Customer Reviews

Elemental Gearbolt

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Switch between multiple weapons at will. Each has its own uses, though I find myself sticking to the fire weapon most of the time. Beautiful graphics (by PS1 standards, anyway) and a dramatic classical soundtrack. The dub of the anime-style cutscenes is awful, but that's the only serious flaw in an otherwise fantastic gaming experience.

Don't buy unless you own a light gun, however. You can play with a standard controller and crosshairs, but you'll be seriously missing out.

This game is so awsome. I have to make this short because I'm ni class right now, and I don't want to get caught not looking up the history of Fermant's enigma, so I will say this much. It is a fun, entertaining, and challenging game. The enthusiasm to play this game is isane when you start to play it. It's definitely hard though, no question there. Plus I would HIGHLY recconmend a Guncon or something like that. Excellent animated FMVs to watch, and the story is really cool. This game could easilly be made into an RPG if you want my opinion.

I Just bought a used copy of a PlayStation game called Elemental Gearbolt and it looked like it never was open brand new so thank you. It was in much much better shape then i ever thought it would be so thank you.I haven't had luck every time with buying games online by the way the sellers name is media werk

Having played both the original Japanese version and the Working Designs localization, it's easy to see why Elemental Gearbolt is unanimously praised by fans and critics alike. 3D graphics that, while they may appear dated to video game and light gun enthusiasts of today, still hold up due to their vibrant crispness; an orchestral soundtrack that is pitch perfect for the science fantasy setting; and an engaging story of ethnic struggle, regal hubris and Promethean thievery, resulting in the tragic downfall of a great and ambitious man.

That latter point, the story, is where the game shines above all else. There is a very good reason why the plot and storytelling of Elemental Gearbolt strikes a nerve with those who play it, as it's a tale many in the West know very well; in fact have been familiar with for years. I've titled this review "The Mona Lisa of GunCon games" in reference to its masterpiece, but the inspiration for the narrative lies with a much older source. By a few thousand years or so.

Elemental Gearbolt is a fantasy re-imagining of what many consider to be the greatest tragic work in Western cannon: Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. While those who play the game take on the roles of fierce and powerful "Elementals", it's important to note that we have no speaking roles, and are only seen in the first and final animated cutscenes. We are, in fact, mindless forces of nature; with respect to the ancient play, we are the plague sent by the gods to destroy King Oedipus and his city of Thebes, punishment for his and his forebears' arrogance. Prince Bel Cain is both the protagonist and antagonist of the game, of course a reference to King Oedipus, and furthering the comparison, he worships his mother and is ultimately guilty of patricide. Only at the conclusion of the tale, after his palace lies in ruins, does the defeated (and now blind) Prince come to fully understand the inevitable doom he has brought to his kingdom.

Normally I shy away from placing spoilers in reviews, but, much like the classic Greek tragedy being paid homage to, Elemental Gearbolt gets better once you know how it ends.

Back when Working Designs was publishing some of the most sought after RPG's in the world, There was one of they're releases that was not of the usual style the company was known for, That game was ELEMENTAL GEARBOLT. Elemental Gearbolt drops you into a mystical phantasy world with great Anime cut scenes and a spectacular soundtrack but get this! Elemental Gearbolt is a rail shooter! Yes, you need to dust of your Namco Guncon for this one. It succesfully mixes RPG elements with Gunplay. This game has been around so long that I'm probably not telling you anything you dont know already. Bottom line I know many people who love this game and I haven't met a soul that disliked it. I Love the game top to bottom, front to back. I really hoped a sequel would've been made but, most great cult classics don't get the treatment they deserve. Hope this info helps someone new come to own this game and dont be suprised if you see a high price for this game, IT IS WORH IT.

There were not many GunCon games made for the PS One, however ELEMENTAL GEARBOLT is reason enough to seek it out for those that don't know about it. Fast paced, 1st person fly-through shooter (akin to Sega classics such as Afterburner and Space Harrier). Player is able to switch between 3 different types of firing for different situations. Game also features great jap-anime style cut scenes between the "chapters" of the story. One of the best looking and extremely fun PS One games. Too bad Working Design company didn't continue on that path...

This game is one of the best games that have ever played in a very long time! I think that I will tell all of my friends about how great this game is. I think if you like great playstation games then you sould get this game right away!