Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
It may sound like a bizarre concept, but in Squirrel with a Gun, you embody a squirrel who wields a gun and dives into combat. This offbeat 3D sandbox is akin to other unconventional titles like Untitled Goose Game or Goat Simulator – games that turn gaming norms on their head and offer a unique, fun experience. But the burning question remains – will it be captivating enough to keep you hooked for more than just a brief play session?
The Story of Squirrel
The story of Squirrel with a Gun begins with a scene where our little heroine sneaks into a secret lab. There, she discovers a mysterious object shaped like a golden nut, but it is protected by a force field. Thus, The lab serves as a tutorial in which the player learns the basics of controlling a squirrel and key elements such as collecting weapons and shooting. After deactivating the barrier, the Squirrel takes possession of the experimental nut. Still, at that point, agents similar to those in, say, The Matrix, appear and the fight begins.
The agents, who don’t mind shooting even passersby if they’re in their way, become your main enemies. When you defeat them, you earn peanuts, used as currency to buy equipment, including new weapons or remote-controlled cars. You can also earn peanuts by letting the locals admire your cuteness. Sometimes it’s weird, though, when a crowd of admirers follows you around. As well as weapons and combat, of course, the Squirrel has its natural abilities – climbing trees, jumping long distances, and climbing tall poles to decipher the position of golden nuts in the area. Golden nuts are key to unlocking better equipment, from useful suits to cool accessories such as fake eyebrows or different fur colors.
Visuals of Squirrel
Visually, Squirrel with a Gun is a treat for the eyes. The game, powered by the latest version of Unreal Engine, is a visual delight in every aspect. The adorable Squirrel, donning various outfits, pops off the screen – especially when he’s sporting his signature big eyebrows and beret. The dynamic music, changing with the action, adds to the game’s charm, ranging from classical tunes to jazz, and even heavy metal during intense boss battles.
The City of Squirrel
The city you navigate is a little small, but it hides various details and curiosities. For example, you may come across houses that resemble obstacle courses, similar to the show The Floor is Lava. You’ll even have to extend some jumps over obstacles by shooting into the ground, giving you a higher bounce. The technique is quite demanding in terms of accuracy – the platforming sections are well thought out in their design. Still, they are tricky and require frequent repetition of sequences, which will get tiresome over time. It’ll take you around five to six hours to play 100%, some of which will be spent testing out various tricks, such as driving a remote-controlled car in slow mode.
Conclusion of Squirrel
Squirrel with Gun is definitely a hilarious title that just doesn’t take itself seriously. The game runs on a mature engine, doesn’t lack humor, and the gameplay, while not particularly varied, is laced with decent ideas and honestly designed levels. However, it’s not a game for many long evenings and quickly becomes repetitive.
About Squirrel With a Gun
Title: Squirrel With a Gun
Type of Game: Comedy Action / Sandbox
Developer: Dee Dee Creations
Publisher: Maximum Entertainment
Released: August 29, 2024
Platforms Available: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Level of Maturity: Teen 13+
Where to Buy Squirrel with a Gun
Steam (PC): Available now for $19.99.
Epic Games Store (PC): Available now for $13.99.
Xbox Store (Xbox Series X/S): Available for $13.99 in discount normaly $19.99.
PlayStation Store (PS5): Available for $19.99.
Official Page: Visit the official Steam page for more information.
Subreddit: Join discussions on the Squirrel With a Gun Subreddit.