Son of a Gun

有点垃圾了

Just got to the 3rd planet. At this point I didn't get bored even once: diversity of enemies and locations. Can't say the locations are challenging, although I died many times. The game is a solid twin-stick shooter, not perfect, just solid. And it works great on Steam Deck.

Get Brotato instead. It's too bad as I like janky old games but this is some very ugly mechanics (the variety is ok after awhile) and erratic pacing with a good dose of failed pathing and glitchy AI.

Just a simple TDS game. Nothing to be excited about, but if you have an itch for such a game - it should suffice. It will get repetitive though (same several enemies, same ambushes, same'ish level design).

Hmm cant really recommend it

Son of a Gun, developed by Crank Goblin and published by Untold Tales and Gamersky Games, is a fast-paced twin-stick shooter that embraces chaos, absurdity, and nostalgia in equal measure. From the moment the game begins, it becomes clear that subtlety has no place here. Players are thrown into a ridiculous and violent sci-fi setting where every inch of the screen is fair game for explosions, alien gore, and a dizzying array of projectiles. It’s a game that lives and dies by the sheer spectacle of its action, and fortunately, it delivers on that front with confidence. The gameplay centers around classic twin-stick mechanics but adds a surprisingly diverse toolkit that encourages creativity in combat. Players can choose from a wide array of weapons—everything from pistols and shotguns to rocket launchers and experimental plasma rifles. Each weapon has its own strengths and feedback, and experimenting with different combinations becomes part of the game’s appeal. Grenade types add another tactical layer, with options like cluster bombs, implosives, and timed explosives allowing for different crowd control strategies. On top of that, the inclusion of a time-bending mechanic adds a strategic pause when things get overwhelming, letting players reposition, regroup, or finish off enemies in stylish slow motion. Son of a Gun also uses its environments in clever ways. Each biome is distinct, ranging from overgrown alien jungles to grimy industrial corridors and insect-infested caverns. These aren't just visual changes—they introduce new hazards, enemy types, and map-specific interactions. Explosive barrels, environmental traps, and destructible cover add some depth to otherwise frenetic encounters. The visuals themselves lean into a cartoony yet gritty aesthetic, which suits the game’s over-the-top tone perfectly. Everything is exaggerated, from the grotesque enemy designs to the massive explosions, creating a game world that feels like a chaotic comic book come to life. The audio design supports this well—guns sound appropriately punchy, monsters scream in unsettling pitches, and the synth-heavy soundtrack drives the action with pulpy energy. Enemy variety is another strength. Players will face everything from cybernetic bugs and slime monsters to undead space beasts and mechanical drones. Each type has its own movement and attack patterns, which can lead to some surprisingly tense moments when multiple factions collide on screen. Boss fights, while uneven in design, do help to break up the rhythm of the regular waves. Some of these encounters are intense and memorable, with large-scale arenas and multi-phase battles, while others feel like glorified elite enemies. Still, they serve their purpose and punctuate each biome with a sense of progression. Not everything lands perfectly. The game’s difficulty curve can spike abruptly, especially in later levels or boss fights where the screen becomes almost unreadable due to the volume of effects and enemies. While the time-bending device helps manage this, it isn’t always a solution, especially when enemies close in from all angles. Weapon balance also fluctuates. Some guns clearly outperform others, which can make certain builds feel redundant once more powerful options are unlocked. Additionally, while the chaos is generally fun, players who prefer precision or tactical planning may find the experience overwhelming or repetitive over extended sessions. Despite those flaws, Son of a Gun succeeds in being an unapologetically wild ride. Its replayability is fueled by its diverse weapon options, unpredictable enemy waves, and satisfying combat feedback. It doesn’t try to bog itself down with an elaborate narrative or overly complex mechanics. Instead, it focuses on pure, arcade-style fun—and it largely delivers on that promise. For a modest price point, it offers solid value, and it hits a sweet spot for fans of games like Nuclear Throne, Assault Android Cactus, or even the classic Smash TV. Son of a Gun isn’t trying to revolutionize the twin-stick shooter genre, but what it does bring to the table is a tightly crafted, visually striking, and consistently entertaining experience. It’s the kind of game that embraces its chaotic spirit fully and invites the player to do the same. Whether diving in for a quick session of mayhem or grinding through bosses for the perfect build, there’s plenty of fun to be had for those willing to lean into the madness. Rating: 8/10

Extremely janky, especially the movement. It's borderline-nauseating. It's easy to get stuck in the environment, and same goes for your enemies.

Game difficulty begins at extremely easy (enemies get stuck behind map objects) then suddenly becomes extremely difficult (overpowered and outgunned at first boss fight). Worth the dollar I paid for it in a game bundle but no more than that.

Das Spiel geht garnicht, steuerung schamming, das schießen fühlt sich an als würde ich mit ner zwille schießen, das artwork ist als hätte ich es selbst gezeichnet, also total mies^^ ... und der preis für ein solches sechstklassiges game ist mit 10€ echt mies, glücklicherweise bekam ich den key geschenkt, weil er übrig war bei nem bekannten. eine klare ablehnung, keine empfehlung meinerseits. ich glaub ich habe keine 10 minuten aushalten können.

Awesome top down shooter, just what I like!