Occasionally, a game captivates you as if tailor-made for your unique tastes. It’s like someone dived deep into your thoughts, found this exquisite idea you weren’t aware you yearned for, and brought it to life. That was the sensation I experienced upon encountering Bounty Star, and when I finally got to play it at Summer Games Fest, it did not fail to impress.
Growing up in the Old South, I could still find a familiar resonance with the setting of Bounty Star, a nod to Ben Ruiz’s cherished American Southwest. This connection might have stemmed from Clem’s southern drawl or perhaps the sense of isolation and self-reliance that seems to seep into everyone who has ever resided in the South, much like it permeates the very pores of its inhabitants.
Clem, once a soldier, is now attempting to construct a new life as a bounty hunter, dealing with the aftermath of a decision she had to make at the end of her military service. As a character, Clem is incredibly captivating. One aspect that I find fascinating about Bounty Star is the depth of introspection displayed by Clem. She maintains a journal and exchanges letters with friends, offering an insight into her thoughts without resorting to self-dialogue. This method instantly drew me to her character.
Clem’s residence is an antique gas station and auto repair shop from before the apocalypse. This is where the demo for our game was launched, and where Clem will be spending a significant amount of her time outside of missions. It’s important to note that Bounty Star isn’t solely about hunting bounties in your mech; while that aspect is indeed present (and we’ll delve into it shortly, I assure you).
Before embarking, I took some time to acclimate myself with Clem’s infrastructure and prepare for the task at hand. Clem is quite independent; she cultivates her own produce, gathers her water supply, and cooks her own meals. Following my inspection of her crops, ensuring a sufficient water source, checking the mail, and attending to my pet (which boosts Clem’s abilities), I ventured out to ensure that my mech, the Desert Raptor MKII, was battle-ready.
In simpler terms, this means combining materials to create fuel, ammunition, and ensuring the correct design for my mech. I chose a sword and a compact missile launcher, along with a minor self-healing ability from selecting appropriate internal components. After preparing my mech, I went on a hunt for rewards.
In essence, my objective was straightforward: eliminate all targets. However, what captivated me was the gameplay of Bounty Star, being an ardent fan of Armored Core series. Armored Core 2 was the very first game I purchased for my PlayStation 2. Therefore, when I say that Bounty Star felt like a cherished cap on my head, understand that it’s a compliment. Ben Ruiz and I were both thrilled by our shared love for Armored Core while I was playing. It was nothing short of spectacular.
Reflecting on the experience, it brought back memories of times long past. I needed to handle not just my position, but also the MKII’s heat level. Ben mentioned that it had been adjusted for this demonstration (and thankfully, it didn’t come close to overheating), but it was an interesting detail I’m excited to encounter in a full gameplay session.
In my engagements, I adopted a strategic approach. Upon discovering hidden explosives that caught me off guard, I took a moment to recover, then proceeded cautiously. I’d weaken enemy machines and drones from afar using my missiles, before closing in for the final strike with my sword. The variety of combat options was what I found most appealing. I could execute a sword combo followed by a disengagement while firing off missiles, which became my go-to move, but there was so much more to explore. I also had evasive maneuvers, a melee combo, and several other techniques that I barely had time to grasp before the trial ended. I left no opponent unscathed, yet piloting that machine brought a sense of satisfaction. Each mistake felt significant, each successful hit or smart decision was exhilarating. I was in complete control, and every victory or defeat depended on my skills. The experience highlighted the importance of my decisions, my ability in the moment – truly a testament to player agency. That’s how it should be.
My stint at Bounty Star was brief, approximately 30 minutes in total. However, I departed with the conviction that it was a game tailored to my taste. The mech combat was enjoyable, but what truly captivated me were the intimate glimpses into Clem’s daily life – preparing meals or reading correspondence. Life is about those small moments, and Bounty Star seems to grasp this concept. Despite the allure of mechs, Bounty Star’s feels fantastic, yet being a bounty hunter is merely a profession; it’s our character beyond the cockpit that truly matters.
This preview was based on a behind-closed-doors demo at Summer Game Fest.
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2025-06-20 16:28