The game is set in the late 2090s, revolving around the ultra-violent TV show, Showgunners. The premise is straightforward: anything is permissible. The objective is survival throughout the season, a month-long gauntlet that few endure. Players are introduced to Scarlett Martillo, a contestant driven by multifaceted motivations, chief among them, revenge. Concealing her true agenda, she must survive long enough to execute her plan; a feat as challenging as it is seemingly insurmountable.
Showgunners draws inspiration from the film The Running Man, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, particularly in its cynical humor and certain programmatic elements. The narrative framework of a deadly TV program has precedent in gaming, most recently observed in the rollerblade game, Rollerdome. However, Showgunners distinguishes itself as a strategy game.
As a strategy game enthusiast, I had initially overlooked this aspect of Showgunners. The game initiates with player control of an avatar reminiscent of a First-Person Shooter (FPS). However, upon engaging in combat, the perspective shifts to an isometric overview, transitioning into the strategic gameplay. The tutorials provided are concise and intuitive, facilitating a rapid understanding of the mechanics. The mouse and keyboard controls are logically implemented, suggesting a design specifically tailored for this configuration.
The graphics are visually appealing, showcasing a high level of detail. The developers have clearly invested in creating a nostalgic experience, referencing the 1990s within a futuristic setting. Numerous “Easter eggs” are present, and players should pay attention to the dialogue, as it contains subtle clues regarding the overarching narrative direction.
Showgunners is currently available exclusively for PC. The recommended system specifications include 16GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX 1080 (or equivalent) graphics card to ensure a smooth gaming experience. While the minimum requirement is 8GB of RAM, reducing resolution and FPS settings may be necessary for optimal performance.
One notable aspect of Showgunners is that, despite its visual fidelity and engaging storyline, it lacks significant innovation. The strategic battles, while well-executed, adhere to conventional strategy game setups. This does not detract from the overall enjoyment, as the game is polished and exciting. However, given the unique atmosphere of the game, a more distinct approach to the strategy battles would have been a welcome addition.
In conclusion, Showgunners is still recommended for its entertainment value, fast-paced gameplay, and abundant nostalgic references. For strategy game enthusiasts, it represents a worthwhile addition to their libraries, even if the core mechanics exhibit familiar patterns.
Good Shepherd Entertainment provided a review code for this analysis. The provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
