The Gunk Game Review
3 Step Game Review
About the Game
Released
December 16, 2021
Developer
Thunderful
Price
US$ 29.99
(MAY VARY PER LOCATION)
Game Description
The Gunk stars Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers, struggling to make a buck as they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot…
As they uncover the dormant secrets of a shattered civilization, they must battle the curse of a toxic gunk parasite, all while getting caught in a spiral of festering mistrust.
Use your trusty Power Glove to reverse the corruption, uncover secrets of old and heal the planet! Experience the evolving… (continues…)
Step 1: Playing Conditions
Read below the game basic characteristics. If it is something you see yourself playing, move on to Step 2: Graphics & Sound.
Gameplay Overview
The Gunk is an action-adventure game about fixing what’s broken. Combat is present in the game, but in a small portion when compared to its adventure. You will explore, clean areas, scan things and solve mini-puzzles to progress in the game.
The story, music, and game design set a meditative and relaxing tone to the gameplay experience. With 8 levels, 54 collectibles, and 16 upgrades, some may consider The Gunk to be an EASY GAME TO BEAT. It is definitely A SHORT GAME AND SUPER ACCESSIBLE, you can play it with just U$1.00 by signing up for the Xbox Game Pass.
Step 2: Graphics & Sound
Watch 5 to 10 minutes of any video below. If you like what you see and hear, move on to Step 3: Game Evaluation.
Step 3: Game Evaluation
Build your expectations about the game by learning what it offers and how was The Partisan Spy’s experience.
USER INTERFACE
Game menus are simple and bring the needed options to configure the game no more, no less. What makes The Gunk UI special is what it doesn’t have. THE GAME DOESN’T HAVE A FIXED HUD and you won’t miss it as your attention will be on its unique environment design. One thing you will miss is the Photo Mode feature.
STORY
The game title is the plot of the story. You will explore this unknown planet with a friendly radio voice companion that also helps to understand the main character’s background. As game chapters are complete, questions are answered and planet mysteries are revealed. The depth and true potential of the narrative are cut down by HOW BRIEF THE GAME IS.
COMMUNITY POTENTIAL
As a single-player, short, and casual game, The Gunk shows NO POTENTIAL to create or sustain a player base. Content creation is also limited to its brief storyline and the low difficulty of its chapters. The Xbox Game Pass subscription service will bring players to play the game as a one-time gameplay experience.
GAMEPLAY MOOD TRACKER
MOOD ANALYSIS
The game is FUN. During the entire gameplay, my mood was between ENTERTAINED and EAGER. The last hour makes the exception of two opposites feeling. On one hand, was the excitement of fighting the last boss, and on the other hand, the frustration of knowing the game was ending so soon.
GRIND FEELING
You will vacuum an enormous amount of gunk, but there is no time to feel any kind of grind feeling. THE GUNK IS TOO SHORT. Every story chapter is different from each other and unveiling the mystery keeps your interest in the game. The mini-puzzles and different level designs also bring a good variety to the game.
LOVED THE MOST
The synergy between music, design, story, and mechanics results in a unique gameplay experience.
DISLIKED THE MOST
The game is extremely short and doesn’t have a Photo Mode.
EVALUATION SUMMARY
The Gunk is a friendly and enjoyable game for all ages that can be completed in 7 hours or less. Besides being short, there is no mistake on The Gunk, it DELIVERS A GREAT GAMEPLAY EXPERIENCE.
It is also a consolidation proof of the gaming industry’s new era: SaaS (Software as a Service).
The game is not worth as much as US$ 29.99, you shouldn’t buy The Gunk.
The game is not worth as little as US$ 1.00, you should subscribe to Xbox Game Pass to play it.
The Gunk is a small piece of a bigger strategy: SUBSCRIPTION RETENTION AND ACQUISITION.
Xbox Game Pass business model needs to constantly add new content (games) to retain clients.
At the same time, good quality content and novelty bring more subscribers.
Maybe that explains why THE GUNK IS SHORT, HAS AN INCOMPATIBLE BUYING TAG PRICE, AND STILL, IS ALMOST FREE-TO-PLAY. For the next years, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more games like The Gunk being released by SaaS gaming services.
Choices & Advice
DON’T BUY IT
IF YOU ARE NOT INTO RELAXING AND LAID-BACK GAMES.
WAIT TO BUY
IF YOU CAN’T OR DON’T WANT TO SUBSCRIBE TO XBOX GAME PASS AND EXPECT A SALE.
BUY NOW
IF YOU WANT TO PLAY IT, SUBSCRIBE TO XBOX GAME PASS, DON’T BUY IT.
GAME LIFETIME
THE GAME CAN BE FULLY COMPLETED IN 5 TO 7 HOURS.
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