Squirrel with a Gun Review (Steam)

Squirrel with a Gun offers a mixed bag of experiences. On the positive side, the game features decent graphics and a manageable download size of 2.36GB. It supports Steam achievements and full controller compatibility, enhancing the overall user experience. The game provides extensive graphics settings, including options for fur strands, strand shading, lumen, indirect light, resolution, view distance, anti-aliasing, post-processing, shadows, reflections, textures, effects, foliage, v-sync, motion blur, and depth of field. Additionally, it offers ten save slots and various gameplay settings such as music, FX, camera sensitivity slider, invert axis, and aim assist. The full 3D game world with 360-degree camera control, in-game cutscenes, and character interactions add depth to the gameplay. Players can throw items or hold down the button to show an arc of where it will go, and stunning enemies allow for special moves. The game is infused with humor, and ammo replenishment is straightforward, requiring players to stand in an ammo-labeled circle. Collectibles, including Golden Acorns, are scattered throughout the levels, serving as the game’s currency and guiding players through the semi-open world, which encourages exploration and discovery of secret areas and routes.

However, the game has its drawbacks. The resolution settings are vague, only showing options like low, medium, and high, without specific resolutions. There is no benchmark test available. The controls are quite loose, making platforming a frustrating experience due to frequent overjumping or underjumping. The game world appears blurry, and despite graphic adjustments, it remains difficult to discern details. Shooting mechanics are lackluster, with non-existent aim assist. Tutorials are sporadic and limited, leaving players uninformed about essential mechanics like refilling ammo. The music is generic and sounds like free-to-use tracks, and the overall performance is poor, with frequent juddering and stop-start issues. Music sometimes cuts out unexpectedly, and the checkpoint system is inadequate, forcing players to replay large sections of the level without saving acorns and collectibles. Precision tasks, such as platforming and jumping on and off poles, often feel unreliable and prone to failure.

In summary, Squirrel with a Gun is more of a novelty than a solid gaming experience. While it has some redeeming qualities like decent graphics, humor, and a semi-open world for exploration, the numerous technical issues, poor controls, and lack of comprehensive tutorials significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. The game may appeal to those looking for a light-hearted, humorous experience, but it falls short of delivering a polished and engaging gameplay experience.