Squirrel with a Gun: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Ever wondered what would happen if a squirrel armed itself with a gun and went on a wild spree of chaos and hilarity? That's exactly what Dee Dee Creations' Squirrel with a Gun delivers—a physics-based sandbox game that blends action, humor, and absurdity into an unforgettable experience. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and because of that, it succeeds in being an entertaining and uniquely fun ride on the Xbox Series X.

Gameplay: Pure, Unadulterated Chaos

At its core, Squirrel with a Gun is a physics-based action game, and true to its name, you play as a squirrel wielding a variety of firearms. Yes, it's ridiculous, but it's also incredibly fun. The controls are surprisingly responsive, and while there's an initial adjustment period as you get used to the movement of your furry protagonist, once you get into the groove, you're in for a wild ride.

The game excels in creating chaotic situations. Whether you're launching yourself through the air with the recoil of a shotgun, stealing from unsuspecting humans, or engaging in high-speed chases on a tiny skateboard, the sheer randomness of the gameplay keeps things fresh and unpredictable. There's a sense of freedom in how you approach objectives, and the open-world design invites you to experiment and cause as much havoc as possible.

The combat mechanics are basic but effective—shoot, dodge, and use the environment to your advantage. The gunplay isn't overly complex, but it doesn't need to be. The absurdity of a squirrel wielding everything from pistols to rocket launchers is the real star here, and Squirrel with a Gun embraces its weirdness fully.

World Design: A Miniature Playground of Mayhem

The world of Squirrel with a Gun is a delightful mix of suburban environments and city streets, designed like a playground for your havoc-wreaking squirrel. The attention to detail in the human-sized world makes you feel even smaller, adding to the humor as you scramble up walls, sneak through vents, or terrorize the neighborhood from unexpected vantage points.

There are plenty of opportunities for interaction and exploration, from stealing food and gadgets to causing general chaos among the terrified townspeople. The game doesn't bog you down with complicated objectives or missions—its strength lies in its open-ended nature, encouraging you to think outside the box (or tree) and make your own fun.

One minute, you might be intimidating an innocent bystander with a banana, and the next, you're firing at drones while parkouring across rooftops. The world feels alive with possibilities, and it's a joy to explore and exploit your surroundings as the ultimate tiny menace.

Stunning Visuals with Unreal Engine 5

The game's use of Unreal Engine 5 is a standout feature, adding an extra layer of polish to its absurd premise. For a game centered on a gun-wielding squirrel, Squirrel with a Gun looks stunning. The environments are detailed, the lighting effects are impressive, and the overall visual fidelity adds a surprisingly realistic backdrop to the cartoonish chaos.

The contrast between the hyper-detailed suburban world and the ridiculous antics of your squirrel creates a unique visual experience that enhances the humor. Unreal Engine 5's power is on full display here, making even the most outlandish scenarios feel visually grounded in a way that elevates the absurdity.

Humor: Wacky and Over-the-Top

Humor is central to Squirrel with a Gun, and it shines through in every aspect of the game. The absurdity of watching a squirrel operate firearms with deadly precision is balanced by the ridiculousness of its animations and interactions with the world. From hilarious ragdoll physics to outlandish stunts, the game constantly finds new ways to make you laugh.

The NPC reactions are another highlight—humans panic at the sight of you, dropping their belongings and running for safety. There's a slapstick quality to how the world reacts to your squirrel's antics, and it's impossible not to chuckle at the chaos you're creating. The game doesn't take itself seriously, and it's all the better for it.

Sound Design: Gunshots, Squeaks, and Chaos

The sound design in Squirrel with a Gun adds another layer of hilarity. From the sharp crack of gunfire to the tiny, determined squeaks of your squirrel as it engages in its antics, the audio experience is a perfect match for the gameplay. The contrast between the realistic gun sounds and the tiny protagonist is a constant source of amusement.

The soundtrack, while not the star of the show, complements the action nicely, with upbeat and mischievous tunes that keep the energy high. The sound effects, particularly the interactions between the squirrel and the environment, are spot-on and elevate the comedic timing of the game's moments of mayhem.

Room for Improvement: More Nuts to Crack

While Squirrel with a Gun is a blast to play, there are a few areas where it could improve. The mission variety, while fun, can start to feel repetitive after a while. The open-world chaos is the main draw, but it wouldn't hurt to have more structured challenges or objectives to add depth to the experience. Additionally, the game's physics—though often hilarious—can sometimes feel unpredictable or janky, especially during platforming sections.

The story, or lack thereof, isn't much of a focus, and while the game's charm lies in its silliness, a few more narrative hooks could keep players engaged for longer periods. More weapons, upgrades, and objectives could also extend the game's replayability.

Final Thoughts: A Nutty Adventure Worth the Ride

Squirrel with a Gun is exactly what it promises to be: a delightfully absurd, chaotic sandbox where a gun-toting squirrel wreaks havoc on an unsuspecting world. It's fun, it's funny, and it's the kind of game that embraces its wacky premise without holding back. While there's room for more content and variety, what's here is a wonderfully entertaining experience.

Unreal Engine 5 makes the game look spectacular, elevating the visual experience in a way that adds to the charm of its absurd premise. If you're looking for a game that's lighthearted, ridiculous, and packed with moments of laugh-out-loud fun, Squirrel with a Gun is absolutely worth your time.

Reviewed by: David Cameron