Reviews

Gynoug review for PS5/4, Xbox Series X/One, Switch

Platform: PS5
Also on: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Publisher: Ratalaika Games
Developer: extreme / Shinyuden
Medium: Digital
Players: 1
Online: No
ESRB: E10+

Gynoug has an interesting backstory: it was first released on the Sega Genesis 30 years ago ? as Gynoug in Japan, as Wings of Wor in North America ? and now it?s been re-released so modern audiences can get to know it.

The question is, of course, why they?d want to. Gynoug is a pretty standard side-scrolling shooter. It?s a genre that was well-represented thirty years ago, and even if those games aren?t as popular nowadays, there?s still tonnes of them available to play today. Gameplay-wise, there?s pretty much nothing here that hasn?t been done almost literally countless times before (and after, I guess).

That said, gameplay isn?t everything, and Gynoug is certainly one of the most visually striking horizontal shmups I?ve ever seen. Rather than the usual spaceships, here your enemies are much more flesh and blood ? with an emphasis on the blood. There?s plenty of rotting flesh and bleeding organs; one boss is a decomposing torso, while others have bright pink insides that shoot outwards as they attack you. There?s even a level that seems to take place inside a body, which is every bit as gross as you?d expect. It?s a pretty gory game, all things considered, even if it?s ?only? rendered in 16-bit graphics.

But again, if you?re not a fan of shmups ? whether upwards-scrolling or side-scrolling ? Gynoug isn?t likely to win you over. It?s a fairly easy Platinum, but other than that, there?s not really much to recommend it.

Ratalaika Games provided us with a Gynoug PS4/PS5 code for review purposes.

Grade: C+
Matthew Pollesel

Recent Posts

Tune into a The Blood of Dawnwalker deep dive gameplay reveal event on June 21st

The summer solstice is here... and so is a livestream event for Rebel Wolves' hot…

1 day ago

Anime Expo 2025 reveals its full schedule…so start planning your AX 2025 experience!

So much to see, and so much to miss out since I won’t make it…

1 day ago

Lies of P: Overture sells 3 million in two weeks, new patch incoming

Not bad for content that came out with very little warning.

1 day ago

Marvel’s Contest of Champions finally comes to PC

No more worrying about running out of battery during a fight when this long running…

1 day ago

Nintendo eShop Update – RAIDOU Remastered, Once Upon a Puppet, TRON: Catalyst

There's a pretty well-rounded selection of new Nintendo eShop titles and content launching today/soon. Full…

1 day ago

Battle Train has entered the station on PC and Nintendo Switch

In a weird roundabout way…is this the home version of the game?

1 day ago