Bunge away! – Gunbound Additions (PC online game)

By Valerie Wee · Urbanwire
email reporter · email story · printer friendly version

Nice shot or “ns” for short, is what avid Gunbound players will probably say to Softnyx’s new Gunbound game features. While Gunbound has been around for nearly a year, the Softnyx team has recently added an optional cash charge system where players can buy avatar or shop items using cash instead of Gunbound gold that they gain from wins in the game.

The cash charge system, which exchanges US$1 (S$1.69) for $1,000GB (1000 Gunbound dollars) means that Gunbound newbies won’t be at a disadvantage when playing against more experienced players. For instance, a pair of laser goggles that normally costs 50,000GB gold, that increases your shield level by 3, can now be bought instantly for $5000GB or US$5, giving newbies as much protection as what would take them 10 game wins to save up for. While newbies get an extra edge in the game, the cash charge system is also good for players who just can’t wait to get the more expensive gear.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to pay the money for avatar items, you can still play the game free. You’ll just have to be a little more patient and save up the old fashioned way – by playing scores of games until you’ve accumulated enough Gunbound gold. If you’re worried about being disadvantaged because of poor weaponry, you can always play in the avatar-free zones where everyone is equal.

There are, of course, still things that money can’t buy, like the Defence Robot. That’s on every players’ wish list because of its high defence statistics and can only be earned through acquiring 120,000 Gunbound gold.

The makers of Gunbound have also added new gear to the selection of accessories in the avatar. You can now dress-up your virtual players like samurais, ninjas, muay thai (thai kick-boxers), Egyptian mummies or even zip them up in SARS protector suits, for the extremely health-conscious. These items can all be bought with cash, ranging from US$2 to US$8, depending on their statistics.

When you’re suited up in your brand new gear, there’s a new mobile vehicle with a new set of shooting powers that Gunbound fans will be eager to try out. The Aduka, a mechanical mobile similar to the Nak can be the most or least powerful mobile in the game. This is because the amount of damage Aduka deals depends on the weather condition ‘Thor’. The higher the level of Thor, the more damaging Aduka is. During a level 5-6 Thor, Aduka can deal up to 600 damage points. Aduka’s susceptibility to Thor is possibly the make or break factor in any game.

Another added feature is static shot or bunge shot in the cakebot mobile. Softnyx has modified cakebot’s static shot to be able to attract all mobiles towards it, instead of only Shield-type mobiles. This gives the cakebot an unfair advantage, so you might want to move far away from them in future.

With its freeshare software and interactive-style gaming, it’s no surprise that Gunbound’s fan base is rapidly increasing – it has had to increase the number of servers from 8 to 12 in the last 3 months. Although the game is not based on any original concept – it is after all a game of aim and shoot – it’s easy-to-learn, fun and very addictive.

Gunbound Terminology
Avatar - Shop where players can purchase weapons and accessories

Defence Robot - Sold at the avatar; the Defence Robot increases the players shield points when worn

Mobile Vehicle - Each Gunbound player has to choose a mode of transportation before starting the game, each mobile has unique weapons and individual strengths and weaknesses

Aduka - Mechanical mobiles such as these are often high in strength but low in speed

Nak - Another mechanical mobile, the Nak is the only mobile that can shoot through walls

Static shot/Bunge Shot - Unique to the cakebot, this shot draws other players towards it. If properly aimed, this shot can cause others to fall by drawing them off the edge of the island

Cakebot - Type of shield mobile. These heal fast from damage inflicted on them.

Shield-type mobiles - Mobiles under this category often have the advantage of higher shield points but deal low damage

For more definitions, please see the official Gunbound website.