Buckshot Roulette
review and description
by Dsibe top

If you're looking for a game that will get your adrenaline pumping and palms sweating, then Buckshot Roulette is definitely worth checking out. This indie gem puts a fresh and terrifying spin on the classic game of Russian roulette by swapping out the revolver for a powerful 12-gauge shotgun.

The premise is simple - you find yourself in a shady underground nightclub run by a crooked AI dealer, daring you to take part in the most high-stakes game imaginable. The gameplay itself is straightforward but executed brilliantly. You'll need to load the shotgun chambers with a mix of live ammunition and dummy rounds, spin the cylinder, and then take turns aiming the barrel at your head and pulling the trigger. It's an utterly nerve-wracking experience that will have you holding your breath each time you hear that ominous click.

What makes Buckshot Roulette truly shine is its intense atmosphere and attention to detail. The grimy nightclub setting with its pulsing beats and flickering neon lights creates a palpable sense of dread. The diegetic gameplay systems mean there's no obtrusive UI - you'll be physically manipulating the shotgun, loading shells, and pulling the trigger like your life depends on it (and in this case, it literally does). It's a masterclass in immersive first-person gameplay.

While the core experience is relatively short at 15-20 minutes, the randomized nature of each round gives it excellent replay value. You never quite know what combination of live ammo, dummy rounds, and other powerups like bullet inverters will be in play. The AI dealer is ruthlessly fair, making decisions based solely on what's happening at the table rather than any predetermined script. It creates tense scenarios where one stray shot could abruptly end your game.

Technically, the game is very solid on PC (unfortunately no Mac version). You'll need a relatively modern GPU with Vulkan support, but otherwise the requirements are reasonable. The stylized low-poly graphics give it an appealingly retro feel while still allowing for impressive atmospheric effects and modeling.

The only real drawback is the lack of an online leaderboard in the itch.io version compared to the Steam release. But at just $2.99, it's a small quibble for such an exhilarating and unique experience.

From the white-knuckle gameplay to the stellar presentation, Buckshot Roulette demonstrates that the team at Mike Klubnika has serious talent. Fans of atmospheric horror games and those looking for an adrenaline-fueled good time would do well to take a spin with this one. Just don't forget to make sure the safety is off - things are about to get intense.