Elemental Gearbolt

Elemental Gearbolt
Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	December 1997; 28 years ago
Founder	Alfa System
Successor	Kōkidō Gensō Gunparade March
Headquarters	Japan
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Elemental Gearbolt
Owner	Sony Computer Entertainment (publisher)
Parent	Alfa System

Elemental Gearbolt is a light gun shooter developed by Alfa System and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was initially released in Japan in December 1997, followed by a North American launch in August 1998 through Working Designs.

Critics praised the title for its distinctive science fantasy backdrop within the light gun genre, the incorporation of role-playing game mechanics, and its polished visual and audio presentation. The soundtrack features orchestral compositions, complemented by animated sequences directed by renowned anime filmmaker Rintaro.

This game marks the first installment in the Anonymous Worldview franchise. Its follow-up, Kōkidō Gensō Gunparade March (2000), became notable as the inaugural video game to receive the prestigious Seiun Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, placing it alongside acclaimed works such as Blade Runner, Jurassic Park, and Cowboy Bebop.

Story

The storyline unfolds through the perspective of Tagami, an enigmatic individual investigating the catastrophic events that befell the world.

Within this universe, two distinct races coexist: the Audo and the Sulunkan. The Sulunkan, descendants of a fallen magical empire, endured oppression under the ruling Audo elite. Although resistance factions existed among them, their influence was limited. Nell and Seana, daughters of mixed heritage from Sugiku and offspring of a resistance leader, encounter Bel Cain, a Sugiku prince and son of King Jabugal. Bel Cain breaks his amulet into two pieces, entrusting one half to Nell as a pledge to reunite.

Years later, Bel Cain ascends as crown prince with ambitions to end social divisions through conquest powered by advanced technology. Meanwhile, Nell and Seana join the Sulunkan rebellion but are killed; their bodies taken as trophies. A malfunction within a Neural Network Computer connects powerful weapons known as Holy Guns to their remains, reanimating them as Elementals assigned to dismantle the Network.

Nell and Seana advance toward Owato, where Bel Cain and his brother Ialu are headed. The Network is revealed to be an amalgamation of brain matter from war victims. Bel Cain believes this entity will aid his objectives. He publicly assassinates King Jabugal in Owato and calls upon the nobility to accept his sovereignty.

As Nell and Seana penetrate deep into Owato’s palace, Ialu urges withdrawal, but Bel Cain remains steadfast, recalling Nell’s faith in him. Guards forcibly evacuate Ialu to safety.

They confront Reftraseal, a dragon-like beast. After defeating it, an entity controlled by Bel Cain appears, prompting another battle. Gravely injured, Bel Cain laments his failed ambitions yet recognizes Nell by her amulet before peacefully passing away.

Nell carries Bel Cain’s body to the Network and destroys it with her elemental weapon. Both succumb as they are enveloped in a blue light. Bel Cain’s final message encourages future generations to build a world free from divisions.

Tagami’s journal reveals she originated from another dimension and enabled the Network’s access to Holy Guns with the expectation that it would malfunction and resurrect Nell and Seana for a 24-hour mission to eliminate Bel Cain’s regime. Stranded due to an accident involving a dimensional gate, Tagami enters cryogenic stasis awaiting repair and leaves behind a personal farewell message.

Centuries later, Tagami uncovers Bel Cain’s half of the amulet.

Gameplay

In line with standard light gun shooter conventions, Elemental Gearbolt offers first-person action characterized by fixed pacing and predetermined enemy encounters. Players utilize a light gun to aim and fire, with no need for reloading due to the mystical attributes of the characters and their weapons. Instead, the rate of fire is restricted. Three distinct attack modes are available for switching: Blaze Phoenix delivers powerful single shots, Thunder Tiger unleashes a spread shot, and Water Snake provides rapid-fire capabilities.

Upon completing each level, players distribute a portion of their accumulated score between bonus points and experience gains. Characters progress similarly to RPGs, increasing in strength and durability as they level up. The player’s score influences their rank, which was employed for competition purposes organized by Working Designs following the North American launch.

Compatibility extends to all officially licensed PlayStation light guns, along with support for the PlayStation Analog Joystick and Dual Analog Controller.

Music

The official soundtrack features a 24-and-a-half-minute dramatic piece in Japanese alongside 19 orchestral compositions. Composed and arranged by Kei Wakakusa, it was released in Japan on January 21, 1998, through First Smile Entertainment.

Promotion

At the 1998 E3 event, Working Designs' contest victors were awarded exclusive 'Assassin Case' prizes containing gold-plated GunCon light guns, now considered highly sought-after collectibles from the PlayStation era.

Reception

According to Famitsu, Elemental Gearbolt sold roughly 16,348 units in Japan. The game garnered generally positive critical feedback, holding an aggregate score of 79.71% based on seven reviews compiled by Metacritic and GameRankings. GamePro commended it as a robust light-gun shooter that integrates a unique RPG component but pointed out its pixelated polygonal visuals and brief gameplay duration as limitations. Retrospective evaluations by Retro Gamer, Time Extension, and GamesRadar+ have recognized it as one of the finest light-gun titles available on the PlayStation platform.

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