Squirrel With a Gun Review: Tiny Paws, Big Guns

In the world of indie games, creativity often manifests in unexpected and sometimes bizarre ways. Squirrel with a Gun, developed by Dan DeEntremont and published by Maximum Entertainment, is one such title that exemplifies this creativity. Released on August 29, 2024, this game has taken the gaming community by storm, offering a blend of sandbox chaos, humor, and surprisingly deep mechanics, all wrapped up in the absurd premise of a squirrel wielding a gun. This review delves into the various facets of the game, from its gameplay and visuals to its humour and replayability, providing a comprehensive look at why Squirrel with a Gun is worth your attention.

Unleashing Chaos in a Suburban Sandbox

At its core, Squirrel with a Gun is a sandbox game that combines elements of third-person shooters, platformers, and puzzle-solving. Players control a small, agile squirrel that has somehow acquired a firearm. This combination of small animal and oversized weaponry is the foundation of the game’s charm, offering endless opportunities for hilarity and chaos. The game takes place in a peaceful suburban neighbourhood, where the squirrel can interact with a variety of objects, NPCs, and environmental elements. The primary mechanic revolves around the use of the gun, not just as a weapon but as a tool for solving puzzles and traversing the environment. For instance, the recoil from firing the gun can be used to propel the squirrel to higher platforms or across large gaps. This introduces a physics-based element to the gameplay, encouraging players to experiment with their surroundings.

Combat in the game is both chaotic and comedic. The squirrel can engage in firefights with NPCs, including agents who seem to be on a mission to stop the rodent’s antics. The contrast between the seriousness of the NPCs and the absurdity of the squirrel wielding a gun is where much of the game’s humour lies. Despite the comedic overtones, the combat mechanics are surprisingly solid, with responsive controls and a variety of weapons that the squirrel can acquire and use. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Squirrel with a Gun is the sheer freedom it offers. The game does not impose a strict narrative or linear progression, allowing players to explore the neighbourhood and cause havoc at their own pace. Whether you’re terrorising pedestrians, engaging in firefights with agents, or simply exploring the environment for hidden secrets, the game constantly rewards creativity and experimentation.

A Harmonious Blend of Realism and Absurdity

Visually, Squirrel with a Gun strikes a balance between realism and absurdity that complements its gameplay perfectly. The neighbourhood is depicted with a surprising level of detail, featuring meticulously designed houses, gardens, and streets that evoke a sense of familiarity. This realistic setting makes the presence of a gun-toting squirrel all the more jarring and amusing. The squirrel itself is animated with a level of detail that highlights its expressive movements. Whether it’s scurrying across the ground, leaping between branches, or recoiling from the force of a shotgun blast, the squirrel’s animations are fluid and full of character.

The exaggerated physics, such as the squirrel being launched into the air by the recoil of its gun, add to the game’s comedic tone. The game’s colour palette is bright and vibrant, contributing to its light-hearted atmosphere. The contrast between the sunny, idyllic environment and the chaotic actions of the squirrel creates a unique visual experience that keeps players engaged. The sound design further enhances this experience, with realistic ambient noises juxtaposed against the exaggerated sound effects of gunfire and squirrel chatter.

Minimalist Approach to Madness

Story in Squirrel with a Gun  is deliberately minimalistic, serving more as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a driving force. The premise is simple: you are a squirrel, and you have a gun. Why? The game doesn’t bother explaining, and it doesn’t need to. The lack of a deep narrative allows players to focus on the gameplay and the absurdity of the situation without being bogged down by complex plotlines or character development. That being said, the game does include various scenarios and encounters that hint at a larger, albeit still ridiculous, story. For example, the agents pursuing the squirrel seem to be part of some secretive organisation intent on stopping the rodent’s reign of terror. These elements are never fully explained, leaving much to the player’s imagination, which adds to the overall absurdity and charm of the game.

The game’s approach to storytelling is reminiscent of other sandbox titles where the narrative is secondary to the player’s own experiences and actions. In Squirrel with a Gun, the story is what you make of it. Whether you imagine the squirrel as a rogue agent gone wild or simply a mischievous critter with an unusual hobby, the game supports these interpretations without forcing any particular narrative on the player.

Humour: Embracing the Absurd

Humour is undoubtedly one of the key pillars of Squirrel with a Gun. The entire premise of the game is inherently funny, and the developers have wisely chosen to fully embrace the absurdity rather than trying to justify it. The game is filled with moments of slapstick comedy, whether it’s watching the squirrel recoil violently after firing a shotgun or seeing NPCs react in terror as a tiny rodent approaches them with a deadly weapon. The interactions between the squirrel and the NPCs are a consistent source of humour. The NPCs, who appear to be normal, everyday people, react with a mix of confusion, fear, and aggression when confronted by the armed squirrel. Their reactions, combined with the squirrel’s own antics, create a comedic dynamic that keeps the gameplay fresh and entertaining.

The game also includes a variety of humorous Easter eggs and references, some of which are hidden in plain sight while others require more exploration to uncover. These little touches add depth to the game’s world and provide additional layers of humour for those willing to seek them out.

Engaging Conundrums Amidst the Chaos

While Squirrel with a Gun is primarily about chaos and experimentation, it also features a number of challenges and puzzles that add variety to the gameplay. These puzzles often require players to think creatively, using the gun not just as a weapon but as a tool for interacting with the environment. For example, some puzzles involve using the gun’s recoil to launch the squirrel onto high platforms or through narrow gaps. Others might require players to shoot objects in a specific sequence to unlock new areas or to defeat enemies in a particular way. These puzzles are generally well-designed, offering a satisfying level of challenge without being overly frustrating.

The inclusion of these puzzles helps to break up the gameplay, providing moments of focused problem-solving amidst the general chaos. They also encourage players to explore the environment more thoroughly, rewarding those who take the time to experiment and discover new solutions.

An Endless Playground of Possibilities

One of the standout features of Squirrel with a Gun is its high level of replayability. The open-ended nature of the game world, combined with the myriad ways to interact with it, means that no two playthroughs are ever the same. Whether you’re experimenting with different weapons, trying out new tactics in combat, or simply exploring the neighbourhood for hidden secrets, there’s always something new to discover. The game also includes a variety of achievements and collectibles, such as acorns, which serve as both a currency and a means of unlocking new content. Completionists will find plenty to keep them occupied, as they attempt to unlock every achievement and discover every hidden area.

Additionally, the game’s humour and absurdity ensure that it remains entertaining even after multiple playthroughs. The joy of causing chaos as a gun-wielding squirrel doesn’t diminish with time, and the game’s physics-based interactions often lead to unexpected and hilarious results, further enhancing its replayability.

A Few Nuts to Crack

While Squirrel with a Gun offers a unique and entertaining experience, it is not without its flaws. The game’s reliance on emergent gameplay and player-driven narratives means that it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer more structured experiences. The lack of a clear narrative or progression system can lead to moments of confusion, especially for players who are used to more traditional game structures. Additionally, the novelty of the premise, while initially captivating, may wear off for some players after extended play sessions. While the game’s humour and chaotic gameplay are its main draws, they might not be enough to sustain long-term interest for everyone. Some players might find themselves craving more depth or variety after the initial excitement has worn off.

Lastly, the game’s controls, while generally responsive, can sometimes feel a bit imprecise, particularly during platforming sections. The physics-based mechanics, while fun, can occasionally lead to frustration, especially when trying to complete more challenging puzzles or manoeuvres.

Real Talk

Overall, Squirrel with a Gun is a game that embraces its absurd premise and offers players a uniquely entertaining experience. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it encourages players to do the same. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the chaos, or the sheer novelty of the concept, Squirrel with a Gun is sure to leave a lasting impression.

FINAL RATING: 94/100