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. 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.
  2. Renzoamorin
    Jun 13, 2023
    8
    Excelente juego para ser un indie, gran ambientación y gameplay adictivo, una historia sencilla pero interesante al mismo tiempo.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. churros
    Jan 13, 2022
    8
    Pros:
    + beautiful scenery
    + fun dialog
    + relatable characters
    + ambient soundtrack

    Cons:
    - boring combat
    - shallow mechanics
  7. 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
  8. ossimoro
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Great game from the creators of steamworld series, enjoyable characters and nice mechanics.
  9. Bellinzona
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Nice platform, underrated, very colourfull and funny, good characters and story, absolutely recommended.
  10. robbster
    Dec 30, 2021
    8
    Extremely chill, colorful game. Really brought me into a good vibe during this dreary and colorless winter.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. rangeman
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    Relaxing adventure, gorgeous graphics, and easy gameplay. A nice surprise, I liked it
  19. RoverDiscover
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    A nice surprise. The game looks beautiful, and it's very relaxing. A new great game on Xbox
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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!!
  24. 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
  25. Mustaphabtk
    Dec 20, 2021
    8
    To be honest this game is cool I play when am chilling after long gameplay in halo infinite
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. GameLabs2
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    The gunk is a really fun game with an interesting story its remains my of kena bridge of spirit
  29. TheOldAlex
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    Simple and fascinating. Try it. It will surprise you with its colors and its world.
  30. 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
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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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