- Release Year: 2004
- Platforms: Macintosh, Windows
- Publisher: 1C Company, Rake in Grass
- Developer: Rake in Grass
- Genre: Action, Scrolling shoot ’em up
- Perspective: Side view
- Game Mode: Single-player
- Gameplay: Arcade, Flight, Shooter
- Setting: Cyberpunk, Futuristic, Sci-fi
- Average Score: 81/100
Description
Jets ‘n’ Guns is a humorous side-scrolling shooter where players take on the role of a freelance pilot tasked with saving the universe from the evil warlord Xoxx. Piloting various upgradable spaceships, players engage in fast-paced combat, combining and upgrading weapons, defenses, and engines to tackle unique levels and formidable bosses. The game features a mix of arcade-style action and strategic depth, set in a cyberpunk sci-fi universe.
Gameplay Videos
Where to Buy Jets ‘n’ Guns
PC
Jets ‘n’ Guns Free Download
Jets ‘n’ Guns Patches & Updates
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Jets ‘n’ Guns Guides & Walkthroughs
Jets ‘n’ Guns Reviews & Reception
metacritic.com (80/100): Those who enjoy shmups and want a little more depth via elaborate stages and purchasable weapons will absolutely love Jets’n’Guns.
opencritic.com (80/100): Those who enjoy shmups and want a little more depth via elaborate stages and purchasable weapons will absolutely love Jets’n’Guns.
gamesreviews2010.com (80/100): Jets’n’Guns is a fantastic space shooter that will appeal to fans of both retro and modern games.
Jets ‘n’ Guns Cheats & Codes
Jets’N’Guns PC
Press the tilde key (~ on a QWERTY keyboard or ^ on a QWERTZ keyboard) to bring up the console, then type the following codes.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| veni_vidi_vici | Finish the current level instantly. |
| keep_cool 1 | Enable infinite cooling for the ship (prevent heating up). |
| keep_cool 0 | Disable infinite cooling for the ship. |
| arnold_for_president 1 | Activate invincibility (no damage taken). |
| arnold_for_president 0 | Deactivate invincibility. |
| power_to_the_people 1 | Increase weapon damage to four times normal. |
| power_to_the_people 0 | Return weapon damage to normal. |
| richman n | Set the player’s money to the specified amount n. |
Jets’N’Guns Gold PC
Press the tilde key (~ on a QWERTY keyboard or ^ on a QWERTZ keyboard) to bring up the console, then type the following codes.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| veni_vidi_vici | Finish the current level instantly. |
| keep_cool 1 | Enable infinite cooling for the ship (prevent heating up). |
| keep_cool 0 | Disable infinite cooling for the ship. |
| arnold_for_president 1 | Activate invincibility (no damage taken). |
| arnold_for_president 0 | Deactivate invincibility. |
| power_to_the_people 1 | Increase weapon damage to four times normal. |
| power_to_the_people 0 | Return weapon damage to normal. |
| richman n | Set the player’s money to the specified amount n. |
Jets ‘n’ Guns: Review
Introduction
Jets ‘n’ Guns is a genre-defying side-scrolling shooter that burst onto the scene in 2004. Developed by Czech studio Rake in Grass, it combines classic arcade action with deep customization, humor, and a cyberpunk aesthetic. The game’s legacy is evident through its sequel, expansions, and devoted fanbase. This review delves into the game’s many layers to understand why it remains a beloved classic.
Development History & Context
Rake in Grass was inspired by vintage shooters like Tyrian 2000 and Walker but aimed to create a more complex experience. The team’s vision was to merge fast-paced action with strategic depth through weapon upgrades and ship customization. Limited by 2004’s technology, they opted for 2D sprites but added humor and visual richness to stand out. The game was initially released for Windows, followed by Mac and Linux versions, showcasing the developers’ commitment to cross-platform compatibility.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
The plot follows a freelance pilot enlisted to save the universe from the evil Xoxx, who has stolen a universe-destroying weapon. The narrative is peppered with tongue-in-cheek humor, from the USS Impotence spaceship to the professor’s daughter Erecta. Themes of heroism, redemption, and the cycle of violence are explored through the time-traveling climax. The game’s episodic structure keeps the story engaging, while the quirky cast adds memorable moments.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
At its core, Jets ‘n’ Guns features a blend of arcade shooting and strategic resource management. Players pilot customizable spaceships with various weapon slots (front, rear, bombing, missiles). Each weapon has unique attributes like heat generation and damage, requiring tactical loadout choices. Upgrades include cooling systems, shields, and nanomachines for armor repair. The heat meter adds tension; overfiring causes overheating, forcing players to manage their weapons carefully. The game also introduces the Atarix device for unlocking cargo and other bonuses, adding another layer of strategy.
World-Building, Art & Sound
The cyberpunk universe is brought to life through detailed 2D sprites, vivid colors, and destructible environments. Visual humor abounds, from ads for “Ultimate Destructive Power” weapons to crashed ships dealing ground damage. The soundtrack by Machinae Supremacy perfectly complements the action with a mix of heavy metal and electronic beats, creating an immersive auditory experience. The sound effects, from laser blasts to explosions, are crisp and satisfying.
Reception & Legacy
Upon release, Jets ‘n’ Guns received widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay, humor, and engaging world. Critics highlighted its depth compared to other shooters and praised the soundtrack. The game’s success led to numerous awards, an expansion (Jets ‘n’ Guns Gold), and a sequel. Its influence can be seen in later indie shooters that blend action with customization and humor. Despite being over two decades old, the game continues to captivate new players with its timeless appeal.
Conclusion
Jets ‘n’ Guns stands as a monument to what can be achieved with vision, passion, and a willingness to challenge conventions. It redefined the scrolling shooter genre by adding depth, humor, and strategic elements that continue to resonate with gamers. As a piece of video game history, it remains not just a classic but a benchmark for future developers to aspire to.
This review synthesizes the available source material into an original analysis, exploring each aspect of the game in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of its significance and lasting impact.