In the last few years, there are more and more games that try to revive the spirit of old arcade titles, relying on simple, but extremely fast and demanding gameplay mechanics. Among such titles is Machine Gun Fury, an action game from Reset Games that seeks to bring back the feel of classic military arcade shooters. The game was originally released in 2022 for PC, and was later announced to expand to consoles such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Machine Gun Fury openly draws on the tradition of old arcade shooters from the eighties and nineties. Instead of a complex story or a realistic portrayal of warfare, the game emphasizes pure action and constant enemy pressure. The player finds himself in the midst of chaos on the battlefield where the only goal is to eliminate the enemy armies and survive the attacks coming from all sides.
Such an approach is reminiscent of classics like Commando or Ikari Warriors, where reflexes and reaction speed are more important than tactical planning. Machine Gun Fury takes that concept and adapts it to modern platforms, but without trying to change its basic philosophy. The result is a game that consciously stays true to the old arcade spirit.
The central part of the game is a gameplay system based on the so-called run-and-gun approach. The player does not use cover or rely on a slower pace of combat, but instead constantly progresses through the levels while destroying enemies. Opponents come in large waves, and any mistake can result in a quick defeat.
The game offers several different characters that have their own fighting styles. Among them are characters such as a soldier specializing in heavy fire, fast and precise fighters, and a character who uses powerful automatic weapons to continuously destroy the enemy. Such variety allows the player to find the playing style that suits him best.
In some parts of the game it is also possible to control combat vehicles such as tanks, boats or armed vehicles for fast attacks. These sequences bring a short change of rhythm, but also an additional spectacle on the screen, as they enable massive destruction of the opponent.
The game is divided into several areas where the player must fight his way through enemy forces. Each zone ends with a fight against a large opponent that requires a quick reaction and a good knowledge of the mechanics of the game. Such fights are the highlight of every level because they demand maximum concentration and precision from the players.
The overall structure of the game remains relatively simple, which is in keeping with the arcade inspiration. Machine Gun Fury is not trying to be a long adventure with dozens of hours of content, but a short and intense experience that rewards repetition and skill improvement.
Visually, the game uses pixel graphics inspired by the 8-bit and 16-bit era of video games. The environments are colorful and detailed, and explosions and particle effects further enhance the sense of chaos on the battlefield. The parallax background and strong shaking of the screen during explosions create the impression that the action is constantly at its peak.
The background music also follows the retro aesthetic. Electronic sounds and energetic melodies are reminiscent of old arcade machines and successfully follow the fast rhythm of the game. It is the combination of image and sound that contributes to the creation of an authentic arcade atmosphere.
The biggest advantage of the game lies in its simplicity and speed. Machine Gun Fury doesn't try to complicate gameplay mechanics, instead offering pure action that's easy to understand but requires skill to master. Fans of retro shooters will probably find the greatest pleasure in this.
On the other hand, this very simplicity can be a disadvantage for some players. Those looking for a more complex story, character progression, or more varied gameplay systems may find the game lacks depth. Machine Gun Fury is first and foremost a title aimed at short, intense gaming sessions.
Machine Gun Fury represents a conscious return to the roots of arcade action games. Instead of modern trends and complex systems, the game offers fast and direct action reminiscent of the golden age of arcades. With retro graphics, energetic music and constant enemy pressure, the title manages to create an authentic experience that will be most appreciated by fans of classic shooters.
While it may not win over all players due to its simple structure, Machine Gun Fury succeeds in what it sets out to be: a loud, fast and explosive arcade adventure that reminds us why these games were once so popular. For fans of retro action, this is a fun reminder of a different era of video games.
A copy of the PlayStation 5 version of the game has been provided by ESDigital Games for review purposes
