GunZ

GunZ: The Duel is a multiplayer action game focused around gunplay and swordplay.

After registering for GunZ, players can immediately join battles on various maps – a few of which have been added over the years – against other players. The game provides few ways to practice on your own, against bots for example, which serves to highlight its unfortunately sometimes-steeping learning curve.

Gameplay in GunZ is almost completely focused around the use of movement techniques. Termed "K-style" by the players, there are several other gameplay styles that use similar hidden aspects of the game to improve its depth and get an edge over other players.

For example, by jumping, dashing, slashing and then blocking with a sword, players can attack, then quickly block melee attacks, while also avoiding attacks meant for them on the ground. There are many parts of GunZ where animations can be cancelled, or map features used cleverly, to move quickly, attack in ways that shouldn't normally be possible, or simply survive the onslaughts of other, even more skilled players.

However, beyond its difficult (and often melee-centric) learning curve, GunZ still has plenty of depths and options. There are pistols, shotguns and assault rifles standing side-by-side with the katanas and daggers many players favour, and other pieces of equipment to improve the player's survivability. Unlocking new weapons is satisfying, and even without learning advanced techniques like most players do, the game still provides dashes, lunges, wall-running and all other sorts of "gun-fu" abilities that are the basis of every GunZ player's tactics.

GunZ has fewer players than it once did, but if you are looking for a game with a difficult but rewarding multiplayer experience, lots of movement, and almost action movie-like gameplay, GunZ can be a great deal of fun.

Pros

• Acrobatic, motion-based gameplay rewards player skill
• Wide variety of weapons and clothing for players to use
• Well-designed maps with cover, vertical areas and space to maneuver

Cons

• Somewhat dated graphics
• Technique-based gameplay has a very steep early learning curve