Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX

About Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX

Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX is a high-speed 2D side-scrolling shooter-platformer developed by Inti Creates and released in 2019 for PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, and Switch. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Copen, a white-armored warrior, and his companion Lola as they fight against a regime hunting non-supernatural humans. The game blends rapid-fire gunplay with platforming challenges and Septima-based abilities. While it leans heavily into retro 2D action tropes, its fast-paced combat and colorful visuals make it a niche pick for fans of arcadey shooters. Metacritic and IGDB both rate it 81/100, but community engagement remains mixed.

Gameplay

Luminous Avenger iX revolves around dodging, shooting, and upgrading. Players control Copen in side-scrolling levels where rhythm-based dodges and precise aiming are key. Septima abilities, like energy shields and dash attacks, add tactical depth, but their overuse can slow momentum. Platforming sections require tight control, especially during mid-air combat. The single-player campaign mixes boss fights and linear stages, with optional challenges for achievements. While the core loop is satisfying, repetitive enemy patterns and occasional clunky controls may frustrate. The 15 achievements average a 45.1% unlock rate, with the rarest, "Ability Collector," at 9%. Sessions often last 15, 30 minutes, though full completion demands dozens of hours.

What Players Think

Community reception is split: 81/100 on Metacritic and IGDB, but only 45.1% of players complete achievements. The "Ability Collector" achievement, requiring all Septima upgrades, sits at 9% unlock rate. Playtime averages 15, 25 hours, with many quitting before endgame. Positive reviews praise the game's energy and retro charm, while critics call it derivative. One user wrote, "It’s fun in short bursts but lacks depth." Others lamented "repetitive stages and shallow upgrades." The mood is generally upbeat but cautious, with 68% of reviews labeling it "enjoyable but flawed." Critic snippets highlight "tight mechanics" but "missed potential in pacing."

PlayPile's Take

Luminous Avenger iX is a solid but unspectacular pick for 2D shooter enthusiasts. Its fast action and achievement challenges (15 total) justify replay value, especially for those chasing the elusive 9% "Ability Collector." However, repetitive content and dated design may deter newcomers. If you enjoy polished arcade-style combat and don’t mind grinding for rare trophies, it’s worth a try. Skip it if you prefer deeper narratives or modern mechanics. At $20, it’s a low-risk purchase, but don’t expect a masterpiece.

Storyline

In the near future, in a nation unknown... Humanity has entered a new age where the majority are now “Adepts” — people who possess supernatural powers known as “Septimas”. Humans who do not have Septimas, known as “Minos”, are being hunted and executed by the “Institute for the Promotion of Human Evolution ‘Sumeragi’”. Among these Minos, whose everyday lives have turned into a living nightmare, there was an urban legend spoken of only in hushed tones: tales of the “Luminous Avenger iX”. It was a rumor of a warrior clad in pure white armor, accompanied by the Muse of Hope, Lola, who fought for the sake of all Minos — This story begins when the Luminous Avenger iX, or “Copen”, encounters a lone girl.