Gungrave updated impressions

We received the final Japanese version of Sega and Red Entertainment's cel-shaded shooter Gungrave, which really isn't all that much different from the version of the North American build we previewed earlier this week. However, the camera seems to do a slightly better job of keeping behind Grave so that you have a clear look at the action, though there are still some areas where it tends to go a little crazy and lose complete sight of Grave. The controls are still incredibly straightforward. You can make Grave leap forward and to the sides, while shooting with ease, though there may be some occasions when you're just trying to perform a regular jump and accidentally perform one of his evasive maneuvers. There's also still quite a bit of slowdown in the game when there are seven to eight enemies onscreen at once.

Gungrave follows the story of a man who was murdered by a member of a crime syndicate. Naturally, he comes back from the dead, with the help of his friend Dr. T, and seeks out individual members of the syndicate to exact his revenge. Gungrave takes you through a bar, to the streets of China Town, and to a final confrontation in an enormous building that towers high above the earth. Grave uses dual pistols as his primary weapon, but he also carries a coffin around with him that doubles as a rocket launcher and minigun. When Grave fires at enemies, he can charge up a super meter and unleash a massive attack that will destroy nearly all enemies within range.

We'll have more on Gungrave before its North American release.