English Title: Gunslinger Girl Complete Box
Japanese Title: ガンスリンガー・ガール コンプリートボックス
Publisher: Marvelous Entertainment / Bandai
Developer: Dimps
Genre: Episodic Rail Shooter
Released: Apr. 8, 2004 / Jun. 17, 2004 / Aug. 19, 2004
Product Codes: SLPS-25343 / SLPS-25373 / SLPS-25388
JAN 4543112240538 / 4543112249388 / 4543112249487


An early example of the "episodic game", courtesy of Marvelous and Bandai. While a compelling argument could certainly be made for Bandai's .hack franchise, it's not hard to see a lot more cynicism here. For one, rather than an expansive RPG or adventure game, this is... a rail shooter, divided into three parts. And not a particularly good one at that.

It brings to mind the time when hopeless otaku would spent $70+ on a 30-minute OVA. That was during the bubble economy, though, which had long since vanished by the time this little wreck made it to shelves, so they didn't even have that excuse. Curiously enough, each game includes a DVD featuring full episodes of the TV series, with the entire series included across the three releases. So I guess it isn't a total loss.

The image above is the special box given out to house the complete set, though I'm not sure how it was originally distributed -- it may have been a preorder bonus for the third game, or required sending in proof of purchase. I'm fairly certain these were never sold as a set, though...