Azure Striker Gunvolt 3

Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.

It's tough to say whether Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is a clear improvement over its predecessors, but this entry is every bit as action-packed and razor sharp as them. Kirin offers up a refreshing new take on the tried and tested gameplay, while the tight level designs and focus on the ranking system make this one a highly replayable experience. The only real downsides here are that the gacha system feels awkwardly implemented and the story can be a slog, but both these things are easily ignored when the thrilling gameplay really gets its hooks in you. If you at all enjoyed the previous entries, it goes without saying that you owe it to yourself to pick up Azure Striker Gunvolt 3, but we'd encourage newcomers to give it a shot, too. Action platformers like this don't come along too often, and we're pleased to report that Inti Creates clearly hasn't lost its mojo in this space.

The Gunvolt series was one of the better, and cooler, platformer series in recent history; unfortunately, the most recent games have just been entirely mediocre. Much like the previous Luminous Avenger, all the pieces are there for an absolutely fantastic game, but it never comes together. Regrettably, the story in Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is the weakest in the series, and the two main characters are far more annoying than entertaining.

As a whole, Gunvolt 3 is a solid entry in the series. The gameplay is challenging but supported by precise controls that, when mastered, will see players flying across the screen clearing out whole waves of enemies. Striving to get top Kudos rankings in each stage can quickly become addicting. Although the bloated storyline can become tedious at times, and the lack of a properly playable Gunvolt at all times are disappointing, this is still a game that Gunvolt and action game fans won’t want to miss out on.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 combines the best ideas in the series into an excellent action title. It's thrilling to go through a stage quickly, especially thanks to the protagonist's smooth and versatile abilities — with some technique, it's possible to do impressive combos barely ever touching the surface. The expressive atmosphere reminiscent of anime complements that energetic tone, even though the story and characters aren't all that good. The effort spent into offering a versatile experience is also notable: newbies will have fun with its soft difficulty while veterans will have trouble mastering its systems and reaching high scores. However, even in the highest difficulties, it lacks challenge a little. Besides that, some mechanics end up underutilized as the focus is on just a few ideas. However, even with those issues, the result is positive. Overall, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is a must play for those who love action and 2D platforming titles.

A lack of challenge and some underwhelming PC options can't stop Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 from being one hell of an entertaining action game, provided you like warping through levels without touching the ground.

The third chapter in the Azure Striker Gunvolt series takes few risks with its formula and mostly uses familiar elements that most players will recognize. This does not mean there aren't any new features, and the way the two main characters are used shows just that. When it comes to most of its experience though, it's very reminiscent of its preceding chapters, and that can only be good when it comes to frantic gameplay and an exquisite game world. Pity for the difficulty level though, as Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 really is as simple and accessible as it can be.

It’s a beautifully put together package, and this isn’t the lackluster ending of a trilogy gone off the rails. This is a tight, enjoyable and absolutely true embodiment of what Inti Creates has been building all these years. For fans, it’s everything they could want. And for first timers…well, maybe pick up the Cliff’s Notes on what’s happened. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is a good addition to the saga with interesting mechanics and lays a good foundation for future stories.

Gunvolt 3 manages to embody the best that Azure Striker has to offer.