James Denselow

LONDON: In an era in which retro gaming is somewhat mainstream with remakes, reboots and remastered games emerging on a daily basis, “Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog” on Nintendo Switch takes things to the next level.

Going further back in time than most, it is a throwback to classic PC-9800 visual novels, blending deep storytelling with a minimalist approach to gameplay. If you enjoy immersive narratives and do not mind slow pacing, this game delivers a compelling experience — though it may not be for everyone.

“Gun-Dog” is all about story. Its deep, character-driven narrative demands patience, rewarding players willing to engage with a text-heavy experience. It starts by setting the scene of the Solar War and our protagonist being unable to prevent the loss of his crewmates. Four years later, they (you can choose your own name) are re-assigned to the Jovian patrol ship Gun-Dog which has orders to investigate mysterious signals coming from the edge of Jovian Space.

On board, the assortment of characters includes a love interest, a rival from the past and others who all seem to be hiding something. While choice is limited to movement, item interaction and conversation, the game excels at making you feel like your actions matter, especially when decisions come with a countdown clock to force your hand.

This is not an action-packed adventure. The game moves deliberately and offers little in the way of fast-paced mechanics. Exploration is limited, but the weight of each choice — especially in high-pressure moments — keeps engagement high. With sparse visuals and bit-crushed music, “Gun-Dog” leans into its retro inspirations. Interestingly, putting it on mute might give the best experience; the soundtrack can be more of a distraction than an enhancement.

“Gun-Dog” is a game for those who love slow-burn, text-heavy adventures with minimal gameplay distractions. If you are looking for deep lore, strong characters and a narrative experience, it is worth the time. Just be ready for a slower ride than that offered by most modern games.