Gunman Clive

Developer: Bertil Hörberg
Publisher: Bertil Hörberg
Price: $1.99 USD/£1.79  
Release Dates: Jan. 3rd, 2013 (USA)
Dec. 20th, 2012 (UK/EU)



Bertil Hörberg has been a dedicated indie developer since mid 2011, and previously developed a game titled "Helium Boy" for iOS & Android platforms. Prior to that, Bertil worked as a gameplay programmer on various games, including the 2009 hit title "Bionic Commando". Bertil Hörberg's most recent shining achievement is "Gunman Clive," a run & gun platformer with a unique western style. Which has already seen substantial success on PC, iOS and Android platforms. Although, the jump over to the 3DS eShop may just be "Gunman Clive's" most successful move yet. The addition of stereoscopic 3D effects, circle pad and button controls definitely make this the definitive version to own, in my opinion.



"Gunman Clive" is a simple and very enjoyable run & gun platforming affair containing all of the usual bells and whistles. The storyline is as is for most platformers, very bare bones. The plot behind this story being your typical damsel in distress. From the beginning of the game, you'll have access to play as either Clive or Ms. Johnson. With a third unlockable character becoming available after your first completion of the game. Both Clive & Ms. Johnson possess their own different advantage's and disadvantage's to certain aspects of gameplay. Clive can move considerably quicker, while Ms. Johnson can float across screen something like Princess Peach in "Super Mario Bros. 2" (USA). It's easy to notice just how many gameplay mechanics "Gunman Clive" has borrowed from late & great platformers of the past. During your mission to save Ms. Johnson/Clive, you'll encounter disappearing & reappearing platforms, bad guys w/guns, wolfs, rabbits and even pelicans that'll try to set Clive off his course. Not to mention the many other obstacles you'll be facing off against. The most treacherous of which is the boss battles.



The bosses are all pretty generic in form but still supply enough challenge and enjoyment to justify their existence in the game. Twenty short but very sweet stages are all that stands between you and certain victory. Even though "Gunman Clive" is over quicker than the fast-draw of a gun, there are three levels of difficulty on offer here and an unlockable "Duck Mode" as well. Any of which may require anywhere between 30 mins. and an hour or slightly more of your time. It may have little to no color, but "Gunman Clive's" unique flip-book animation visual style is what really sets it apart from other platformers currently available on the 3DS eShop, and it's extremely charming in a very simplistic manner. The stereoscopic 3D effects are surprisingly crisp & clear, rivaling those displayed in "Mutant Mudds".



The music in "Gunman Clive" is very upbeat and atmospheric. It's also very appropiate for the old-western setting. The music and sound effects would've probably been "Gunman Clive's" very best asset, if the game didn't already have so much else going for it. Nonetheless, I found the music was very catchy, and I caught myself multiple times humming along to the beat.

The 20 available stages on hand may be slightly on the shorter side, but that doesn't make your time spent with this little gem of a game any less enjoyable. As a budget priced platformer with plenty of high quality production values, you really can't complain about too much here. So if your a fan of short but sweet platformers, pick up your 3DS and don't hesitate to pledge your contribution of a $1.99. As for myself, I award "Gunman Clive" a very deserving...



8.5 out of 10 ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Official Website

Trailer


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