Here’s a fast-paced neo-noir romp from US indie dev Doinksoft, also responsible for the very enjoyable Metroidvania Gato Roboto (2019).

Gunbrella launched in September 2023 with awesome games publisher Devolver Digital backing the project. There’s a mix of umbrella-based action-adventure stuff here, all to the tune of gritty investigative stuff and all that jazz.

Keep Dry and Trigger Happy in the World of Gunbrella

Gunbrella is available on PC and Nintendo Switch. Players take control of an unnamed character who has an umbrella that shoots like a shotgun, blocks enemy attacks, and can be used to float about the place like Mary Poppins.

Everything has a steampunk aesthetic and we actually thought we were playing the Metroidvania SteamWorld Dig (2013) at times. However, Gunbrella is totally different as an experience.

Central to all is the gun/umbrella hybrid weapon thing. This forms a huge element of the gameplay arc, with it providing a unique traversal element. Importantly, it’s fun to use and sees your dude flying around the screen like a lunatic.

Here’s a voiceover thing explaining what goes on in the game.

There’s about five hours of gameplay time here. We were a bit surprised the game isn’t quite as accessible as we were expecting, but there we go. It’s a game you need to work at to get the most out of, but once you’ve preserved after the slow start it starts to click.

With the umbrella action and action-adventure elements it’s fun!

However, we must say Gunbrella isn’t a classic. For us, anyway. We’ve seen some reviewers and gamers claim the game as “incredible” and they love the thing. Which is great, which just didn’t get the same vibe.

There’s nothing wrong with the game, it just didn’t appeal for us as much as we were expecting. However, its peaks are impressive and it’s a fun concept—the innovative gameplay elements are important to appreciate.

Plus, it’s a fabulous looking title. The attention to detail with the often windswept backgrounds is a marvel. There are some lovely tunes to go along with proceedings, too.

Britt Brady was responsible for the game’s music. The composer also worked on Gato Roboto—you can tell, as there’s a familiar sound at play here. Almost like a few intertextual references to that game are made (something we liked a great deal).

It’s very atmospheric, leaning in to the neo-noir themes of the game.

Base Camp (below) ended up being a favourite of ours. Mood setter… even has a few nods to Japanese sounds.

Yes, then, whilst we enjoyed Gunbrella a great deal it wasn’t quite the 9/10 game we were hoping it’d be. There’s lots to love here, but it didn’t resonate with us the same way Gato Roboto immediately made us swoon.

The neo-noir stuff just didn’t appeal to us, we guess, plus it just felt a little bit too close to SteamWorld Dig in its look and vibe.

However, the umbrella bits are fabulous fun and we can recommend this one if you like the look of it. Hurl yourself in, enjoy, embrace the Gunbrella.