Written by Steve Zimmerman
ThunderStash Gaming
A Dystopian Rescue Mission
Guns of Fury is an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed Metroidvania that fuses the relentless run-and-gun chaos of Metal Slug with the deep exploration and progression of Super Metroid. Developed by a passionate indie team, this game takes players on a thrilling mission through a dystopian world filled with high-tech weaponry, towering mech suits, and a labyrinthine environment that rewards curiosity.
Players assume the role of Vincent Fury, a battle-hardened special operative tasked with infiltrating Easton Industries, a corrupt mega-corporation suspected of kidnapping Dr. Klaus, a scientist who has discovered the Tetra Cell—an energy source with the potential to either save the world or destroy it. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, scattered logs, and notes, allowing players to piece together the dark secrets hidden within the corporation's sprawling complex. While the story takes a backseat to gameplay, the intrigue of a shadowy deep-state government adds layers of tension, culminating in an ending that hints at a potential sequel.
Metal Slug Meets Metroidvania
At its core, Guns of Fury offers a seamless blend of tight, responsive combat and deep exploration. Starting with basic movement and combat skills, players gradually unlock upgrades such as double jumps, wall climbs, dash boosts, and more, opening up new pathways and encouraging meticulous backtracking.
The game's arsenal is as diverse as it is satisfying. Shotguns, plasma rifles, throwing knives, and even boomerangs provide distinct advantages in combat, while destructible environments add a strategic element—allowing players to uncover hidden paths or trigger explosive chain reactions to take out enemies.
Boss battles serve as the game's high points, featuring intense attack patterns that demand skill and patience. Learning these patterns is key to victory, making each encounter feel challenging but fair. Additionally, the introduction of mech suits adds an exhilarating twist. With four unique mechs to pilot, each providing new traversal mechanics, and even drivable military tanks, the game constantly keeps players on their toes.
Retro Aesthetic Done Right
Visually, Guns of Fury is a stunning homage to the 16-bit era, boasting detailed pixel art and smooth animations reminiscent of classic Neo Geo arcade titles. The game offers customizable CRT filters, with the option to replicate the nostalgic scanlines of a vintage arcade monitor, further enhancing the retro experience.
Performance-wise, the game runs flawlessly on both Nintendo Switch and PC, with no noticeable frame drops, even during the most chaotic action sequences. The fluidity of movement and combat ensures that every dodge, jump, and attack feels incredibly responsive.
Contra Meets Castlevania in the Sound Department
Complementing the fast-paced gameplay is a stellar soundtrack composed by Dominic Ninmark, delivering pulse-pounding tracks that perfectly sync with the on-screen action. Gunfire and explosions have a satisfying weight to them, while small details—like the nostalgic food pickup sound reminiscent of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night—add to the immersive experience.
Who Should Play This?
Fans of Metroid, Contra, Metal Slug, and Castlevania will feel right at home with Guns of Fury. Its seamless fusion of fast-paced combat with methodical exploration makes it a must-play for lovers of retro-style indie games. Those who enjoy challenging gameplay, dissecting enemy attack patterns, and mastering tight platforming sections will find plenty to love.
Completionists will be particularly drawn to the game's rich exploration elements, hidden rooms, unlockable weapons, and lore-filled secrets. Whether you're a speedrunner aiming for the fastest clear time or a lore hunter uncovering every detail, the game offers substantial replayability.
Secrets, Crafting, and New Game Plus
Exploration is highly rewarding, with hidden rooms, destructible walls, and cleverly concealed switches waiting to be discovered. The crafting system also adds depth, allowing players to create medicinal items and weapon upgrades using rare minerals scattered throughout the world.
Unlockable abilities, from dash attacks to grappling hooks, continuously reshape how players navigate the environment and engage in combat. The post-game New Game Plus mode increases difficulty, introducing tougher enemies, revamped boss attack patterns, and more strategic resource management, serving as the ultimate challenge for hardcore players.
Fair But Firm Difficulty
Unlike some Metroidvanias that rely on excessive grinding, Guns of Fury keeps its difficulty skill-based. Every challenge can be overcome with precise movement, careful enemy analysis, and strategic gear upgrades. The absence of artificial padding ensures a tightly paced adventure, with well-placed save rooms and a convenient fast-travel system preventing backtracking from becoming a chore.
Nostalgia With a Twist
While Guns of Fury wears its inspirations proudly, it never feels derivative. Much like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown reimagined a long-dormant franchise as a Metroidvania, this game reinvents the run-and-gun genre by infusing it with deep progression mechanics.
Subtle nods to classic titles, from Symphony of the Night-inspired menus to a boss that bears an uncanny resemblance to a certain symbiote-powered Spider-Man villain, add a layer of charm that retro fans will appreciate. However, Guns of Fury doesn’t just recycle old ideas—it builds on them, creating a fresh yet familiar experience that stands on its own.
A High-Octane Adventure Worth Playing
Simply put, Guns of Fury is a blast from start to finish. The constant action, wealth of secrets, and sheer variety of weapons make every moment engaging. From navigating treacherous corridors and piloting powerful mechs to facing off against screen-filling bosses, the game never loses its momentum.
Whether experimenting with newly crafted weapons, discovering hidden areas, or admiring the beautifully animated pixel art, there’s never a dull moment. The pacing remains tight, ensuring that the experience stays exciting without ever feeling like a grind.
How Long Is It?
For those aiming to complete the main story, expect a playtime of around 12-15 hours. However, achieving 100% completion—uncovering all secrets, unlocking every weapon, and exploring every hidden area—can push the playtime to 25 hours or more. The New Game Plus mode and multiple secret endings add even more replay value, making this a game worth revisiting.
A Legacy in the Making
Guns of Fury stands as a testament to how indie developers can take inspiration from the past while forging their own path. By combining the best elements of Metal Slug, Metroid, and Castlevania, it establishes itself as a worthy successor to the classics that inspired it.
Its ability to balance challenging gameplay with rewarding exploration ensures that it won’t just be a flash in the pan but a title that will be remembered among the greats of the genre. If this is just the beginning, the future looks bright for Vincent Fury’s adventures.
Final Thoughts
Guns of Fury successfully merges the best elements of run-and-gun shooters with the deep, rewarding structure of a Metroidvania. It’s a love letter to the golden age of 2D action games while incorporating modern design philosophies that keep it fresh and exciting.
With its intense combat, satisfying exploration, stunning pixel art, and an electrifying soundtrack, Guns of Fury stands tall as one of the best indie action games of the year. Whether you're a veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for a thrilling adventure, this is a game that absolutely delivers. Lock and load—Vincent Fury’s mission is one you don’t want to miss.
You can check out my full preview below or by visiting my channel, ThunderStash Gaming, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thunderstashgaming.
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