Gunstringer

by Microsoft

• Bringing you an all-new type of Kinect game where you'll puppeteer an awesome skeleton cowboy marionette with your hands.
• Brace yourself for an action-packed production of gunplay on the vengeance trail.
• With a full suite of collectables, unlockables, abilities, rewards and more, there’s always a reason to play an encore performance!

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0050SYXSW
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 3 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 13, 2011
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,069 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #64 in Video Games > Xbox 360 > Games > Adventure

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Game Description

The Gunstringer marries Twisted Pixel's beloved storytelling, characters, and polish with fresh gameplay mechanics. Players can puppeteer a character through a variety of 3D and 2D gameplay styles, controlling every jump and dodge with one hand, while filling enemies with lead using the other. The Gunstringer provides players with new Kinect shooter experiences that have never been seen before.

Game Features

• Be the puppet master with Kinect, and move the Gunstringer through his adventures as if you were actually controlling a marionette.
• The Gunstringer takes standard solo platforming and shooting mechanics and evolves them for fun competitive action.
• With a full suite of collectables, unlockables, abilities, rewards and more, there's always a reason to play an encore performance!

Product Description

Twisted Pixel Games, creators of The Maw, Splosion Man and Comic Jumper, proudly present our latest original IP.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 85 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands down, the best and most original game for Kinect. September 15, 2011

By M. Myers

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I was playing The Gunstringer when a friend of mine came over and brought his son. His son was mesmerized by what was going on and kept asking me what exactly I was playing. I had to stop and ponder that question, as it dawned on me that I couldn't properly tell him, he just had to watch. Gunstringer is definitely the most unique and pleasant game I have played in years. There is literally no game out that even closely resembles what the Gunstringer is. I say 'pleasant' because it is one of those wholesome, fun games that keeps a smile on your face throughout with its amazing presentation.

You take the title role as The Gunstringer, an undead cowboy out for revenge on his old posse that betrayed him. The thing is, you aren't exactly playing a game, but actually performing in a play in front of a live-action crowd. It sounds totally screwy and I understand anyone's qualms as to this concept being pulled off effectively. I am proudly here to say that it all has paid off, this is a thrilling game that completely wraps you into the role of operating an undead-cowboy marionette. You use your left hand as if you were holding the strings for the marionette and hold your right arm out and make a 'invisible-gun' hand shape(you don't have to make the gun shape, but why wouldn't you?). So the left hand controls walking, moving and jumping of the Gunstringer and your right arm is for shooting. You accomplish shooting by aiming at a target and recoiling your hand as if you just fired a real gun. you can even paint up to 6 targets and then pop back your hand for multi-kills. It all works effortlessly and is a joy. It just feels natural for what you are playing and my hat goes off to Twisted Pixel for making such a responsive and working control system. Certain areas of the game can turn into what boils down to a simple platformer, where you don't shoot and are meant to control the Gunstringer through obstacles, over ledges, etc. So you will literally just be bowing your left arm up and down or left and right. These parts are few and don't overall hamper the experience at all.

The humor in the game is unmatched. The presentation, commentator that narrates the game in real time, and countless cameos from the developers at Twisted Pixel all combine to give a package that is not lacking on charm and humor. To finish off a boss, you literally smash your hand towards the ground and a giant Monty Python-like arm will rain down in game and smash your opponents. Your real-life crowd will laugh, cry and gasp along with your entire adventure, keeping the atmosphere very light-hearted during the entire game.

The game is budget priced for a reason, it is short. I beat it in maybe 4 hours at the most with my first run through. However, if you have ever owned a Twisted Pixel game, you know how much extra content they pack into them. You can unlock game modifiers, music, pictures, audio commentary tracks that will play over the game like Mystery Science Theater 3000. Plus I unlocked like 10 avatar items and a theme for my Xbox. On top of that, the very first piece of DLC, "The Wavy Tubeman Chronicles" is completely free and available to download in game. This DLC is brillient as it is entirely Full Motion Video, like those old western games on the Sega CD and arcade where you would shoot at the video of real people and they would horribly act out their death. It really is amazing and a great homage to early 90's gaming. Fruit Ninja Kinect is also included in the package, so you can add that to the value of this game as well.

Frankly, even though it was short, the only fault I can find is that I wanted more. this is one of the few games I have played were I beat it and actually wanted to go back for round 2 immediately. With all the unlockables available to purchase with in-game money earned by playing, it entices you to come back for more and more. I am a 28-year old male who played it with on-lookers ranging in age from 3, to 13, to 40 and everybody really enjoyed and got into the game. It is Core game that can appeal to multiple generations while not sitting under the housing of a 'casual, family-friendly' game.

If you own a Kinect then you owe it to yourself to have The Gunstringer in your collection; a truly amazing, unique and humorous experience.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Greatest Titles on the Kinect September 24, 2011

By Ryan DeJonghe

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

Make no mistake about it, The Gunstringer is one of the greatest titles on the Kinect. This isn't a game that will have you doing jumping jacks or posing like Madonna, but it will definitely have you rolling on the ground in laughter and sheer enjoyment. If you haven't played this already, you may want to start downloading the free demo to your Xbox 360 now, so it is ready to play by the time you are done reading this review.
In the days of overcharging and under delivering in video games, it is a breath of fresh air to play a game that you just know is worth the money spent. Sometimes I wonder if game developers enjoy their job, especially if they make us suffer through certain misery of their games. Twisted Pixel has no such problem. It is evident from the opening credits that they love their job.
What is The Gunstringer? This is a game about a skeleton cowboy marionette, making his way through the wild west with vengeance on his mind. Remember how Shakespeare said something about the world being a stage? Well, in this game, you are literally on a stage in front of a human audience. Ever since their hilarious use of the green screen in Comic Jumper, Twisted Pixel has found clever ways to jump into their games and blur the line between fourth walls and immersion. The end result is a video game experience unlike any other.

The controls are flawless. Whether you are shooting down dynamite being thrown at you, jumping over canyons, dodging giant balls of Capt'n Crunch, or fist pounding some ugly croc bastard, you will be in total and effortless control. Controls work sitting down or standing up. I'm almost convinced they would even work hanging upside down from my ceiling.
The story is spread across several acts in several stories. Each act can be replayed to try and obtain higher scores or earn more money. There are online leaderboards to compare yourself with others on your friends list. Money is used to buy extras, such as difficulty levels, cameo appearances, or making of videos, etc.
Twisted Pixel has always been generous in what they include in their games. Besides a good amount of gamer pics and avatar items, they are also including a free downloadable copy of Fruit Ninja and their first downloadable content, The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles. Speaking of which, is almost worth buying the game just to try. The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles reminds me of the days where I put a quarter in at the fair and can shoot various silly targets in a booth.
Going back to the controls, that is essentially what makes this game shine. This isn't your typical Kinect game, where the Kinect is reading your whole body. Most of the game, one hand holds the marionette wand and the other hand holds the gun. One hand moves the Gunstringer and the other hand kills every bad guy or gal that fills the screen. Shooting is a breeze with a lock-on ability and a flick of the wrist. Sometimes you'll be granted other scenarios and abilities, but that is the gist of it.

The game has local two player support, where the second player can drop in and out as they please. As mentioned earlier, there are also online leaderboards for bragging rights.
While the game is friendly for controls and laughter, it is not so friendly in front of children. There are a lot of adult themes throughout the game that should be considered before letting a younger having a go at this.
Overall, with the level of production value, humor and love, this game is an instant masterpiece. Very rarely do I get the opportunity to play a game that charms within minutes of playing. This game tells a story, has a lot of fun, and is an excellent display of Kinect controls. I can't think of any reason not to recommend this fully to every Kinect owner out there.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great game, take the rating up a notch. January 3, 2012

By Mark W. Passamaneck

Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I really liked the game at first, so did my kids, but at level 3, we had to stop it. I don't mind blowing up cartoon images and such at all, BUT the sexual content was beyond Teen. The reviews I read were not accurate nor were the ratings. Should not be rated Mature instead of Teen. If you are an adult, it is a lot of fun to play.