Mighty Gunvolt Burst

Mighty Gunvolt Burst is a crossover platform game developed by Inti Creates for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch, featuring characters from Azure Striker Gunvolt, Mighty No. 9 and Gal*Gun. Described as taking place in a parallel universe (“if” game in Japanese descriptions), it is a sequel to 2014’s Mighty Gunvolt, and features a revamped game system, as well as a deep character customization system. It was released in June 15th and 29th in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and 3DS respectively.

With Beck having saved his fellow Mighty Numbers and saved the nation, Dr. White, wanting to prepare for a possible future catastrophe, gives Beck a powerful new gun and sends him into a virtual training world. However, upon the completion of the first stage, he is confronted by a shadowy young GM, who introduces himself as Gunvolt, The Azure Striker, who challenges Beck to fight his way through the bosses, and then face the GM himself…

After his battle with the Sumeragi Group, Gunvolt, and his merged ally Joule, are on a mission, when they are suddenly dragged into a strange, virtual world by an unknown power. Confused, GV makes his way through an unfamiliar setting, finally coming across a shadowy figure: Beck, a member of the “super robot fighting team”, the Mighty Numbers. Declaring Gunvolt a participant in the “Super Mighty Battle Showdown”, Beck warns the Adept that he must face his robo-siblings, before finally facing the reigning champion, none other than Beck of course!

The player can control either Gunvolt or Beck. Ekoro, the third playable character from the previous game, was not available at launch, but later released as free DLC character until August, 8th, 2017, alongside other characters. The game is a side scrolling shooter, much like it’s predecessor, with Gunvolt now able to use special skills such as Astrasphere and Anthem as well. A big part of the game is the “Burst” mechanic, where you earn more points if you finish off an enemy up close. Doing this multiple times will result in a Burst Combo. Bosses can also be beaten in a Burst.

Another significant change is the addition of customization. You can equip many different types of bullets, such as spread and piercing, and can even test them at the customization screen to get a feel for them. You can also upgrade Gunvolt and Beck’s abilities by spending “Cost points” (CP). There are also hidden areas that can be detected using the Switch’s HD Rumble, using an ability called “Dowsing”, which only takes effect if a specific module is equipped. There is also a range of collectible 8-bit Pixel Stickers featuring characters from Azure Striker Gunvolt and Mighty No. 9.