Gaming Target - Xbox: Gunvalkyrie

Written by Ryan Smotherman on February 05, 2002

First Impressions: THE definition of a УtwitchФ video game.

With amazing titles like Jet Grind Radio, Typing of the Dead, and Hundred Swords for the Dreamcast, Smitebit, while not yet in the same league with such legendary developers as Sonic Team and AM2, has established themselves as one of Sega's premiere developers. And Xbox owners are in luck, for the Xbox console seems to be their system of choice. This month we're going to be skating our booties off in a world of cel-shaded glory with Jet Set Radio Future, and next month we'll be blowing away alien garbage in a brand new title known as GUNVALKYRIE. Does the game have what it takes to be a full-fledged Sega franchise? So far, all signs are pointing to a big fat yes!

The name GUNVALKYRIE pertains to a government organization. One that was originally created to protect new, deadly technology, while at the same time dictating how and when it will be used in the world. Created soon after a mad scientist's experiment went awry, releasing an unknown form of energy and leaving a world full of technological marvels no one has yet to see, GUNVALKYRIE's mission soon became one of extermination when the scientist, Dr. Hebble, suddenly disappears and a horde of bio-aliens act as a plague on the world.

Oddly enough, all of this is supposedly going on in a time equal to our own 19th century, or the 1800's. I admit the premise isn't the most original in the world (Starship Troopers anyone?), but there is no doubt that it sets you up for one action-packed thrill ride. And trust me, that is what this game is going to be. As a member of GUNVALKYRIE, you will be handed a plethora of customizable, futuristic artillery, which, or course, you will use to annilate the problem. Oh yes, hot blonde plus big guns equals much fun.

Gameplay wise, GUNVALKYRIE is a straight up third-person shooter with all the emphasis on non-stop action, much in the vain of Max Payne, but at the same time much, much different. Essentially, you will run/hover through 10 massive, mission-based levels murdering countless enemies while eventually coming to an enormous boss character that will need to be dealt with. So, am I insinuating that GUNVALKYRIE is a mindless shooter? Well, yes I am, but the game seems to have just the right stuff to make one helluva mindless shooter at that. Platform jumping elements will also present itself throughout the game, but for the most part this is Уrun-n-gunФ gameplay all the way. Something action fans will definitely appreciate.

One aspect of the game that keeps popping up is the control scheme, due to the fact that they are set up very un-third-person like. It is said that one control stick controls movement, the other controls your aiming, the left and right triggers shoot and ignite your rocket pack, and the face buttons do the rest. Here's the tricky part, you character lacks the ability to strafe. And thus, enter the rocket pack. Fire this sucker up and you go airborne, resulting in complete movement to where you want to go. No doubt, this will take some time to get used to, but I'm sure it's very effective and will work wonderfully.

If you're looking for a game that will show off what the Xbox is capable of, look no further. GUNVALKYRIE has to be one of the most beautiful Xbox games to date. Combining the artistic style of Japanese anime, or Japanimation, with the pure polygon crunching power of the Xbox, prepare to be picking your jaw up off the floor. The game contains lush outdoor environments, well-detailed character/alien models, and some slick weapon effects. Seeing as the game is an Xbox exclusive, look for it to take full advantage of the system's graphical prowess.

From older movies I've seen of the game, the music was actually tunes from the great Saturn classic -- Panzer Dragoon Saga (one of my all time favorites). At first I wasn't sure if this was the actual music they were going to use or if it was just filler music till the real stuff was complete. Well, I got my answer. Newer videos I've seen lack any PDS tunes and are totally original to the game. From what I've heard it didn't seem too exciting, however, I have high hopes for the overall soundtrack. If anything, Jet Set Radio proves that Smilebit cares a great deal about a game's musical score.