the progression system.
    Read full review
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