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GoNNER

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2016

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Quick resume

GoNNER is a tough as hell procedurally-generated 2D platformer with roguelike elements, following the largely misunderstood and altruistic Ikk on a journey to cheer up his only friend in this world - a giant landbound whale named Sally - by searching for just the right trinket in the deep and dark places nearby.

Global score

82/100

Genres

Indie, Platform, Shooter, Arcade, Adventure

Pros

  • Unique and appealing art style
  • Engaging and challenging gameplay
  • Excellent soundtrack and sound design
  • Addictive combo system
  • Frequent developer updates

Cons

  • Steep difficulty curve may frustrate some
  • Limited level variety and content length
  • Lack of tutorial or in-game explanations
  • Controls limited to horizontal shooting
  • Some visual clutter during gameplay

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players choose their loadouts of weapons, heads, and backpacks before runs, allowing personal control over playstyle."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game is challenging with skill-based platforming and combat; players improve through repeated attempts and mastery."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes leaderboards and daily challenges encouraging comparison with others, though many play casually."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Addictive gameplay and combo system encourage repeated play sessions despite difficulty and some repetitiveness."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player focused with no multiplayer or cooperative elements mentioned."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players experiment with different combinations of heads, weapons, and backpacks to create unique builds."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Competitive but no evidence of aggressive or dominating social behavior; focus is on personal skill."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players describe the game as a psychedelic, immersive experience that offers distraction and stress relief."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encouraged to try new item combinations and discover game mechanics through exploration and experimentation."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some procedural generation and secrets encourage discovery, though level variety is limited."

  • Expression
    2

    "Customization through loadout choices allows some self-expression, but no cosmetic personalization."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Surreal, psychedelic world with abstract story elements and imaginative characters."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills and understanding of mechanics through repeated play and learning enemy patterns."

  • Health
    -4

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and active engagement due to difficulty and fast-paced gameplay."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing; experience is individual."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely single-player gameplay."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players unlock and accumulate items and upgrades that persist between runs, aiding progression."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find it relaxing and flow-inducing despite the challenge; others find it tense."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory appeal from vivid visuals, dynamic music, and satisfying sound design."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards and achievements provide some social recognition, though not a dominant feature."

  • Story
    1

    "Story is minimal, abstract, and cryptic, presented visually with little direct narrative."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players plan loadouts and tactics to optimize combos and survival, requiring strategic thinking."

  • Thrill
    3

    "High difficulty and risk of death create tension and excitement during gameplay."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value especially on sale; praised for quality and developer support."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves shooting and destroying enemies, with satisfying violent feedback."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid death and manage health carefully; permadeath and revive mechanics emphasize survival."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026