BulletStorm

If you are someone with a passion for shooting everything that comes into view, then you might enjoy 2011 release BulletStorm. Developed by People Can Fly and Epic Games, this EA-published title was quite successful when it came out. It was a game that was all about trying to be very skilful and exciting when you take down the hordes of enemies coming your way.

The game was all about actually trying to get players to think outside of the box. Many FPS titles fall down because they have you simply doing the same thing over and over, but BulletStorm looked to change that. While it had its flaws, there was enough to enjoy about BulletStorm to make it worthwhile even today.

Engaging FPS action that rewards style

One of the main challenges you might find when it comes to playing a game like BulletStorm is that there is a lot of style involved. The game revolves around the idea of space pirate Grayson Hunt who is shot down over a planet at war. Having been tricked by his former commander, General Sarrano, into committing war crimes, Hunt wants to get revenge and has no problem being flashy as he does so.

If you have played modern fast paced FPS games like Doom Eternal, you will know the importance of being active. This is not a game where you simply sit behind cover, but it is more akin to something like Duke Nukem 3D in that you spend more time hopping around and firing off shots than you do being precise with how you take on enemies.

The core gameplay loop is plenty of fun, and you will soon get used to working with a rather ludicrous armada of different weapons. The game was well respected at the time for having a very interesting gameplay loop and a good overall level of pace. Criticism, though, was rightly aimed at the lacklustre story that feels like it was simply there to give the game some kind of purpose.

Mediocre storytelling improved by excellent action (7/10)

Overall, the main thing to note about BulletStorm is that it is fun to play but the lore could be written on a tiny piece of card. The game was also quite controversial at the time, with its full-on glorification of violence seen as too edge even for an 18-rated game.

Pros

• Rapid action that keeps you on your toes throughout each level
• Great variety of weapons and skills to make fighting more fluid
• Strong presentation standards for the time of its release (2011)

Cons

• Storyline is bare bones and not really worth following in depth
• Lacks any kind of meaning beyond violence and slaughter overall

BulletStorm is a wacky and violent first-person shooter set in a sci-fi world, where you'll earn points for killing enemies through creative methods. Taking place in the far future, the game follows ex-assassin and alcoholic Grayson Hunt, who seeks revenge on his former employer and the government he stands for. However, BulletStorm is far from your average shooter, as the focus isn't how many enemies you can defeat, but how cool and creative your shooting is. With a wild single-player campaign, time trials, and a unique online multiplayer mode, BulletStorm is tons of bloody fun.

Main Game Features

• Fast-paced FPS action
• Defeat enemies in unique ways for bonus points
• Extra time trial and multiplayer modes

Story

In BulletStorm, you control Grayson Hunt, an interplanetary assassin who has seen better days. Living in the 26th century, where all of known space is governed by the Confederation of Planets, Grayson spends some years working as a contract killer known as a Dead Echo. When his boss, General Sarrano, betrays him and attempts to have him killed, Grayson and his team narrowly escape.

10 years later, now a constantly reckless alcoholic, Grayson gets a chance for vengeance when Sarrano and the crew have an unexpected meeting in space. As a result of the impromptu battle, Grayson and his ship crash on the nearby planet Stygia, full of crazed inhabitants who want their blood. Together with Ishi, the only survivor of the crash, Grayson must find redemption and finish off Sarrano for good.

Gameplay

While the story in BulletStorm is too serious for its own good, the over-the-top action completely makes up for it. Similar in style to other first-person shooters like Halo 2 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, BulletStorm has you blasting through a series of linear levels and destroying everything in your path. There are eight distinct weapons to discover, each with unique “charge” functions that serve as alternative firing modes. Each weapon has been designed to be explosive and fun to use, as entertaining gunplay is the most important element in the game.

However, the real thing that separates BulletStorm from its competitors is the skillshot mechanic, which rewards you with points for pulling off creative kills. There are over 300 different skillshots to attempt, some exclusive to various weapons. You can even spend the points you earn from skillshots on weapon upgrades, increasing their ammo capacity, unlocking charge functions, and more. In addition to the main campaign, you can also complete time trials in Echoes mode, where you can compare your score to other plays online. The game also includes a four-player online mode called Anarchy, where you and your friends battle together against waves of enemies.

Conclusion

Overall, BulletStorm is a very entertaining shooter with some awesome ideas. The skillshot mechanic will have you shooting down enemies in a completely new fashion, playing off the environment and combining weapons for explosive results.

Pros

• Awesome weapons with cool abilities
• Scoring system adds extra fun
• Time trials are rewarding and replayable

Cons

• The story is underwhelming
• Multiplayer modes are only fun a few times
• Humor doesn't always hit