Today, during the BitSummit Gaiden online event, Inti Creates announced it would be bringing back its flagship 2D side-scrolling series Azure Striker Gunvolt for a third outing. Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is described as a "true blue sequel" to Azure Striker Gunvolt.
Like the previous two games, the action supervisor Keiji Inafune (Level-5 Comcept CCO) will be working closely with the series' director Yoshihisa Tsuda. Together they'll craft new systems and ideas that take the action to the next level. One new character making their debut in the third game is the "incredibly charming" Kirin. Of course, Gunvolt will also be returning.
Here's a bit extra from Inafune:
Did you know that I was involved in the Gunvolt series? Since the beginning, I have worked on the series with Inti Creates as the series’ action supervisor. I will be continuing that role with this new title as well. As action supervisor, it is my job to help shape the gameplay together with director Tsuda. We want to craft an exciting game filled with ultra-refined action and deliver something we believe players will enjoy.
Above is a first look at the game. Keep in mind, this is very early footage and there's no release date just yet. Inti Creates President Takuya Aizu says development has only just begun on the game and more details about it will be shared in future updates.
[source twitter.com, via gematsu.com]
Comments 37
I knew it was going to happen, it was just a matter of when. This and Curse of the Moon 2 announcement made my week.
i'm curious how he's doing but never mind that i got a question for those that played a game in the series. i only played the first one, you guys are into the whole tag then hold a button thing? is the 2nd one like that? was it fun for you?
need a mighty number 9 port tho
Awesome! I'm actually just finishing up Luminous Avenger iX now, this is perfect timing. Love inti creates.
Perfect! Now this is more my like.
Wow this is how you do it! Looks cool.
Oh yeah, this is like getting sequels to your favorite 2D franchises back in the early 90s (and mid-00s with the DS and PSP) all in one week. Same energy, same creators, almost the same games but better overall.
I'll ultimately wait for a Switch physical version to play it the first time, that and to match the other two titles on my shelf!
It's great that we finally got this to wrap up the trilogy
@ancientlii no the first one was not. i find it tedious and kinda dumb personally. i think the 2nd one with Copen being playable makes the game alot more fun, hes not held down by the dumb tag mechanic i dont think.
Personally, I'd much rather have a Mighty Gunvolt 3 (carrying over Burst's customization mechanic with plenty more features), but I'm glad to see Azure Striker Gunvolt getting another game.
Funny, I just had a Gunvolt marathon this week, as I'd previously only played the first game and the two "Mighty Gunvolts".
In all honesty, while I was thrilled with it when it came out on the 3DS, replaying it now on the Switch...the first game has not aged well and leaves a lot to be desired, especially in terms of level design - something that the second game improves slightly. Though the new difficulty settings were welcome, these two are still mostly meant for score-hunters it seems.
"Luminous Avenger iX" was a whole different story though - easily the best out of the bunch, with vastly improved level design and streamlined mechanics.
Looking forward to both this and "Curse of the Moon 2", though Bloodstained is definitely higher on my list.
@ancientlii I really enjoyed it once I got used to it. I prefer Luminous Avenger iX, but doing combos with Gunvolt felt satisfying.
@Mach_Rider Yeah, to be fair Curse of the Moon didn't grab me much. Felt quite stale and easy, little engagement. In terms of Inti games, I much prefer Gunvolt, but in the end Castlevania and Bloodstained (the explorative ones) are on top for me.
@ancientlii I’m not a fan of how the main Gunvolt games play (or his ponytail). There’s just something missing that makes them less fun than their 8-bit games.
I really need to finish the first two. Been meaning to but i got distracted playing other games. This might be a good time for me to get the Azure striker gunvolt collection on switch.
YES! YES! YES! Only got into the games at the beginning of the year but they've been an absolute joy to play and I never really clicked with other 2D games like them. A 3rd was inevitable but so glad to have confirmation.
The striker pack has been on my wish list since forever but never goes on sale!
@ancientlii
As someone that fell in love with Inticreates from the MegaMan Zero games, I got used to the tagging system in Gunvolt but never loved it. However the 2nd game introduced another playable character named Copen that plays differently, I found him much more fun to play as than Gunvolt.
Is that the same VA who did that cringe worthy Might No. 9 ad?
@Xiovanni Indeed. Yet, Inti Creates use him all the time.
The more indie games for the Switch the better.
Man, the level design in these games have always been the weak point for me.
I'm so ready for more of this franchise! The first game was decent, but the second drew me in so much with its speedrunning focused design. I get that the tag mechanic isn't for everyone, but I thought it was a cool twist on the usual run n gun design.
Lol, seeing inafune involved with it worries me tho. Keep that man away from Mega Man style games!
@Darkthany I feel like bloodstained fell into the "it's okay" column. I like it better than the DS Castlevania games, but it's there are a good few bette mretroidvanias.
The Gunvolt Striker Pack was like the second physical Switch game I ever bought (after Octopath). Glad to see the series continuing, it really took the Mega Man style of action game to the next level.
I instabuy most of Inti-Creates' works. Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 and now this have made my day. I really need to tend to Luminous Avenger iX asap. Was gonna do physical but I may just bite the digital bullet.
Love the Azure Striker Gunvolt games as well as all Inti Creates' games - definitely a safe purchase
@ancientlii Yes he aims the same. Nice way to get multiple enemies at once and up your score.
I am very excited for this. Gunvolt 2 was my favorite game of 2016, and I've wanted a new one for a while now. Striker Pack was clearly setting the stage for this.
@ancientlii
Yes. It was an interesting gameplay mechanic that set it apart from Mega Man, and it felt satisfying to destroy multiple enemies at once with. I prefer it to Copen's gameplay in Gunvolt 2 and Luminous Avenger iX, even though he is also fun to play as too.
Wow. Even that basic trailer has me pumped for this game! I fully intend to get this one at full price if the price is right.
I really ought to give the series a shot; Inti Creates has never disappointed me before even if I really only played a small handful of their games.
Job of action director in a 2D game: “ok, in this stage, we are gonna run LEFT, so we can jump and shoot. You guys got that? Jump AND shoot!”
@Mach_Rider Yep, I came away with a similar impression. The GunVolt games have always felt a little off, but I like the way you articulated it!
Only thing wrong with gunvolt series is the characters age and how his stomach shows .. like grow up the characters and put some clothes that fit !
Always room for more Gunvolt
@kepsux agreed. It was actually a pretty decent game.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...