When a game opens with killer robots, oppressed pigs, and a boar armed to the teeth with a blaster, you know you’re in safe hands.
Guts ’n Grunts Jr. has officially launched on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, delivering a compact slice of retro-styled chaos for the temptingly low price of £2.89.
Set in a grim future ruled by the Technate and its Slaughterhouse AI, this pint-sized spin-off wastes no time getting to the good stuff. You roll, you shoot, you survive. And yes, it’s every bit as unapologetically daft and energetic as it sounds.
A Pig With A Blaster And A Point To Prove
You play as Gunnar Harsvin, a fast-moving, hard-hitting boar who’s had enough of hiding. With robotic forces scouring the Earth for “processable flesh”, Gunnar decides it’s time to fight back – one machine at a time.
There’s no overthinking required here. Guts ’n Grunts Jr. leans fully into its arcade roots, pushing constant movement and relentless action over complex systems. Roll like a hedgehog, shoot like a soldier, and keep moving or get turned into bacon bits.
It’s deliberately framed as a “missing classic” from the 16-bit era, and that’s exactly how it plays – quick reflexes, chunky action, and zero patience for downtime.
A Familiar Kind Of Chaos
If this all sounds appealing, it’s probably because the original Guts ’n Grunts nailed the formula. We reviewed that back in 2024, awarding it a 4-5 score, and summed it up rather perfectly:
“For all its simplicity, for all its lowest denominator action, Guts ’n Grunts is kickass. We ploughed through level after level with giblets on our face… If you want brainless Contra fun, accept no substitute.”
Guts ’n Grunts Jr. doesn’t try to reinvent that wheel. Instead, it trims things down, tightens the focus, and delivers a shorter, cheaper blast of the same no-nonsense energy.
Guts ’n Grunts Jr. At A Glance
- Fast-paced retro action inspired by the 16-bit era
- Roll-and-shoot gameplay with constant momentum
- A dystopian sci-fi setting starring an armed pig (obviously)
- Available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
- Priced at just £2.89
Ready To Bring Home The Bacon
Developed and published by Cascadia Games, Guts ’n Grunts Jr. on Xbox and PC through the Xbox Store proves that big ideas don’t need big price tags. It’s lean, loud, and proudly old-school – the kind of game that knows exactly what it is and never apologises for it.
If you’re after some pure, unfiltered arcade mayhem, Gunnar Harsvin is ready when you are.
