Samurai Gunn

Samurai Gunn (2013) is a running-and-jumping game where you fight other players as a gun-wielding, sword-swinging samurai. Frantic battles unfold across the tight stages, and although the controls are simple, there's surprising nuance to how you use them to most effectively dispatch your opponents. It stands out for the way it encourages different strategies, from deflecting a bullet back at the shooter, playing dead to catch them unawares or dodging through attacks.

---

You can play alone against computer-controlled opponents (although the multiplayer aspect is the main draw) in last-man-standing fights. You run and jump through the tight stages and across platforms, and must use your gun and samurai blades to defeat all your enemies. Your gun only has three bullets, so strategic use of them is essential, and you can deflect bullets with a well-timed sword swipe. You die in just one hit, so every single action becomes a balance between offence and defence, and coming up with unexpected strategies is key to your success.

A sequel, Samurai Gunn 2, on PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC, features the same gameplay but also offers online play, new stages to play on, and characters with unique abilities from different game franchises such as Among Us and Spelunky 2.

The result is a game that, through short rounds that mean no one's ever out for long and a fast-paced mix of up-close action and strategic shooting, makes for a game that can be played over and over with friends and family. Discovering new ways to outwit your opponents and adapting to their moves makes for a tense yet still fun and lighthearted multiplayer experience.

---

Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Samurai Gunn 4 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 3 weeks ago.