The world is at war and it’s up to the good ol’ USA to protect democracy. Gunpowder on the Teeth Arcade from Gunpowder Team and Forever S.A has arrived for the Nintendo Switch, bringing solid action and platforming, set against a wildly distinctive visual art and animation style that evokes the militarism of the 1990s and the distinct look of Game Boy titles. With a multitude of missions, several soldiers classes, and a combination of precise platforming and shooting, Gunpowder on the Teeth is a strong action experience, but only the bravest can pass the test.
Gunpowder on the Teeth boots up with an incredibly polished intro with a style evoking the U.S Military of the 1990s, complete with rolling tanks, flying helicopters, and a soldier looking upon it all, all coated in various shades of grey and green. Seeing this is reminiscent of a game that would have appeared on an older bit-blasting game system, such as the Game Boy, Neo-Geo Pocket, or Gamecom. The colors and art style is rather refreshing, especially as the overall game seeks to evoke the classic and nostalgic gameplay styles of the 1990s. As for the gameplay itself, Gunpowder on the Teeth can be exciting, but only in short bursts as it is hampered by level design that will guarantee to frustrate players.
Gunpowder on the Teeth is a 2D action platformer. Players select one of several classes of soldiers, ranging from the Ranger to the Airborne to the Grenadier. Each class has the same weapons, but with slightly different special weapons. For example, the soldier has bouncy frag grenades and the airborne soldier has a grenade launcher. In each mission, the main goal is to destroy the targets, eliminate any enemy opposition, and ultimately, survive.
Each level features players running across the stage, jumping over obstacles, and shooting enemies. Enemies come in large numbers, including aircraft and tanks that players have to fight with small arms and explosives. In one mission, the player fights a tank with their rifle and grenades. As improbable as it is, it demonstrates the fun and the tenacious difficulty of Gunpowder on the Teeth.
The biggest drawback is the sheer difficulty of the game. The first few missions are easy, but afterwards Gunpowder on the Teeth becomes infuriatingly challenging with difficulty spikes, a poor checkpoint system, and difficult level design. As a platformer, Gunpowder on the Teeth has players navigating through barbed wire and above pits. In some levels, players need to run as the ground deteriorates at their feet and make precise jumps to clear certain sections. Failure to successfully navigate the environment often leads to the beginning of the level to try again. Additionally, barbed wire is everywhere and can be among the biggest frustrations of the game. The barbed wire can catch players via poor hit detection. If players run out of the barbed wire, they die instantly. If they jump out, they die instantly. The key is to walk out, and even then, that can be difficult. One level had barbed wire at the edge of a cliff, making it nearly impossible to escape.
Gunpowder on the Teeth would be significantly better if there were more weapons and more checkpoints. One level has players fight a tank and one tank shell means instant death. At a certain point, when the boss is partially defeated, the tank commander calls in screen-wiping artillery support. The key to surviving this is to run all the way back to the beginning of the screen. To beat the tank, this has to be done twice. On top of this, the level is riddled with barbed wire, pits, and mines. This would be okay if there were checkpoints, but much to my dismay, there were no checkpoints. Personally, I spent well over an hour trying to finish a two-minute mission and defeat this tank, but because of a lack of checkpoints or additional weapons, this made Gunpowder on the Teeth a torturous experience.
Gunpowder on the Teeth tries to be a combination of Broforce and Super Meat Boy, all set against a military setting. While the inspirations are appreciated, the lack of difficulty balancing and adjustments make Gunpowder on the Teeth an exercise of patience.
When Gunpowder on the Teeth isn’t being terribly difficult, it can be enjoyable. Shooting and destroying the enemy via gunfire and explosives is sound and rewarding. Using helicopters and armor is enjoyable as well. Clearing entire obstacles by speed and skill is rewarding. All the while, the game presents itself through its interesting hues of army green and military white. In between moments of sheer, anger-inducing frustration, Gunpowder on the Teeth can be a solid gameplay experience. That isn’t to say Gunpowder on the Teeth is a bad game as I feel there is a lot to learn and build on here. The action is solid, the visual style is sound, and the level design and difficulty, while absolutely insane, could be curbed and made more appealing in future installments. There are players that appreciate this focus on skill and difficulty, and to that end, Gunpowder on the Teeth will likely fulfill those sheer hardcore players.
Gunpowder on the Teeth is a compact and straightforward shooter and platformer with solid mechanics and presentation that is hampered by sheer hardcore challenge and level design that could have used work. For those that survive basic training and are up for the missions, Gunpowder on the Teeth is a solid adventure. War can be brutal, but it can also be fun, at least in games.
A review copy of Gunpowder on the Teeth was provided to Marooner’s Rock by Forever Entertainment for review on the Nintendo Switch. More information can be found on the official website.
