View source for Gal Gun

{{short description|2011 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Gal Gun
| image = Gal gun cover.jpg
| developer = [[Inti Creates]]
| publisher ={{ubl|[[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]] <small>(2011–12)</small>|{{vgrelease|JP/AS|Inti Creates <small>(2021)</small>|NA/EU|PQube <small>(2021)</small>}}}}
| series = ''Gal Gun''
| released = {{ubl|'''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|JP|January 27, 2011}}|'''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|JP|February 23, 2012}}|'''Nintendo Switch'''{{vgrelease|JP/AS|January 28, 2021|NA/EU|February 12, 2021}}|'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|February 12, 2021}}}}
| genre = [[Bishōjo game|Bishōjo]], [[rail shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[Xbox 360]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Windows]]}}
}}
{{Nihongo foot|'''''Gal Gun'''''|ぎゃる☆がん|Gyaru Gan|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, stylized as '''''Gal★Gun''''', is a Japanese [[bishōjo game|bishōjo]] [[rail shooter]] game developed by [[Inti Creates]] and published by [[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]]. It was first released on [[Xbox 360]] in 2011, followed by a [[PlayStation 3]] port a year later. The game takes place in a fictional academy in Japan, where the player takes the role of a male student, Tenzou Motesugi. He must shoot his female classmates, who are running desperately after him, with "[[Pheromone]] Arrows" to prevent them from making their partner, while he finds one of the four lead girls before sunset.
A remastered version, titled {{Nihongo foot|'''''Gal Gun Returns'''''|ぎゃる☆がん りたーんず|Gyaru Gan Rita ̄ nzu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}, was released in Japan and Asia for [[Nintendo Switch]] on January 28, 2021, and in North America and Europe on February 12. A [[Windows]] version was also released worldwide on the same date.
==Gameplay==
[[File:Gal*Gun Returns gameplay.png|thumb|left|The player moves the reticle on the screen to shoot the schoolgirls running towards the player. A girl on the centre-right has just been shot at her weak spot, indicated by "Ecstasy Shot!" pop-up on the right. Player's HP, and the "Heart Gauge" can be seen on the lower right.]]
''Gal Gun'' is a [[rail shooter]] and [[bishōjo game]]. Player controls the protagonist, Tenzou, to shoot his female classmates with "[[Pheromone]] Arrow", while he moves automatically through predetermined route on each stage. The player may use the analogue stick or mouse to move the reticle on the screen. Girls runs towards the player trying to profess their love via notes or screams that must be prevented by shooting them. If player fails to do so, this results in damage to his [[Health (gaming)|HP]]. The girls who've been shot receive [[euphoria]], subduing them in process. Each girl has their own weak point in their body that results in "Ecstasy Shot", subduing them immediately if shot. As the game progresses through each stage, the player may confront female teachers that must be shot multiple times, making them harder to subdue.
[[File:Gal*Gun Returns Doki Doki Mode gameplay.png|thumb|During "Doki Doki Mode", the player zooms in and shoots at the selected part of the girl, which fills the gauge on the left. This mode is often the main subject of censorship, as well the controversy regarding rewarding players for "sexualising" in-game girls.<ref name="Xbox censorship" /><ref>{{cite news |title=If Ever a Game Needed Explaining, It's Gal Gun |url=https://kotaku.com/if-ever-a-game-needed-explaining-it-s-gal-gun-1733500327 |access-date=22 January 2021 |work=Kotaku |language=en-us |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411121556/https://kotaku.com/if-ever-a-game-needed-explaining-it-s-gal-gun-1733500327 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
If the player subdues enough girls, the Heart Gauge fills up, which enables option to initiate "[[Doki Doki]] Mode", by aiming on a girl and pressing the button. During Doki Doki Mode, the player needs to fill in "Doki Doki Gauge" within time limit by zooming in and shooting at selected part on the girl. More sensitive part of the girl will fill the gauge faster, but the girl will block the part quickly. When the gauge is full, the player can give her euphoria, and "Doki Doki Bomb" will subdue all the other girls on the screen. Tenzou's stats also changes depending on the selected girl.<ref name="1up" />
The game has [[dating sim]]-based Story Mode, where player might be asked to answer the questions from the main characters. Player's answer affects the main girl's love interest on Tenzou, which affects the story progression and the ending.
During Story Mode "Action Events" may occur, which can be either a mini-game or boss battle. Player's performance during such events will also affect the progression towards the ending.<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Intro – Overview |url=http://www.galgun.com/en/R/game/ |website=Gal*Gun Returns |publisher=Inti Creates |access-date=21 January 2021 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423222738/http://www.galgun.com/en/R/game/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The developer also added a panic button that switches the action for a retro-looking game, with authentic animations and sounds. This is referred to as a ''Mama kita gamen'' or [[boss key|"Mom arrived screen"]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gal Gun Has a Panic Screen |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/27/gal_gun_panic_screen/ |publisher=andriasang.com |access-date=23 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231213557/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/10/27/gal_gun_panic_screen/ |archive-date=December 31, 2010 }}</ref>
In the original Xbox 360 version, the player could control the camera below the hemline of the girl during Doki Doki Mode. However, [[Microsoft]] ordered the game publisher, [[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]], to eliminate this feature by releasing "Panties Protect Patch" [''[[sic]]''] update on March 18, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5780737/theres-a-new-wrinkle-in-gal-guns-panty-shot-drama|title=There's A New Wrinkle In Japanese Schoolgirl Game Gal Gun's Panty Shot Drama|author=Michael McWhertor|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Kotaku|date=10 March 2011|access-date=20 March 2013|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124032806/https://kotaku.com/5780737/theres-a-new-wrinkle-in-gal-guns-panty-shot-drama|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Xbox censorship">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5784612/this-is-the-new-censored-version-of-schoolgirl-shoot-em-up-gal-gun|title=This Is The New, Censored Version Of Schoolgirl Shoot 'em Up Gal Gun|author=Michael McWhertor|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Kotaku|date=23 March 2011|access-date=20 March 2013|archive-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220061331/http://kotaku.com/5784612/this-is-the-new-censored-version-of-schoolgirl-shoot-em-up-gal-gun|url-status=live}}</ref> This change only affects the Xbox 360 version, and therefore doesn't affect subsequent releases on other platforms.
==Synopsis==
The game takes place in a fictional academy, named Sakurazaki Academy. The apprentice [[cupid]] angel, named Patako, must shoot an assigned person with a so-called "[[Pheromone]] Arrow" in order to graduate. Patako targets the protagonist Tenzou Motesugi, a second-year male student, with her crossbow, in hope of getting a girlfriend when shot with an arrow, as she claimed he has no experience with the girls.<ref>{{cite video game|title = Gal*Gun Returns|developer = [[Inti Creates]]|scene = Intro cinematic|quote = '''Patako:''' The target name's...Tenzou Motesugi. He's got zero experience with ladies.}}</ref> However, she accidentally shoots Tenzou with sixteen arrows instead of one,<ref>{{cite video game|title = Gal*Gun Returns|developer = [[Inti Creates]]|scene = Intro after the tutorial|quote = '''Patako:''' But you just got hit by... sixteen of them.}}</ref> as it was somehow set to full-automatic "overkill" firing mode without her knowledge.<ref>{{cite video game|title = Gal*Gun Returns|developer = [[Inti Creates]]|scene = Intro cinematic|quote = '''Patako:''' Wait, what?! Why's this thing set to "overkill?!"}}</ref>
The aura effect created by multiple shots causes him to attract female students from the entire school, trying to confess their love of him, and they desperately run after him trying to make him their partner. This effect only lasts for a single day of his life. Patako refers him as "Way Too Freakin' Popular" ("WTFP").<ref>{{cite video game|title = Gal*Gun Returns|developer = [[Inti Creates]]|scene = Intro after the tutorial|quote = '''Patako:''' Today you are Way Too Freakin' Popular (WTFP), but for as long as you live, you'll never have another day like this!}}</ref>
An unintended major consequence he faces after being shot with multiple arrows is if he is unable to find a girlfriend before the sunset, he will be destined for a life of loneliness.<ref>{{cite video game|title = Gal*Gun Returns|developer = [[Inti Creates]]|scene = Intro after the tutorial|quote = '''Patako:''' Please listen, Tenzou-sama. As I already explained, if you let this opportunity pass you by...", "'''Tenzou:'''...I'll never, ever get a girlfriend...}}</ref>
The player can choose one of four main "True Love" girls. Each has different route, and features different endings, as well depending on player's progression.<ref>{{cite web |title=Character |url=http://www.galgun.com/en/R/characters/ |website=Gal*Gun Returns |publisher=[[Inti Creates]] |access-date=31 January 2021 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205085911/http://www.galgun.com/en/R/characters/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="1up">{{cite web|title=Schoolgirl Shooter Gal Gun Coming to Xbox 360 in January|url=http://www.1up.com/news/schoolgirl-shooter-gal-gun-coming|publisher=1UP.com|access-date=17 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027185049/http://www.1up.com/news/schoolgirl-shooter-gal-gun-coming|archive-date=27 October 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Release==
''Gal Gun'' was originally released on the Xbox 360 in Japan on January 27, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gal*Gun Info Page|url=http://asia.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/galgan/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306043323/http://asia.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/galgan/index.html|archive-date=2011-03-06|publisher=Gamespot}}</ref> A PlayStation 3 port with additional characters and [[PlayStation Move]] support was released on February 23, 2012.<ref name="andriasan">{{cite web|title=Pheromone Shooter Gal Gun Comes to PS3 with Move Support|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/08/31/gal_gun_ps3/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130506023424/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/08/31/gal_gun_ps3/|archive-date=6 May 2013|access-date=31 August 2011|publisher=andriasang}}</ref>
To commemorate the original release's 10th anniversary, a remastered version, titled ''Gal Gun Returns'', was released in Japan and Asia for [[Nintendo Switch]] on January 28, 2021. Unlike the original title, ''Gal Gun Returns'' is localized. It was released in North America and Europe on February 12, alongside the [[Windows]] version for all regions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=September 25, 2020|title=PQube to Release Gal*Gun Returns Game for Switch, Xbox One, Steam in 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-25/pqube-to-release-gal-gun-returns-game-for-switch-xbox-one-steam-in-2021/.164501|access-date=September 25, 2020|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928010256/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-25/pqube-to-release-gal-gun-returns-game-for-switch-xbox-one-steam-in-2021/.164501|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=September 25, 2020|title=Gal Gun Returns announced for Xbox One, Switch, and PC|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/09/gal-gun-returns-announced-for-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|access-date=September 26, 2020|work=Gematsu|archive-date=April 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401023932/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/09/gal-gun-returns-announced-for-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 24, 2020|title=Gal Gun Returns launches February 12, 2021 in the west; opening movie|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/gal-gun-returns-launches-february-12-2021-in-the-west-opening-movie|access-date=November 24, 2020|work=Gematsu|archive-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123232201/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/gal-gun-returns-launches-february-12-2021-in-the-west-opening-movie|url-status=live}}</ref> An [[Xbox One]] version of the game was initially planned for release alongside both systems, but was later cancelled.
==Reception==
{{Expand section|date=August 2021}}
{{Video game reviews
| MC = NS: 68/100<ref name="MC_NS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/galgun-returns/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Gal*Gun Returns for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 12, 2021 |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212091737/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/galgun-returns |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NLife = {{Rating|4|10}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Reilly |first1=PJ |title=Gal*Gun Review (Switch) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/galgun_returns |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=13 February 2021 |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213200024/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/galgun_returns |url-status=live }}</ref>
| NWR = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Zachary |title=Gal*Gun Returns (Switch) Review FAQ |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/56262/galgun-returns-switch-review-faq |website=Nintendo World Report |date=26 February 2021 |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002184801/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/56262/galgun-returns-switch-review-faq |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Destruct = 6/10<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andriessen |first1=CJ |title=Review: Gal Gun Returns |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-gal-gun-returns/ |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=7 February 2021 |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002184806/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-gal-gun-returns/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
''Gal Gun Returns'' received mixed reception from critics, currently holding a 68 on [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]] for the Switch version.<ref name="MC_NS" />
{{Clear}}
==Legacy==
A sequel, ''[[Gal Gun: Double Peace]]'', was released in Japan for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation Vita]] on August 6, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gal Gun: Double Peace PS4 and PS Vita differences outlined|url=http://gematsu.com/2015/06/gal-gun-double-peace-ps4-ps-vita-differences-outlined|work=Gematsu|date=26 June 2015|access-date=26 June 2015|archive-date=26 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626151609/http://gematsu.com/2015/06/gal-gun-double-peace-ps4-ps-vita-differences-outlined|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/06/gal-gun-double-peace-trailer-shows-how-youll-win-the-hearts-of-dozens-of-girls/|title=Gal Gun: Double Peace Trailer Shows How You'll Win The Hearts Of Dozens Of Girls|work=Siliconera|date=6 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=8 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808200129/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/06/gal-gun-double-peace-trailer-shows-how-youll-win-the-hearts-of-dozens-of-girls/|url-status=live}}</ref>  Noting the praise of the first game received from players outside Japan, Inti Creates released ''Double Peace'' on July 22, 2016 in Europe and August 2 in North America, making the first game in the series being released worldwide.<ref name="international">{{cite web|title=Gal Gun: Double Peace Is Getting A Worldwide Release|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/07/gal-gun-double-peace-is-getting-a-worldwide-release/|work=Siliconera|date=7 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=9 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809054923/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/07/gal-gun-double-peace-is-getting-a-worldwide-release/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A [[virtual reality]] (VR) game, ''Gal Gun VR'', was released worldwide for PC on August 9, 2017 via [[Steam (service)|Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2017/08/gal-gun-vr-now-available-pc-via-steam|title=Gal Gun VR now available for PC via Steam|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=9 August 2017|website=Gematsu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811030543/https://gematsu.com/2017/08/gal-gun-vr-now-available-pc-via-steam|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=11 August 2017}}</ref>
A fourth game in the series, titled ''Gal Gun 2'', was released in Japan on March 15, 2018 for the [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[PlayStation 4]] and a PC port was released on July 20 via [[Steam (service)|Steam]]. The Japanese version was published by Inti Creates, whilst the North American and European release were handled by PQube Games.<ref>{{cite web |author=CJ Andriessen |url=https://www.destructoid.com/gal-gun-2-will-pleasure-the-ladies-on-ps4-and-switch-this-winter-update--461958.phtml |title=Gal Gun 2 will pleasure the ladies on PS4 and Switch this winter (Update) |date=19 September 2017 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=1 January 2018 |archive-date=20 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420165339/https://www.destructoid.com/gal-gun-2-will-pleasure-the-ladies-on-ps4-and-switch-this-winter-update--461958.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
''[[Mighty Gunvolt]]'', an 8-bit styled spin-off of Inti Creates' other title, ''[[Azure Striker Gunvolt]]'', features Ekoro from ''Gal Gun'' as a playable character. The game was originally released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in August 2014, while a PlayStation 4 and Vita port, titled ''Gal Gunvolt'', was released on August 6, 2015 to coincide with the release of ''Double Peace''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/07/gal-gunvolt-electrifies-ps4-and-vita-with-retro-beck/|title=Gal Gunvolt Electrifies PS4 And Vita With Retro Beck|work=Siliconera|date=7 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=9 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809054928/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/07/gal-gunvolt-electrifies-ps4-and-vita-with-retro-beck/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 23, 2023, Inti Creates released ''[[Gal Guardians: Demon Purge]]'' (formerly known as ''Grim Guardians: Demon Purge'') for the [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X/S]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Windows]] as a spinoff of ''Double Peace'', which stars sisters Shinobu and Maya Kamizono, protagonists from ''Gal*Gun: Double Peace'' and ''Gal*Gun 2'', as they discover a castle filled with demons that suddenly appears at Sakurazaki Academy with their job being to demon hunter duo to solve the mystery of what happened to the school and its students. The game also features Kurona, a mischievous demon girl and antagonist from the same two games, challenging the sisters. The game is a [[Metroidvania|2D action platformer]] with heavy inspiration from [[Castlevania]] in which players explore the castle, finding secrets, battling enemies and bosses, and obtaining items to advance the story and access new areas in either single player or co-op gameplay with an depth scoring system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Inti Creates announces 2D action platformer Grim Guardians: Demon Purge for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/08/inti-creates-announces-2d-action-platformer-grim-guardians-demon-purge-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc |website=Gematsu |date=August 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=''Gal Guardians: Demon Purge|url=http://grimguardians.com/en/|website=grimguardians.com|access-date= July 26, 2023}}</ref>
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.galgun.com/ Alchemist official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://marketplace.xbox.com/ja-JP/Product/%E3%81%8E%E3%82%83%E3%82%8B-%E3%81%8C%E3%82%93/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802414a07d2 Xbox page] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/bljm60434.html PlayStation page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613084139/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/bljm60434.html |date=2013-06-13 }} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.galgun.com/en/R/ ''Gal Gun Returns'' official English website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gal Gun}}
[[Category:2011 video games]]
[[Category:Inti Creates games]]
[[Category:Bishōjo games]]
[[Category:Harem video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Move-compatible games]]
[[Category:Light gun games]]
[[Category:Rail shooters]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Ippo Yamada]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Obscenity controversies in video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:PQube games]]
[[Category:Alchemist (company) games]]