Squirrel with a Gun is an indie action-adventure game developed by Dee Dee Creations[2] and published by Maximum Entertainment. It was released on August 29, 2024, on Windows, and on October 15, 2024 for the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.[3][4][5][6] The player controls a squirrel that wields a gun as it escapes a secret underground facility and pesters the residents of a neighborhood. The game takes inspiration from the Yakuza franchise and Shadow of the Colossus and has been compared to games such as Untitled Goose Game and Goat Simulator.[7][8]
| Squirrel with a Gun | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Dee Dee Creations LLC |
| Publisher(s) | Maximum Entertainment |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5[1] |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | Windows August 29, 2024 PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S October 15, 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
editIn Squirrel with a Gun, players take control of an ordinary squirrel that wields various firearms to navigate a suburban environment.[9] The game is primarily a sandbox experience, where players can explore the world, interact with objects, and engage in combat with NPCs, including local residents and agents attempting to capture the squirrel.[9] The squirrel's primary ability is using guns, which it has a multitude of weapons that it can use ranging from pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, and a RPG.[10] These weapons can be used to kill the enemy "agents" that pursue the squirrel throughout the game or can be used to clear platforming puzzles that reward a collectable item, a golden acorn.[11][12]
In addition to fighting enemies, players can engage in non-violent activities such as stealing food from residents or helping NPCs complete tasks.[13] While the game's tone is humorous and chaotic, it also includes stealth elements, allowing the squirrel to sneak past enemies or set up ambushes. The squirrel also has a range of costumes it can wear.[13][14][15]
Plot
editA squirrel breaks into a top-secret lab and eats a special hard drive that is shaped like an acorn, prompting agents to pursue it. The squirrel escapes the secret underground facility and causes havoc in a residential neighborhood.[8]
Reception
editTravis Northup for IGN rated the game 6/10, praising the gameplay as a squirrel, but condemns a few technical issues faced when played. He also stated that the squirrel is "like a furry John Wick."[16]
References
edit- ^ Woods, Sam (August 29, 2024). "The Squirrel With A Gun Devs Are Streaming Actual Squirrels With Actual Guns". TheGamer.
- ^ Federico, Philip (March 16, 2024). "Squirrel with a Gun Brings a Weapon-Wielding Rodent to your Nature Walk on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S Later This Year". Capsule Computers. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ McCaffrey, Ryan (April 25, 2024). "Squirrel with a Gun Might Be This Year's Cuphead or Untitled Goose Game - IGN Next". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
- ^ Beeler-Beistad, Lauren (March 16, 2024). "Squirrel With a Gun Confirms More Platforms". Game Rant. Valnet. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ Squirrel With a Gun - Official Release Date Trailer | IGN Live 2024. June 7, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via IGN.
- ^ Janca, Ben (May 10, 2024). "Squirrel With A Gun - Official Announcement Gameplay Trailer". GameSpot. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ Kerry, Ben (March 18, 2024). "'Squirrel With A Gun' Is One Of The Weirdest Xbox Games We've Seen In A While". Pure Xbox. Gamer Network. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Plant, Logan (August 19, 2022). "Squirrel with a Gun Is Inspired by Yakuza and Shadow of the Colossus". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
- ^ a b Parijat, Shubhankar (April 19, 2024). "Squirrel with a Gun Interview – Weapons, Open World, Progression, and More". GamingBolt. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
- ^ Rai, Priye (June 8, 2024). "Squirrel With a Gun Confirms Release Date and Shows Off New Weapons". Game Rant. Valnet. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ Kent, Thomas (March 16, 2024). "Squirrel with a Gun Takes Aim at PS5 with Maximum Entertainment". Hardcore Gamer. Valnet. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ Stedman, Alex (June 12, 2023). "Squirrel With a Gun Gets a Surprisingly Dramatic New Trailer". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
- ^ a b Bolding, Jonathan (August 14, 2022). "Squirrel with a Gun is a game about exactly what it sounds like". PC Gamer. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
- ^ Romano, Sal (March 15, 2024). "Squirrel with a Gun launches this fall for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC". Gematsu. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
- ^ Bonthuys, Darryn (April 18, 2024). "Does Squirrel With A Gun, A Real Video Game, Have The Best Cover Art Ever?". GameSpot. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
- ^ Northup, Travis (August 30, 2024). "Squirrel with a Gun Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved September 3, 2024.