Fallen hero of the Wild West, you’re wanted and in disgrace! Grab your guns, survive endless hordes of bounty hunters and fight to clear your name! Bounty of One is a fast-paced casual roguelite bullet hell for 1 to 4 players. Dash, Dodge, Shoot, Repeat!
The game sets itself apart by requiring players to stand still in order to shoot. This introduces an intriguing risk-reward dynamic, as players must carefully balance the need to remain mobile and evade enemy attacks with the necessity of standing still to eliminate threats. This mechanic encourages strategic positioning and thoughtful decision-making, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay.
Players can choose from a roster of diverse characters, each with their own unique starting weapons and abilities. This variety allows for different playstyles and encourages experimentation to find the character and build that best suits the player's preferred approach. For instance, the character Nigel's inherent piercing ability can be combined with the "Bulletstorm" item to create a devastating area-of-effect attack, while the Onion's weak starting weapon can be transformed into a powerful tool through a focus on critical chance and damage upgrades.
The game's upgrade system is a key part of the gameplay loop. Players collect coins and "nuggets" during runs, which can be used to unlock and upgrade various abilities, weapons, and other modifiers. The wide array of possible upgrades, such as increased attack speed, damage, or area of effect, and the ability to tailor your build to your playstyle, ensures that no two runs feel exactly the same. The progression system provides a sense of meaningful advancement and keeps players engaged as they work towards unlocking new and more powerful upgrades.
The game features challenging boss encounters that offer a change of pace from the frantic horde clearing. These bosses require players to learn and adapt to their unique attack patterns and mechanics, such as the dynamite-throwing moles that teach players how to avoid area-of-effect explosions before the final boss fight. Defeating these bosses is a satisfying accomplishment that provides a sense of progression and achievement, further driving the player to continue improving their skills and builds.
The game's high degree of replayability is largely due to the random nature of the upgrades and enemy spawns. Each run presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly. For example, a run focused on critical chance and damage can be drastically altered by the appearance of the "NitroCrit" item, which causes an explosion on every critical hit and deals splash damage to nearby enemies. This randomization, combined with the diverse character roster and upgrade system, ensures that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging even after multiple playthroughs.
The game also features local cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up and tackle the hordes of enemies together. The cooperative mode adds an extra layer of strategic depth, as players must coordinate their abilities and upgrades to maximize their efficiency and chances of survival. For instance, one player could focus on crowd control while the other specializes in high-damage attacks, with the shared loot system and the ability to revive downed teammates encouraging collaborative play.