Summary

Gun.Smoke is a classic arcade shooter that challenges players to take down outlaws in the Wild West. Its unique control scheme and engaging gameplay have cemented its status as a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.

• Release Year: 1985
• Genres: Arcade, Shooter
• Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Commodore C64/128/MAX, MSX, Sega Master System/Mark III, ZX Spectrum
• Developers: Capcom, ProSoft
• Publishers: Capcom, GO!, Topo Soft

Introduction

Dive into the heart of the Wild West with Capcom’s classic arcade game, Gun.Smoke. Released in 1985, this game invites players to step into the boots of a fearless bounty hunter on the trail of the most notorious outlaws of the old west.

Synopsis

“Gun.Smoke” is a vertically scrolling run-and-gun video game developed and released by Capcom in 1985. This Wild West-themed game was designed by Yoshiki Okamoto. The game centers on a character named Billy Bob in the NES version, a bounty hunter who is after vicious criminals of the Wild West.

The game’s narrative revolves around a bounty hunter named Billy Bob. Billy Bob is on a mission to bring justice to a wild, lawless frontier town overrun by outlaws. The game doesn’t follow a traditional narrative structure, instead focusing on the gameplay and the player’s progression through various levels.

Each level represents a different part of the town, with Billy Bob having to shoot his way through hordes of outlaws to reach the end. At the end of each level, Billy Bob faces off against a boss character, who is usually a notorious outlaw that Billy Bob has been tracking.

“Gun.Smoke” is a run-and-gun video game in which the screen automatically scrolls upward. Players use three buttons to shoot left, right, and center. The player can also change the way Billy Bob shoots through button combinations. The player dies by getting shot, struck by enemies, or caught between an obstacle and the bottom of the screen.

The player can collect various items, including a horse for extra protection, boots for increased movement speed, bullets for faster shots, a yashichi for an extra life, and a rifle for longer shot range. Other items add points to your score such as stars, bottles, bags, and dragonflies.

Characters

The game primarily revolves around the unnamed bounty hunter protagonist. While there are no other recurring characters, players face a plethora of bandits, outlaws, and bosses, each with their unique challenges.

Gameplay

Featuring a top-down perspective, Gun.Smoke is distinguished by its three-button shooting system, allowing players to fire in three directions. The game is set across multiple levels, each culminating in a boss fight. Players can enhance their firepower with upgrades found throughout the game.

Conclusion

Gun.Smoke remains a hallmark of arcade gaming, offering a blend of challenging gameplay and innovative design that has stood the test of time. Its legacy continues to influence the design and development of shooting games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern