Upon launching Gunman Clive 2, a familiar feeling washes over me, reminiscent of classic side-scrolling action games like Mega Man. The setting, however, is distinctly different: a Wild West environment featuring a quick-drawing, revolver-wielding protagonist riding off into the sunset.
Initially, the experience aligns with this expectation. Gunfire erupts, buildings crumble, and cowboys engage in sharp-shooting duels. As I pursue a colossal robot spider across a disintegrating bridge toward the end of the first intense level, the connection becomes clear: this is indeed Mega Man transposed to the Wild West.
However, the deeper I delve into the game, the more this initial assessment proves to be an oversimplification.
Clive descends into a mine, and the gameplay tempo shifts. Navigating the shaft, I encounter elements reminiscent of titles such as Probotector and Super Mario Bros., eventually emerging in a classic Wild West town complete with oil derricks and lurking gunmen. The inclusion of vanishing platforms formed by temporary oil geysers adds a unique challenge.
The first boss fight involves a re-encounter with the giant robot spider, and it is here that I begin to appreciate the game’s unexpectedly high quality. After an intense battle, the boss retreats, and Clive and I give chase in a mechanical contraption. As we soar across the seas, navigating white cliffs and shooting down floating targets, the 3D slider on my 3DS is fully engaged. The 3D effects, typically disabled, truly enhance this level. The game’s slightly flat, cartoonish style, reminiscent of Paper Mario‘s thin cardboard cutouts, further amplifies the 3D effect. At this point, the game diverges significantly from Mega Man, evoking comparisons to titles like Star Fox, Afterburner, and Space Harrier.
The narrative progresses to a new continent: a remote, northern region characterized by icy platforms, polar bears, and other stereotypical winter elements. A descent down an icy slope with no means of braking transforms Gunman Clive 2 into a classic platformer, complete with intricate platforming sequences that could prove frustrating for players unfamiliar with this style of game design. Survival requires precision and skill. The subsequent level, set within a beautiful but desolate castle, features gravity-based puzzles and references to Tetris, culminating in an encounter with an eccentric, top-hatted count. This pattern of diverse levels and imaginative references continues throughout the game. While the difficulty can be somewhat challenging at times, requiring trial and error to master certain elements, the resistance ultimately enhances the experience. The relatively short levels encourage repeated attempts to overcome the most difficult passages.
Gunman Clive 2 is the sequel to the original game, and it is easy to see why the first installment garnered sufficient acclaim to warrant a follow-up. The controls are responsive, the challenge is appropriately calibrated, and the graphics possess a distinctive, hand-drawn aesthetic. Hörberg Productions, the one-man development team, has incorporated more color into the environments in this second iteration, while retaining the characteristic, slightly flickering sketches and pencil lines. The game seamlessly blends two-dimensional gameplay with three-dimensional effects and environments, featuring detailed backgrounds and impactful foregrounds. While the somewhat monotonous and monochrome environments can occasionally become visually repetitive, the increased use of color and the unexpected environmental shifts mitigate this issue. The visual presentation is generally appealing, although the occasional difficulty in distinguishing enemy projectiles presents a minor drawback.
Clive’s adventure is concise yet challenging, intense, occasionally demanding, and remarkably diverse in terms of environments. Further refinement of the game mechanics and weapon selection could elevate the experience even further. While the level design exhibits moments of brilliance, some sections are less refined. However, these areas could serve as opportunities for improvement in a potential third installment. Gunman Clive 2 is a retro-inspired and highly enjoyable experience that comes at a reasonable price. Even those who do not typically gravitate toward two-dimensional retro titles should consider giving the game a chance, primarily for its unique visual style. For enthusiasts of old-school gaming, this title is a true gem. As an added incentive, the game features four playable characters, including Clive, which enhances replayability.
Gunman Clive 2 evokes a sense of nostalgia, harking back to an era of side-scrolling action games characterized by high difficulty. However, the game also incorporates modern stylized graphics, destructible environments, and other visual enhancements that were not feasible during the genre’s original heyday. By selectively drawing inspiration from well-regarded games of the past and integrating its own distinct elements, Gunman Clive 2 delivers an experience that is both thrilling and visually captivating.
