Gulman 4: Still Alive

In the year 2029, the Transnational Corporation Metacorps unearths a complex of ancient structures on Pacific islands, only for the discovery to be classified a month later. The World Government dispatches an intelligence unit to uncover the secrecy behind the excavations, accompanied by Gulman, an agent handling covert operations for Unesco. Players step into the role of Gulman in this single-player first-person shooter, navigating the mysteries of the ancient site while confronting classified threats.

Gulman 4: Still Alive: A Deep Dive into a Cult Classic

Introduction

Gulman 4: Still Alive, released on December 20, 2016, is a single-player first-person shooter that stands as a testament to the enduring charm of indie game development. Developed by Svyatoslav Gulyaev and published by Serzhantov Aleksandr, this game is the fourth installment in the Gulman series, a franchise that has cultivated a niche but passionate following. Set in the year 2029, the game thrusts players into a world where a transnational corporation, Metacorps, has discovered ancient structures in the Pacific Ocean, sparking a global conspiracy. Gulman, an agent working for UNESCO, is sent to uncover the truth behind these classified excavations. This review will explore the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its lasting legacy in the gaming industry.

Development History & Context

Gulman 4: Still Alive emerged during a time when indie developers were increasingly leveraging digital distribution platforms like Steam to reach global audiences. The game’s development was a labor of love, reflecting the creative vision of Svyatoslav Gulyaev, who had previously worked on other entries in the Gulman series. The technological constraints of the era, particularly the limitations of indie game engines and the need for optimized performance on mid-range hardware, shaped the game’s design. The gaming landscape in 2016 was dominated by AAA titles like “Battlefield 1” and “Overwatch,” but there was also a burgeoning market for niche, story-driven shooters. Gulman 4: Still Alive aimed to carve out its own space by offering a unique blend of action, mystery, and dark humor.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative of Gulman 4: Still Alive is a blend of science fiction and conspiracy thriller. The game’s plot revolves around the discovery of ancient structures by Metacorps, which are subsequently classified by the World Government. Gulman, accompanied by an intelligence unit, is sent to investigate the secrecy surrounding these excavations. The story is delivered through a mix of in-game text, environmental storytelling, and occasional voice-over narration. The themes of corporate secrecy, government cover-ups, and the ethical implications of ancient discoveries are explored, albeit in a somewhat fragmented manner.

The characters in the game are relatively one-dimensional, with Gulman serving as the silent protagonist. The supporting cast, including members of the intelligence unit, are more functional than fleshed-out, serving primarily to advance the plot. The dialogue is often humorous and self-aware, adding a layer of charm to the otherwise serious narrative. The game’s pacing is uneven, with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, exploration-heavy segments.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Gulman 4: Still Alive is a first-person shooter with a focus on combat and exploration. The core gameplay loop involves navigating through various environments, engaging in shootouts with enemies, and solving simple puzzles to progress. The combat system is straightforward, with a variety of weapons at the player’s disposal, including firearms and melee weapons. The game features a behind-view camera option, allowing players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives.

Character progression is minimal, with no traditional leveling or skill trees. Instead, the game focuses on unlocking new areas and discovering hidden artifacts. The user interface is functional but unremarkable, with a minimalist HUD that keeps the focus on the action. One innovative feature is the ability to switch between first-person and third-person views, which adds a layer of tactical depth to the combat.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s setting is a futuristic, dystopian world where ancient mysteries collide with modern technology. The environments range from dense jungles to high-tech facilities, each designed to immerse the player in the game’s atmosphere. The art direction is a mix of low-poly models and detailed textures, giving the game a distinctive visual style. The lighting and shadows are particularly well-executed, adding to the game’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

The sound design is a mix of ambient sounds, weapon noises, and occasional music tracks. The voice acting is limited but effective, with Gulman’s grunts and exclamations adding a layer of personality to the character. The soundtrack is minimalistic, with synth-heavy tracks that complement the game’s futuristic setting.

Reception & Legacy

Gulman 4: Still Alive received a mixed reception upon its release. While some players praised the game’s unique blend of action and mystery, others criticized its technical issues and lack of polish. The game’s Steam page shows a “Mostly Positive” rating, with 73% of the 108 user reviews being positive. Critics noted the game’s ambitious narrative and atmospheric world-building but pointed out its technical shortcomings.

The game’s legacy is that of a cult classic, appreciated by a dedicated fanbase for its unique charm and offbeat humor. It has influenced subsequent indie shooters, particularly in the realm of narrative-driven action games. The Gulman series continues to be a point of interest for fans of niche, story-rich shooters, and Gulman 4: Still Alive remains a notable entry in the franchise.

Conclusion

Gulman 4: Still Alive is a game that defies easy categorization. It is a blend of action, mystery, and dark humor, wrapped in a futuristic setting that is both intriguing and flawed. While it may not be a technical masterpiece, its unique narrative and atmospheric world-building make it a memorable experience. For fans of indie shooters and story-driven games, Gulman 4: Still Alive offers a unique and engaging journey. Its place in video game history is secured not by its technical achievements but by its ability to carve out a distinct identity in a crowded market.