Machine Gun Fury – Pure Arcade Destruction

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• DEVELOPER: Reset Games Ltd
• PUBLISHER: ESDigital Games
• PLATFORMS: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• GENRE: Shooter / Arcade
• RELEASE DATE: October 28, 2022 (PC) / March 20, 2026 (Consoles)
• STARTING PRICE: 5,99€
• REVIEWED VERSION: PC

Machine Gun Fury is a retro-style arcade military shooter focused on fast-paced action and large-scale destruction. Inspired by classics like Contra, Commando, and elements of Metal Slug and Broforce, the game emphasizes constant movement and top-down shooting, rewarding players for destroying nearly everything in their path.

The game offers two main modes: Standard and Arcade. In Standard mode, you progress through a structured campaign, while Arcade mode provides five lives to complete the entire campaign while aiming for a high score. Although scoring exsists, the core experience is more about surviving the intense action and pushing through levels than chasing points.

Where nostalgia meets unforgiving arcade action

At its core, Machine Gun Fury delivers a traditional run-and-gun experience without overcomplicating the formula. Its audiovisual style draws heavily from the era of Commodore 64 classics, giving it a nostalgic feel. It looks really clean and polished, offering authentic 8-bit pixel art which is also complemented by SID-inspired soundtrack.

The game includes eight levels, offering around three to six hours of gameplay depending on difficulty. There are three difficulty settings: easy, normal, and hard, with normal providing a balanced challenge, as the game is already quite difficult. Machine Gun Fury is definitely a game you can come back to from time to time, just to simply have a few relaxing rounds of pure chaos.

Combat is somewhat limited compared to modern shooters. Movement isn’t fully fluid, and you must carefully navigate around obstacles while dodging incoming fire. This adds a layer of challenge, especially when combined with the large number of enemies attacking from multiple directions. While this can feel frustrating at first, it ultimately reflects the deliberate difficulty of classic arcade games and becomes enjoyable once the mechanics are grasped.

Three characters, countless ways to survive

Many environmental objects, such as crates and storage units, can be destroyed to reveal weapons and health pickups. The game features a decent variety of weapons, including machine guns and shotguns, while health management is crucial due to how quickly it can deplete.

Level design offers a good amount of variety, starting in flat environments and progressing through different facilities, each culminating in a boss fight. These bosses are both challenging and satisfying to overcome. The game also occasionally introduces alternate scenarios, such as vehicle segments where you control a car or navigate water-based sections, adding some variety to the overall experience.

You can choose between three characters, each with a distinct playstyle. Suzi is fast and agile with a good fire rate but lower durability. Jimbo provides a balanced approach, while Floyd is slower but more resilient, making him a strong choice for starting levels. Characters can be selected before each level, allowing you to adapt your approach as you become more comfortable with the game.

The final verdict

Personally, I loved the grenade mechanics; they’re intuitive and forgiving, so you don’t need perfect aim. Driving the tank also provides a nice power trip since you can spam bullets and feel indestructible for a while, though it’s balanced by the fact that the tank can still be destroyed. Overall, the gameplay stays simple and accessible throughout the entire playthrough without unnecessary complexity.

In the end, Machine Gun Fury is a solid choice for fans of retro-inspired shooters. While it can be challenging and occasionally frustrating, its difficulty, destructive gameplay, and nostalgic design make it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy classic arcade action. Given the low price point, it’s well worth a look even if it’s outside your usual genre.

Review copy provided by the publisher