Azure Striker Gunvolt

Azure Striker Gunvolt, known as Armed Blue: Gunvolt in Japan, is a 2D side-scrolling action-platform game developed and published by Inti Creates. It was first released for Nintendo 3DS via eShop in August 2014. Ports of the game were released for Windows in 2015, for Nintendo Switch in 2017, for PlayStation 4 in 2020, for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in 2022, and for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. In addition to utilizing gameplay similar to Mega Man Zero, Azure Striker Gunvolt also introduced new gameplay elements such as Gunvolt's ability to "tag" enemies and target many at once, adding an additional layer of complexity to the genre. Set in a futuristic world in which beings known as “Adepts” coexist with humanity, the game follows a powerful adept named Gunvolt, who upon following a botched assassin attempt, leaves the organization that he works for to become a freelance agent. Across the game, Gunvolt attempts to use his adept powers to dismantle the Sumeragi Group, who, under their guise as peace keeping corporation, seeks to destroy the adept race. Mighty Gunvolt, a crossover with Mighty No. 9 and Gal Gun, was released on the same day as Azure Striker Gunvolt. It was followed by a sequel, Mighty Gunvolt Burst, in 2017. A direct sequel, Azure Striker Gunvolt 2, was released in 2016. A spin-off centered on character Copen, Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX, was released in 2019 and received its own sequel, Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2, in 2022. The latest installment, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3, was released for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC in 2022.