History VideoGame / GunValkyrie

'''''[=GunValkyrie=]''''' is a 3rd person ActionAdventure and PlatformGame developed by Sega's late Smilebit Corporation, released on the 5th of June, 2002 for the original UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} Console.

Designed initially for the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, GV was to employ [[WhatCouldHaveBeen a groundbreaking controller/light-gun combination control scheme]], but Sega's fall from the hardware market resulted in the game being shifted to the UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}}. While the game benefited from very attractive graphics, the light-gun idea was abandoned and a new control scheme was implemented, where moving efficiently relied on ''clicking'' the control sticks in different directions, and the triggers were used to jump and fire weapons. The face buttons were only used to switch between weapons and the A button wasn't even used. The control scheme was widely criticized, but also earned praise from some [[EarnYourFun who mastered it and enjoyed the challenge]].

Designed initially for the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, GV was to employ [[WhatCouldHaveBeen a groundbreaking controller/light-gun combination control scheme]], but Sega's fall from the hardware market resulted in the game being shifted to the UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}}. While the game benefited from very attractive graphics, the light-gun idea was abandoned and a new control scheme was implemented, where moving efficiently relied on ''clicking'' the control sticks in different directions, and the triggers were used to jump and fire weapons. The face buttons were only used to switch between weapons and the A button wasn't even used. The control scheme was widely criticized, but also earned praise from some [[EarnYourFun who mastered it and enjoyed the challenge.

Designed initially for the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, GV was to employ [[WhatCouldHaveBeen a groundbreaking controller/light-gun combination control scheme]], but Sega's fall from the hardware market resulted in the game being shifted to the UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}}. While the game benefited from very attractive graphics, the light-gun idea was abandoned and a new control scheme was implemented, where moving efficiently relied on ''clicking'' the control sticks in different directions, and the triggers were used to jump and fire weapons. The face buttons were only used to switch between weapons and the A button wasn't even used. While the control scheme was largely criticized, many of those who got over it found themselves in for [[EarnYourFun a challenging treat]].

Narratively, GV relied on cutscenes and text briefings to relay the core mission aspects. Within the game itself, a number of devices were masterfully employed within various levels to effect haunting, atmospheric, subtle, ambiguous, and highly disturbing revelations. Not to mention that enemies were incredibly aggressive, large, and packed in groups.

As for the story, the game takes place in a SciFi SteamPunk AlternateHistory setting, where it was discovered that certain individuals exposed to [[AppliedPhlebotinum Halley's Core]], derived from Halley's Comet, gained superhuman abilities. These people would be known as "Halley's Chosen". Among those was Dr. Hebble Gate, who was exposed to the comet while in his mother's womb in 1835, and was born with a superhuman mind. In 1870 he learned to harness the powers of Halley's Core and gave birth to revolutionary advancements in technology that locked the world in an era of advanced SteamPunk technology and British imperialism forever. Hailed as a genius with power and influence over every industry, even political and military affairs, he also founded the GV organization, comprised of other Halley's Chosen to combat against those [[{{Irony}} who might misuse its technology]].

Then in 1906, a bunch of colonists disappear on the planet of Tir Na Nog, and [[BodyHorror -by sheer coincidence, surely-]] a bunch of [[BigCreepyCrawlies gigantic-mutant-super-powered space bugs]] show up. The good Doctor had already been missing for four years, which resulted in widespread shock and panic throughout the world. Seeing a connection between the two incidents, two members of an elite force within GV, "Team Dolphin" are sent to investigate: Kelly O'Lenmey, born in Ballymun, Ireland, who once aided the Irish Republic in their fight for independence until their methods [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere proved too much for her and left for GV]], and Saburouta Mishima, born in Kyushu, Japan, a space {{Samurai}} of the Meiji Restoration who was unjustly sentenced to capital punishment and saved by GV. Leading them is Gate's only daughter, Meridian Poe, who is desperate to stop her father after he [[LosingYourHead surgically removed her head and ran off with her body]]. Together they seek to track down Dr. Hebble and find out the truth behind what's going on.

Compare the then-recent ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', which many players and critics compared the game to since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet, as well as [[Literature/StarshipTroopers the novel]]. Also compare and contrast Nintendo's ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'', which also features an armed and armored female protagonist shooting alien creatures in space, although with a stronger emphasis on ground exploration.

* BeautyMark: Kelly has one below her left eye.

Compare the then-recent ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', which many players and critics compared the game to since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet, as well as [[Literature/StarshipTroopers the novel]]. Also compare Nintendo's ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'', which also features an armed and armored female protagonist shooting alien creatures in space, although with a stronger emphasis on ground exploration.

* ThirdPersonSeductress: Kelly O'Lenmey. All of her three gearsuits are [[FormFittingWardrobe form-fitting]] and particularly emphasize her butt. The game isn't shy of [[MaleGaze showing off how good she looks in it either]], in the few cutscenes there are in the game, especially during the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pMR8agob8 gearsuit transformation scenes]]. Some of the loading screens has her wearing barely anything.

* ToplessnessFromTheBack: The intro to the last boss goes into Kelly's mind, where she's nude for some reason, but the most you see is her exposed back.

* ThirdPersonSeductress: Kelly O'Lenmey. All of her three gearsuits are [[FormFittingWardrobe form-fitting]] and particularly emphasize her butt. The game isn't shy of [[MaleGaze showing off how good she looks in it either]], in the few cutscenes there are in the game, especially during the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pMR8agob8 gearsuit transformation scenes]]. Some of the loading screens has her wearing barely anything, and the intro to the last boss also has her nude back exposed for whatever reason.

* AmbiguousSituation: The link between Ivaldi, the FinalBoss, and Dr. Hebble Gate. Not to mention the mutant wing babies that appear in its intro. Did Hebble turn himself into it? Is it an evolved form of the babies, and if so, wouldn't there be another?

* RiseToTheChallenge: Stage 13, Yggdrasil 1. Players have to reach the top of the level while avoiding falling into the rising void. Should players fall in, they'll have to face off against a previous boss before being returned to the stage.

Compare the then-recent ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', which many players and critics compared the game to since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet, as well as [[Novel/StarshipTroopers the novel]]. Also compare Nintendo's ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'', which also features an armed and armored female protagonist shooting alien creatures in space, although with a stronger emphasis on ground exploration.

Compare the then-recent ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', which many players and critics were reminded of since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet. Also compare Nintendo's ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'', which also features an armed and armored female protagonist shooting alien creatures in space, but with less flying and more ground exploration, and less hectic combat.

Then in 1906, a bunch of colonists disappear on the planet of Tir Na Nog, and [[BodyHorror -by sheer coincidence, surely-]] a bunch of [[BigCreepyCrawlies gigantic-mutant-super-powered space bugs]] show up. The good Doctor had already been missing for four years, which resulted in widespread shock and panic throughout the world. Seeing a connection between the two incidents, two members of an elite force within GV, "Team Dolphin" are sent to investigate: Kelly O'Lenmey, born in Ballymun, Ireland, who once aided the Irish Republic in their fight for independence until their methods [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere proved too much for her and left for GV]], and Saburouta Mishima, born in Kyushu, Japan, a space {{Samurai}} of the Meiji Restoration who was unjustly sentenced to capital punishment and saved by GV. Leading them is Gate's only daughter, Meridian Poe, who is desperate to stop her father after he surgically [[LosingYourHead surgically removed her head and ran off with her body]]. Together they seek to track down Dr. Hebble and find out the truth behind what's going on.

'''''[=GunValkyrie=]''''' is a 3rd person [[ActionAdventureGame Action Adventure]] and PlatformGame developed by Sega's late Smilebit Corporation, released on the 5th of June, 2002 for the original UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} Console.

* ActionAdventureGame: The aerial combat within the game is fast-paced and very hectic, requiring good reflexes. Some stages also require players to explore each stage thoroughly to destroy all the enemies, often times with a time limit.

'''''[=GunValkyrie=]''''' is a 3rd person shooter and PlatformGame developed by Sega's late Smilebit Corporation, released on the 5th of June, 2002 for the original UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} Console.

Compare the then-recent ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', which many players and critics were reminded of since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet. Also compare Nintendo's ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'', which also features an armed and armored female protagonist shooting alien creatures in space, but with less flying and more ground exploration.

* AGodAmI: Everyone considers Dr. Hebble to be a living god, and succumbing to this mindset is what causes everything in the game.

Compare ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', which many players and critics were reminded of since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet. Also compare ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'',

Then in 1906, a bunch of colonists disappear on the planet of Tir Na Nog, and [[BodyHorror -by sheer coincidence, surely-]] a bunch of [[BigCreepyCrawlies gigantic-mutant-super-powered space bugs]] show up. The good Doctor had already been missing for four years, which resulted in widespread shock and panic throughout the world. Seeing a connection between the two incidents, two members of an elite force within GV, "Team Dolphin" are sent to investigate: Kelly O'Lenmey, born in Ballymun, Ireland, who once aided the Irish Republic in their fight for independence until their methods proved too much for her and left for GV, and Saburouta Mishima, born in Kyushu, Japan, a space samurai of the Meiji Restoration who was unjustly sentenced to capital punishment and saved by GV. Leading them is Gate's only daughter, Meridian Poe, who is desperate to stop her father after he surgically removed her body and ran off with it. Together they seek to track down Dr. Hebble and find out the truth behind what's going on.

The game was often compared by players and critics to the then-recent ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet.

* BodyHorror: Your [[MissionControl navigator]] and Gate's daughter, Meridian Poe. She's a talking head attached to a life support system after Dr. Hebble ran off with her body. Then there's the insects and whatever the final boss is.

* {{Samurai}}: Saburouta's not just any Samurai, but a space samurai. He uses a cannon as his primary weapon, but he'll pull out his sword for his special attack.

* ThirdPersonSeductress: Kelly O'Lenmey. All of her three gearsuits are [[FormFittingWardrobe form-fitting]] and particularly emphasize her butt. The game isn't shy of [[MaleGaze showing off how good she looks in it either]], in the few cutscenes there are in the game, especially during the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pMR8agob8 gearsuit transformation scenes]]. The intro to the last boss has her nude back exposed for whatever reason.
* TransformationSequence: Kelly, when [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pMR8agob8 she evolves into Kelly-2 and Kelly-3]]. Could also be considered [[TechnologyPorn technology porn]].

* AGodAmI: Dr. Hebble eventually succumbs to this mindset, although many already considered him a living god.
* AllThereInTheManual: The backstories for the main characters.
* AlternateHistory: It's 1906 where the British Empire rules the world with SteamPunk technology that far surpasses our own.

* RiseToTheChallenge: Stage 13, Yggdrasil. Players have to reach the top of the level while avoiding falling into the rising void. Should players fall in, they'll have to face off against a previous boss before being returned to the stage.

* TimedMission: Some stages have a time limit attached to them. Fortunately, they're mostly forgiving. Unfortunately, the time is the probably the least of your concerns.

As for the story, the game takes place in a SciFi SteamPunk AlternateHistory setting, where it was discovered that certain individuals exposed to [[AppliedPhlebotinum Halley's Core]], derived from Halley's Comet, gained superhuman abilities. These people would be known as "Halley's Chosen". Among those was Dr. Hebble Gate, who was exposed to the comet while in his mother's womb, and was born with a superhuman mind. In 1870 he learned to harness the powers of Halley's Core and gave birth to revolutionary advancements in technology that locked the world in an era of advanced SteamPunk technology and British imperialism forever. Hailed as a genius with power and influence over every industry, even political and military affairs, he also founded the GV organization, comprised of other Halley's Chosen to combat against those [[{{Irony}} who might misuse its technology]].

The game was often compared by players and critics to ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', since it also involved shooting giant insects on a desolate planet.

Designed initially for the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, GV was to employ [[WhatCouldHaveBeen a groundbreaking controller/light-gun combination control scheme]], but Sega's fall from the hardware market resulted in the game being shifted to the UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}}. While the game benefited from very attractive graphics, the light-gun idea was abandoned and a new control scheme was implemented. While TankControls were present, moving efficiently relied on ''clicking'' the control sticks in different directions, and the triggers were used to jump and fire weapons. The face buttons were only used to switch between weapons and the A button wasn't even used. While the control scheme was largely criticized, many of those who got over it found themselves in for [[EarnYourFun a challenging treat]].

As for the story, the game takes place in a SciFi SteamPunk AlternateHistory setting, where in 1835 it was discovered that certain individuals exposed to [[AppliedPhlebotinum Halley's Core]], derived from Halley's Comet, gained superhuman abilities. These people would be known as "Halley's Chosen". Among those was Dr. Hebble Gate, who was exposed to the comet while in his mother's womb. Born with a superhuman mind, he learned to harness the powers of Halley's Core and gave birth to revolutionary advancements in technology that locked the world in an era of advanced SteamPunk technology and British imperialism forever. Hailed as a genius with power and influence over every industry, even political and military affairs, he also founded the GV organization, comprised of other Halley's Chosen to combat against those [[{{Irony}} who might misuse its technology]].

Then in 1906, a bunch of colonists disappear on the planet of Tir Na Nog, and [[BodyHorror -by sheer coincidence, surely-]] a bunch of [[BigCreepyCrawlies gigantic-mutant-super-powered space bugs]] show up. The good Doctor disappears, which causes panic throughout the world. In response, two members of an elite force within GV, "Team Dolphin" are sent to investigate: Kelly O'Lenmey, born in Ballymun, Ireland, who once aided the Irish Republic in their fight for independence until their methods proved too much for her and left for GV, and Saburouta Mishima, born in Kyushu, Japan, a space samurai of the Meiji Restoration who was unjustly sentenced to capital punishment and saved by GV. Leading them is Gate's only daughter, Meridian Poe, who is desperate to stop her father after he surgically removed her body and ran off with it. Together they seek to track down Dr. Hebble and find out the truth behind what's going on.

The game was often compared by players and critics to ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', since it also involved shooting giant insects in space.

* AGodAmI: Dr. Hebble eventually succumbs to this mindset.

* BodyHorror: Your navigator and Gate's daughter, Meridian Poe. She's a talking head attached to a life support system after Dr. Hebble ran off with her body. Then there's the insects and whatever the final boss is.

* EarnYourFun: The game requires dedication from players to learn the mechanics and master the controls. But those who do will find the game to be a solid, rewarding and challenging experience.

* GainaxEnding: After Ivaldi is destroyed, the game simply ends without a proper conclusion to the conflict. While the game's briefings indicate that a body was found that may or may not have been Dr. Hebble, it's never confirmed.

* OutOfFocus: Despite Saburouta Mishima being an equally powerful character (complete with a rocket launcher and katana of all things!), it's evident the game mainly focuses on Kelly, as she's the only character who shows up in any of the cutscenes, while he has only one line in the whole game, and she's the only one who can partake in boss battles (at least until the game is beaten). Not to mention that Saburouta has significantly less upgrades and only has one offensive weapon the entire game.

* RiseToTheChallenge: Stage 13, Yggdrasil. Players have to reach the top of the level while avoiding falling into the rising void. Instead of killing them, they'll have to face off against a previous boss before being returned to the stage.

* TankControls: Subverted. You'll find this to be the case if you simply use the left analog stick to move. But clicking the thumbsticks will allow you to move and turn in all sorts of directions.

* ThirdPersonSeductress: Kelly O'Lenmey. All of her three gearsuits are [[FormFittingWardrobe form-fitting]] and particularly emphasize her butt. The game isn't shy of [[MaleGaze showing off how good she looks in it either]], in the few cutscenes there are in the game, especially during the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pMR8agob8 gearsuit transformation scenes]]. The intro to the last boss has a shot of Kelly's nude back exposed for whatever reason.

The game was often compared to the SciFi film ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', since it also involved shooting giant insects in space.

Unlike many others of the genre, despite the unique and utterly inexplicable mashup of gameplay mechanics, ''[=GunValkyrie=]'' is remembered mostly for its unorthodox if not polarizing control scheme, strong curve of difficulty, and a play style that encouraged players to stay airborne at all times and fire down on enemies, as opposed to walking and shooting on foot. Unfortunately, most players didn't realize this unless they watched the game's demos or figured it out themselves.

Designed initially for the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast, GV was to employ [[WhatCouldHaveBeen a groundbreaking controller/light-gun combination control scheme]], but Sega's fall from the hardware market resulted in the game being shifted to the UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}}. While the game benefited from very attractive graphics, the light-gun idea was abandoned and a new control scheme was implemented, where moving efficiently (strafing and turning around) relied on clicking the control stick buttons when they were not centered on their axis (except for a special move), and using the triggers to jump and fire weapons. The face buttons were only used to switch between weapons and the A button wasn't even used. While the control scheme was largely criticized, many of those who got over it found themselves in for a challenging treat.

Narratively, GV relied on cutscenes and text briefings to relay the core missions aspects. Within the game itself, a number of devices were masterfully employed within various levels to effect haunting, atmospheric, subtle, ambiguous, and highly disturbing revelations. Not to mention that enemies were incredibly aggressive, large, and packed in groups.

As for the story, the game takes place in a SciFi SteamPunk AlternateHistory setting, where in 1835 it was discovered that certain individuals exposed to [[AppliedPhlebotinum Halley's Comet]] gained superhuman abilties, known as "Halley's Chosen". Among those was Dr. Hebble Gate, who was exposed to it while he was still in the womb. Born with a superhuman mind, he learned to harness its powers of Halley's Core and gave birth to revolutionary advancements in technology that locked the world in an era of advanced SteamPunk technology and British imperialism forever. Hailed as a genius with power and influence over every industry, even political and military affairs, he also founded the GV organization, comprised of other Halley's Chosen to combat against those [[{{Irony}} who might misuse its technology]].

* NinjaPirateZombieRobot: Saburouta, a {{samurai}} wearing space armor and welding a cannon.
* NintendoHard: The game's no cakewalk even if you figure out how to play the game properly. Far from impossible but definitely a challenge.

* PlatformHell: Somewhat. The platforms themselves aren't so hellish. The real kidney-kick is that ''you aren't supposed to land on 9/10ths of them''. You're supposed to string together unbroken air-maneuver combos to infinitely regenerate your fuel and fly through pretty much the entirety of most levels. But played straight with one level in particular which is a climb to the top of the stage.

* SteamPunk: The art design is full of it.

* TimedMission: Some stages have a time limit attached to them. Fortunately, they're mostly forgiving.

* WasOnceAMan: Those giant insects you're killing were once the planet's colonists.
* XMeetsY: Since the game involves shooting giant bugs in space, a lot of players and reviewers compared the game to ''Film/StarshipTroopers'', but with a good dose of Japan added to it.