{{short description|2012 video game}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox video game |title = Gunlord |image = Gunlord Coverart.png |developer = NG:Dev.Team |publisher = NG:Dev.Team |designer = René Hellwig |programmer = Timm Hellwig |artist = Andrew Bado<br />Henk Nieborg<br />Konstantin Karpenyuk<br />Perry Sessions |composer = Rafael Dyll |platforms = Dreamcast, Neo Geo, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 |released = {{vgrelease|WW|26 March 2012}} |genre = Run and gun |modes = Single-player |arcade system = Neo Geo MVS }}
'''''Gunlord''''' is a 2012 single-player run and gun video game developed and published by German indie NG:Dev.Team for the Neo Geo MVS. It is the first run and gun title from NG:Dev.Team and their third game overall. Taking place after the events of ''Last Hope'', the player assume the role of Gordian Gaiden facing against an evil lord called "The Master" on planet Kairos II while searching for his wife Vanessa, who went missing after defeating the evil empire. Inspired by 16-bit titles such as ''Turrican'', the game originally started development in 2003 but was postponed for various years until the project was resumed in 2010, lasting eighteen months in production.
''Gunlord'' garnered positive reception from critics since its release; praise was given to the audiovisual presentation and exploration-based gameplay but criticism was geared towards several aspects such as the expansive level design, difficulty and technical issues on the Dreamcast version. An updated version with new content titled ''Gunlord X'' was released in 2019 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
== Gameplay == thumb|left|Neo Geo version screenshot ''Gunlord'' is a run and gun game reminiscent of ''Turrican'' where players assume the role of Gordian Gaiden across nine non-linear stages set in the planet Kairos II.<ref name="GLMVSmanual">''Gunlord'' user's manual MVS (Neo Geo MVS, WW)</ref> Its plot takes place after the events of ''Last Hope'', where the evil empire was destroyed by pilot Vanessa Gaiden and although she escaped, her victory was short-lived as she never made it home and was declared missing in action. Meanwhile, a new evil appeared and began to terrorize the galaxy, a planet lord called "The Master" that can create beings of steel and enslave humans by absorbing their souls. Gordian, Vanessa's newlywed husband, is out to search for her when he feels the presence of evil and dons his Gunlord suit.<ref name="GLMVSmanual"/><ref>{{cite video game|title=Gunlord|developer=NG:Dev.Team|publisher=NG:Dev.Team|date=2012|platform=Neo Geo|level=Introduction}}</ref>
During gameplay, the player must explore each large and branching stage using abilities such as a morph-ball function like ''Metroid'' to find new weapons, of which there are seven weapon types in total, crystals for points and power-up items to upgrade each weapon while fighting against enemies and bosses.<ref name="GLMVSmanual"/><ref name="EuroGDCgl"/> In addition to the main platforming segments, there is also a shoot 'em up segment similar to ''R-Type''.<ref name="NLifeNSglx"/><ref name="XGDCNGgl">{{cite web|last=Poppen|first=Heiko|url=https://www.nexgam.de/Dreamcast-Dreamcast/Gunlord-Review.html|title=Gunlord im Test (Dreamcast, Neo Geo)|publisher=neXGam|date=26 April 2016|access-date=2021-01-17|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112230944/https://www.nexgam.de/Dreamcast-Dreamcast/Gunlord-Review.html|archive-date=2021-01-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The title includes two game modes; arcade and original.<ref name="RMNGgl"/> The Dreamcast version features VMU support for saving progress.<ref name="XGDCNGgl"/>
== Development == ''Gunlord'' was developed over the course of eighteenth months by NG:Dev.Team, serving as their first run-and-gun title and their third game overall.<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-04-never-neglect-the-niche-ng-dev-team-on-developing-for-dead-systems|title=Never Neglect the Niche: NG Dev Team on developing for dead systems - Germany's indie darlings speak exclusively about their new Neo Geo game, Gunlord|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=4 June 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107153717/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-04-never-neglect-the-niche-ng-dev-team-on-developing-for-dead-systems|archive-date=2021-01-07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GSpot">{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Peter|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/german-studio-ngdevteam-keeps-the-spirit-of-the-neo-geo-alive/1100-6400972/|title=German Studio NG:DEV.TEAM Keeps the Spirit of the Neo Geo Alive - The Neo Geo scene continues to thrive thanks to the dedicated Hellwig brothers, who in 2000 began developing original games for SNK's 16-bit powerhouse|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=3 December 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106212653/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/german-studio-ngdevteam-keeps-the-spirit-of-the-neo-geo-alive/1100-6400972/|archive-date=2021-01-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Its development was helmed by a crew of seven members, four of which were artists, with René and Timm Hellwig acting as designer and programmer respectively.<ref name="EuroG"/><ref name="GLStaffroll">{{cite video game|title=Gunlord|developer=NG:Dev.Team|publisher=NG:Dev.Team|date=2012|platform=Neo Geo|level=Staff roll}}</ref> Former WayForward and Thalion Software members Andrew "DarkFalzX" Bado and Henk Nieborg, as well as Konstantin Karpenyuk and ''Neo XYX'' designer Perry "Gryzor/Rozyrg" Sessions, were responsible for the pixel art.<ref name="GLStaffroll"/><ref name="XGDCNGgl"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Relinque|first1=Jesús|last2=Borrachero|first2=David|url=https://archive.org/stream/RetroManiac-Magazine-9#page/n255/mode/2up|title=Zona Indie: Ultionus|magazine=RetroManiac Magazine|issue=9|publisher=RetroManiac|date=27 July 2014|pages=256–261|lang=es}}</ref><ref name="SEA">{{cite web|last=Überwenig|first=Toma|url=https://shmupemall.com/interviews/team-grybanser-fox-rozyrg-interview-english-version-87569.html|title=[Interview] Rozyrg talks about Super XYX, its lengthy development & more!|work=Shmup'Em-All|date=30 November 2020|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106211606/https://shmupemall.com/interviews/team-grybanser-fox-rozyrg-interview-english-version-87569.html|archive-date=2021-01-06|url-status=live}}</ref> The music was scored by ''Last Hope'' composer Rafael Dyll, who was contracted earlier during development.<ref name="GLStaffroll"/><ref name="DCE">{{cite web|url=http://dcemulation.org/?title=Rene_Hellwig_interview|title=Rene Hellwig interview|publisher=DCEmulation|date=9 September 2010|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704052605/http://dcemulation.org/?title=Rene_Hellwig_interview|archive-date=2013-07-04|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DCS">{{cite web|last=Zia|first=Bilal|url=http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/interviews/ngdev-teams-rene-hellwig/|title=Interviews » NG:DEV.TEAM Interview with René Hellwig|publisher=Dreamcast Scene|date=9 September 2010|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220010234/http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/interviews/ngdev-teams-rene-hellwig/|archive-date=2013-12-20|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SBits">{{cite web|last=Perez|first=George|url=http://segabits.com/blog/2010/09/09/ngdev-team-interview-with-rene-hellwig/|title=NG:Dev.Team interview with Rene Hellwig|publisher=SEGAbits|date=9 September 2010|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129053421/http://segabits.com/blog/2010/09/09/ngdev-team-interview-with-rene-hellwig/|archive-date=2015-01-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="VGMO">{{cite web|last=Kotowski|first=Don|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/rafaeldyllinterview2/|title=Rafael Dyll Interview: Leaving Behind a Decade of Game Scoring|publisher=Video Game Music Online|date=23 May 2015|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604003943/http://www.vgmonline.net/rafaeldyllinterview2/|archive-date=2020-06-04|url-status=live}}</ref> Its existence was first hinted upon by René during a joint interview with various Dreamcast fan sites in September 2010 and most of the staff recounted the project's development process and history through various interviews.<ref name="SEA"/><ref name="DCE"/><ref name="DCS"/><ref name="SBits"/><ref name="VGMO"/>
René stated that development of ''Gunlord'' began in 2003 but was paused for several years so the team could work on other projects until production resumed in 2010.<ref name="EuroG"/><ref name="DCE"/><ref name="DCS"/><ref name="SBits"/> René also stated that the project was inspired by their favorite 16-bit games such as ''Turrican'', ''Metroid'' and ''Contra'' but production and cartridge manufacturing for the game was expensive, as he claimed that an "initial five-figure investment was necessary" and NG:Dev.Team invested the entire revenue obtained from sales of ''Fast Striker'' into the game.<ref name="EuroG"/> Timm stated that the title was written for Neo Geo in C and Assembler languages, using a reverse engineered Neo Geo system and their own development kit.<ref name="Joystiq1">{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=J.C.|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/ng-dev-team-keeps-the-dreamcast-and-neo-geo-going-with-gunlord/|title=Everything old is Neo again: NG:DEV.TEAM on GunLord|work=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|date=23 August 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825010809/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/everything-old-is-neo-again-ng-dev-team-on-gunlord/|archive-date=2012-08-25|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nafria|first=Ramón|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/indiespensable/gunlord-x|title=Indispensable: Gunlord X — Hablamos de este juego independiente que hace poco ha salido en Switch y su relativa importancia|work=Vandal|publisher=El Español|date=20 June 2019|access-date=2021-01-17|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117170533/https://vandal.elespanol.com/indiespensable/gunlord-x|archive-date=2021-01-17|url-status=live}}</ref> Perry Sessions said that his role was to fill remaining contents of the project, creating cutscenes alongside Timm and completing the horizontal-scrolling shooter segment.<ref name="SEA"/> Sessions also drew and animated new enemies and an Alien-influenced boss, which was later animated by another artist.<ref name="SEA"/> When composing the soundtrack, Rafael Dyll said that the work of Chris Huelsbeck was an influence and aimed to emulate the atmosphere of ''Turrican'' while creating "something new".<ref name="VGMO"/>
== Release == ''Gunlord'' was first announced in late 2011 for Neo Geo and Dreamcast. Neo Geo MVS version was originally slated for a December 2011 launch but was quietly delayed until it was published on 26 March 2012.<ref name="Destruct1">{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Fraser|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/gunlord-coming-to-dreamcast-and-neo-geo-214523.phtml|title=GunLord coming to Dreamcast and Neo Geo|work=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=10 October 2011|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124195242/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/gunlord-coming-to-dreamcast-and-neo-geo-214523.phtml|archive-date=2021-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Joystiq2">{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=J.C.|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/ng-dev-team-keeps-the-dreamcast-and-neo-geo-going-with-gunlord/|title=NG:Dev.Team keeps the Dreamcast and Neo Geo going with GunLord|work=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|date=24 October 2011|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716075118/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/ng-dev-team-keeps-the-dreamcast-and-neo-geo-going-with-gunlord/|archive-date=2012-07-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.ngdevteam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=29|title=Games|publisher=NG:Dev.Team|date=2021|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111211737/http://www.ngdevteam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=29|archive-date=2021-01-11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MO5.com">{{cite web|last=Verdin|first=Guillaume|url=https://mag.mo5.com/actu/36868/gunlord-enfin-disponible-sur-neogeo-aes/|title=GunLord enfin disponible sur Neo·Geo AES|work={{ill|MO5.com|lt=MO5.com|fr|MO5.com}}|publisher=Association MO5.COM|date=16 April 2013|access-date=2021-01-24|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031170635/https://mag.mo5.com/actu/36868/gunlord-enfin-disponible-sur-neogeo-aes/|archive-date=2020-10-31|url-status=live}}</ref> The Dreamcast version was published on 21 June 2012 in a Japanese-style DVD packaging as three editions; a regular edition, a limited edition featuring an alternate cover art and a soundtrack enclosed with the game,<ref name="I.it">{{cite web|last=D'Andrea|first=Marco|url=http://www.illusionware.it/sega/Gunlord.html|title=Gunlord|website=illusionware.it|date=19 July 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123023434/http://www.illusionware.it/sega/Gunlord.html|archive-date=2020-01-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kotowski|first=Don|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/gunlord/|title=Gunlord Original Soundtrack|publisher=Video Game Music Online|date=1 August 2012|access-date=2021-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815174235/http://www.vgmonline.net/gunlord/|archive-date=2020-08-15|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a collector "Dragon Box" edition containing both releases.<ref name="Joystiq3">{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=J.C.|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/gunlord-now-available-for-dreamcast/|title=GunLord now available for Dreamcast|work=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|date=25 June 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826142303/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/gunlord-now-available-for-dreamcast/|archive-date=2012-08-26|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IGN">{{cite web|last=Moriarty|first=Colin|author-link=Colin Moriarty|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/26/behold-a-brand-new-dreamcast-game|title=Behold! A Brand New Dreamcast Game - Get your shooter kicks with GunLord|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=26 June 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003801/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/26/behold-a-brand-new-dreamcast-game|archive-date=2020-11-12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Destruct2">{{cite web|last=MacGregor Burleson|first=Kyle|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/dreamcast-alive-and-well-thanks-to-gunlord-230203.phtml|title=Dreamcast alive and well thanks to GunLord|work=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=27 June 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124195441/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/dreamcast-alive-and-well-thanks-to-gunlord-230203.phtml|archive-date=2021-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Matulef|first=Jeffrey|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-27-retro-platformer-shooter-gunlord-out-now-for-dreamcast|title=Retro platformer-shooter GunLord out now for Dreamcast - Party like it's 1999!|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=27 June 2012|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629230537/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-27-retro-platformer-shooter-gunlord-out-now-for-dreamcast|archive-date=2012-06-29|url-status=live}}</ref> The Neo Geo AES version was released on 25 April 2013, complete with packaging mimicking officially licensed Neo Geo releases.<ref name=":0"/><ref name="MO5.com"/> In May 2017, a second run of the AES version was made available on the official page of NG:Dev.Team.<ref>{{cite web|last=Conti-Groome|first=Leif|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/gunlord-neo-geo-aes-reprint-ngdev/|title=After Six Years NG:DEV.TEAM Announces 2nd Reprint of Indie Neo Geo AES Title Gunlord|work=DualShockers|publisher=DualShockers, LLC|date=21 May 2017|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026232335/https://www.dualshockers.com/gunlord-neo-geo-aes-reprint-ngdev/|archive-date=2020-10-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2013, NG:Dev.Team became an authorized Nintendo developer and the company launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to bring ''Gunlord'' to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U via the Nintendo eShop as well as PC in September of the same year but despite the fundraiser receiving press across publications such as ''Destructoid'' and ''Joystiq'',<ref name="Destruct3">{{cite web|last=MacGregor Burleson|first=Kyle|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/dreamcast-platformer-guns-for-nintendo-3ds-wii-u-release-261533.phtml|title=Dreamcast platformer guns for Nintendo 3DS, Wii U release - NG:DEV.TEAM kicks off crowdfunding campaign for Gunlord|work=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=9 September 2013|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124195600/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/dreamcast-platformer-guns-for-nintendo-3ds-wii-u-release-261533.phtml|archive-date=2021-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Joystiq4">{{cite web|last=Suszek|first=Mike|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/05/gunlord-hits-indiegogo-to-fund-3ds-wii-u-ports/|title=Gunlord hits Indiegogo to fund 3DS, Wii U ports|work=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|date=5 September 2013|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906020431/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/05/gunlord-hits-indiegogo-to-fund-3ds-wii-u-ports/|archive-date=2013-09-06|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Siliconera">{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/dreamcast-run-and-gun-game-gunlord-seeking-funds-for-wii-u-and-3ds-port/|title=Dreamcast Run And Gun Game, Gunlord, Seeking Funds For Wii U And 3DS Port|work=Siliconera|publisher=Curse LLC|date=10 September 2013|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923013058/https://www.siliconera.com/dreamcast-run-and-gun-game-gunlord-seeking-funds-for-wii-u-and-3ds-port/|archive-date=2020-09-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gamasutra">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/200362/Gunlord_Indiegogo_campaign_for_PC_download_andPCCDROM.php|title=Press Releases: Gunlord Indiegogo campaign for PC download and PC-CDROM|work=Gamasutra|publisher=UBM Technology Group|date=16 September 2013|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124201251/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/200362/Gunlord_Indiegogo_campaign_for_PC_download_andPCCDROM.php|archive-date=2021-01-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> the project was cancelled within the same month and proved unsuccessful in reaching its funding goal of €40,000.<ref name="IGG">{{cite web|url=<!-- https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gunlord-for-3ds-and-wiiu--2 -->|title=Gunlord for 3DS and WiiU|work=Indiegogo|publisher=Indiegogo, Inc.|date=September 2013|access-date=<!--2021-01-24--><!-- https://web.archive.org/web/20191028072144/https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gunlord-for-3ds-and-wiiu--2 -->}}</ref> The game was also slated to be in development for the Coleco Chameleon before the console was cancelled.<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine|last=Buchholz|first=Joe|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/04/19/7-strange-games-released-after-their-consoles-death.aspx|title=7 Strange Games Released After Their Consoles' Death|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|date=19 April 2016|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420143051/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/04/19/7-strange-games-released-after-their-consoles-death.aspx|archive-date=2016-04-20|url-status=live}}</ref> An updated version titled ''Gunlord X'' was first released by NG:Dev.Team for Nintendo Switch on 22 May 2019 and later in Japan on 12 December of the same year, featuring extended stages and new bosses not found in the original versions, among other additions.<ref name="FamNSglx"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/05/eurostyle-platformer-gunlord-x-coming-to-switch-on-may-22|title='Eurostyle platformer' Gunlord X coming to Switch on May 22|work=Gematsu|date=8 May 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216111135/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/05/eurostyle-platformer-gunlord-x-coming-to-switch-on-may-22|archive-date=2019-12-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Peeples|first=Jeremy|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/05/23/gunlord-x-from-ngdev-now-available-on-the-switch/331765/|title=Gunlord X from NGDEV Now Available on the Switch|work=Hardcore Gamer|publisher=Hardcore Gamer LLC|date=23 May 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612044539/https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/05/23/gunlord-x-from-ngdev-now-available-on-the-switch/331765/|archive-date=2019-06-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The Switch version was also published by NG:Dev.Team in a physical format as two releases; a regular release and a collector release limited to 999 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ngdevteam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124%3Agunlord-x-switch-physical-release&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=54 |title=Gunlord X Switch Physical Release in 30th May 2020 |website=ngdevteam.com|date=22 April 2020|access-date=2024-03-28}}</ref> ''Gunlord X'' was later ported to PlayStation 4 on December 10 of the same year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Guglielmo|first=Samuel|url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2019/12/09/gunlord-x-ps4-release-date/|title=Indie Action Shooter Gunlord X Makes its Way to PS4 Tomorrow With Extra Content|work=PlayStation LifeStyle|publisher=Mandatory|date=9 December 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103014521/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2019/12/09/gunlord-x-ps4-release-date/|archive-date=2020-01-03|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bukacek|first=Jacob|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/12/09/gunlord-x-blasts-onto-ps4/363463/|title=Gunlord X Blasts onto PS4 December 10|work=Hardcore Gamer|publisher=Hardcore Gamer LLC|date=9 December 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126150133/https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/12/09/gunlord-x-blasts-onto-ps4/363463/|archive-date=2020-11-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Reception == {{Video game reviews |MC = (NS) 79/100<ref name="MCNSglx">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gunlord-x/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=GunLord X for Switch Reviews|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=22 May 2019|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607153145/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/gunlord-x|archive-date=2020-06-07|url-status=live}}</ref> |EuroG = (DC) 8/10<ref name="EuroGDCgl">{{cite web|last=Parkin|first=Simon|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-18-gunlord-review|title=Gunlord Review: To be this good takes AGES - Simon Parkin assesses this all-new Dreamcast game|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=18 July 2012|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830181021/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-18-gunlord-review|archive-date=2019-08-30|url-status=live}}</ref> |Fam = (NS) 28/40<ref name="FamNSglx">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/39480/reviews/|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: Gunlord X (ガンロードX) [Switch]|magazine=Famitsu|issue=1619|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=26 December 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|lang=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124205311/https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/39480/reviews/|archive-date=2021-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref> |GTM = (DC) 5/10<ref name="GTMDCgl">{{cite magazine|last=|first=|url=https://storage.proboards.com/7199046/images/dlfiollBVUcnpPeZQfkN.jpg|title=Review: Gunlord (Dreamcast)|magazine=GamesTM|issue=|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=|page=111}}</ref> |JXV = (DC) 14/20<ref name="JXVDCgl">{{cite web|last=Cavallo|first=Dominique|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00017309-gunlord-test.htm|title=Test de GunLord sur DCAST par jeuxvideo.com|work=Jeuxvideo.com|publisher=Webedia|date=6 July 2012|access-date=2021-01-17|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112013157/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00017309-gunlord-test.htm|archive-date=2021-01-12|url-status=live}}</ref> |MG = (NS) 83/100<ref name="M!NSglx">{{cite web|last=Nickel|first=Thomas|url=https://www.maniac.de/tests/gunlord-x-im-test-switch/|title=Gunlord X – im Test (Switch)|work=MAN!AC|publisher=Cybermedia|date=12 July 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|language=de|archive-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124155423/https://www.maniac.de/tests/gunlord-x-im-test-switch/|url-status=live}}</ref> |NLife = (NS) 8/10<ref name="NLifeNSglx">{{cite web|last=Reynolds|first=Ollie|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/gunlord_x|title=Gunlord X Review (Switch eShop) - Praise the Lord|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=24 May 2019|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125130041/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/gunlord_x|archive-date=2020-11-25|url-status=live}}</ref> |Retro = (DC) 69%<ref name="RGDCgl">{{cite magazine|last1=Jones|first1=Darran|last2=Hunt|first2=Stuart|title=Retro Rated - Reviews: Gunlord (Dreamcast)|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=106|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=16 August 2012|pages=94–95}}</ref> |rev1 = ''Metro'' |rev1Score = (DC) 8/10<ref name="MetroDCgl">{{cite web|last=Hargreaves|first=Roger|url=https://metro.co.uk/2012/07/24/gun-lord-review-rock-me-like-a-turrican-507706/|title=Gun Lord review – rock me like a Turrican|work=Metro|publisher=DMG Media|date=24 July 2012|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224061444/https://metro.co.uk/2012/07/24/gun-lord-review-rock-me-like-a-turrican-507706/|archive-date=2016-02-24|url-status=live}}</ref> |rev2 = ''RetroManiac'' |rev2Score = (NG) 4/5<ref name="RMNGgl">{{cite magazine|last=Borrachero|first=David|url=https://archive.org/stream/RetroManiac-Magazine-6#page/n139/mode/2up|title=Review: Gunlord (Neo•Geo) - ¿Neo Turrican?|magazine=RetroManiac Magazine|issue=6|publisher=RetroManiac|date=May 2012|pages=140–141|lang=es}}</ref> |rev3 = ''The Games Machine'' |rev3Score = (NS) 8.4/10<ref name="TGMitNSglx">{{cite magazine|last=Dellafrana|first=Danilo|url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/gunlord-x-switch/gunlord-x-recensione/|title=Gunlord X - Recensione Switch|magazine=The Games Machine|publisher=Aktia SRL|date=30 May 2019|lang=it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117172730/https://www.thegamesmachine.it/gunlord-x-switch/gunlord-x-recensione/|archive-date=2021-01-17|url-status=live}}</ref> }}
''Gunlord'' and its update, ''Gunlord X'', were met with positive reception from critics since their release.<ref name="FamNSglx"/><ref name="GTMDCgl"/><ref name="RetroCollect">{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Adam|url=http://www.retrocollect.com/Reviews/homebrew-review-gunlord-sega-dreamcast.html|title=Homebrew Review: GunLord (Sega Dreamcast)|work=RetroCollect|date=8 July 2012|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813044042/http://www.retrocollect.com/Reviews/homebrew-review-gunlord-sega-dreamcast.html|archive-date=2012-08-13|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="VXNSglx">{{cite web|last=Bouzo|first=Oscar|url=https://www.vidaextra.com/analisis/gunlord-x-analisis-review-precio-experiencia-juego-para-nintendo-switch|title=Análisis de Gunlord X, el digno heredero de Turrican para Neo Geo ahora es más asequible que nunca en Nintendo Switch|work=Vida Extra|publisher=Webedia|date=25 May 2019|access-date=2021-01-17|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021183540/https://www.vidaextra.com/analisis/gunlord-x-analisis-review-precio-experiencia-juego-para-nintendo-switch|archive-date=2020-10-21|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Classic Game Room''{{'}}s Mark Bussler called the game "unbelievably good" and "an obvious 2012 game of the year contender", before achieving the feat on 13 December of the same year.<ref name="CGRDCgl">{{cite video|last=Bussler|first=Mark|authorlink=Mark Bussler|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXiDHriOJUw|title=Classic Game Room - GUNLORD review for Sega Dreamcast|work=Classic Game Room|publisher=YouTube|date=16 July 2012|access-date=2021-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite video|last=Bussler|first=Mark|authorlink=Mark Bussler|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJsjO-reW6Y|title=Classic Game Room - 2012 GAME OF THE YEAR AWARDS SHOW!!!!!|work=Classic Game Room|publisher=YouTube|date=13 December 2012|access-date=2021-01-17}}</ref> ''The A.V. Club''{{'}}s Anthony John Agnello ranked the original Neo Geo version as number two on their top ten of games released for discontinued consoles.<ref name="TAVClub">{{cite web|last=Agnello|first=Anthony John|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/back-from-the-dead-9-modern-games-for-obsolete-con-105772|title=Back from the dead: 9 modern games for obsolete consoles|work=The A.V. Club|publisher=G/O Media|date=19 November 2013|access-date=2013-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417021920/http://www.avclub.com/article/back-from-the-dead-9-modern-games-for-obsolete-con-105772|archive-date=2019-04-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to ''Hardcore Gamers'', 10,000 copies of the Dreamcast release were sold as of May 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Riaz|first=Adnan|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/05/08/vastly-improved-port-of-platformer-gunlord-x-is-coming-to-nintendo-switch/330665/|title='Vastly Improved Port' of Platformer Gunlord X is Coming to Nintendo Switch|work=Hardcore Gamer|publisher=Hardcore Gamer LLC|date=8 May 2019|access-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508235034/https://hardcoregamer.com/2019/05/08/vastly-improved-port-of-platformer-gunlord-x-is-coming-to-nintendo-switch/330665/|archive-date=2019-05-08|url-status=live}}</ref> According to review aggregator site Metacritic, the Nintendo Switch version of ''Gunlord X'' received "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="MCNSglx"/>
''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Simon Parkin praised its '90s-style visual presentation, gameplay and balance but criticized various technical issues in the Dreamcast version.<ref name="EuroGDCgl"/> ''Jeuxvideo.com''{{'}}s Dominique Cavallo commended NG:Dev.Team for creating a ''Turrican''-like experience, praising the arcade-like presentation, Mega Drive-like graphics, fast gameplay, large stages and audio design.<ref name="JXVDCgl"/> When reviewing ''Gunlord X'' on Switch, Thomas Nickel of ''MAN!AC'' gave positive remarks to the atmospheric pixel art, action, balanced difficulty, secrets and soundtrack but criticized the level design for being long and branched.<ref name="M!NSglx"/> ''Nintendo Life''{{'}}s Ollie Reynolds also reviewed the Switch version of ''Gunlord X'', commenting in a positive about the exploration-based gameplay, combat, expansive stages design and overall audiovisual presentation.<ref name="NLifeNSglx"/> Reviewing the Dreamcast version, ''Metro''{{'}}s Roger Hargreaves regarded the game as a "love letter" to ''Turrican'' and European 16-bit action games of the '90s, commending the Roger Dean-style visuals reminiscent of Psygnosis titles, boss encounters, level design and presentation but criticized the lack of new ideas and high difficulty.<ref name="MetroDCgl"/>
In contrast to other critics, ''Retro Gamer''{{'}}s Darran Jones and Stuart Hunt reviewed the Dreamcast version and gave positive remarks to the audiovisual presentation, atmosphere, large stages and hidden secrets that encourages exploration but criticized the controls for being clunky, technical issues, weapon design and gameplay.<ref name="RGDCgl"/> ''RetroManiac Magazine''{{'}}s David Borrachero reviewed the original Neo Geo release, commenting in a positive light about the graphics reminiscent of ''Shadow of the Beast'', modes of play, gameplay and music.<ref name="RMNGgl"/> ''The Games Machine''{{'}}s Danilo Dellafrana reviewed the Switch release of ''Gunlord X'', giving positive remarks for being a successful conversion of the original Neo Geo version, Dyll's soundtrack, the "old school" audiovisual presentation and balanced difficulty but criticized the autosave feature for lowering its challenge level and short length.<ref name="TGMitNSglx"/>
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Portal|Germany|Video games}} * {{Official website|http://www.gun-lord.com}}
{{NGDEV}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gunlord}} Category:2012 video games Category:Arcade video games Category:Cancelled Nintendo 3DS games Category:Cancelled Windows games Category:Cancelled Wii U games Category:Dreamcast homebrew games Category:Homebrew software Category:Indie games Category:Neo Geo games Category:NG:Dev.Team games Category:Nintendo Switch games Category:PlayStation 4 games Category:Retro-style video games Category:Run and gun games Category:Science fiction video games Category:Shoot 'em ups Category:Single-player video games Category:Unauthorized video games Category:Video games developed in Germany Category:Video games scored by Rafael Dyll