When I need a quick break in between tasks, Gunhound on PSP is the game I usually go to. It’s fast, it’s exciting, and it scratches that itch for a mecha action experience without needing hours of commitment. It’s not available on smaller retro handhelds like the Miyoo Mini since those can’t run PSP games, but if you’ve got a Miyoo Mini Plus, Flip, or any other handheld that supports PSP, it plays beautifully.
I actually just picked up the Anbernic RG28XX recently. I was looking for the Miyoo A30 but couldn’t find one locally, so this became my alternative. Luckily, it runs PSP titles smoothly, and Gunhound feels right at home on it.
A Bit of History
Gunhound EX (full title: Kisou Ryouhei Gunhound EX) came out in Japan back in 2013 for the PSP. It was developed by a small Osaka-based team called Dracue Software, a doujin (indie) studio known for loving mecha games. Later on, the game got a Windows PC port in 2014 with the title Armored Hunter Gunhound EX.
The reception was decent, especially from fans of old-school mecha shooters like Assault Suit Valken (Cybernator) and Assault Suit Leynos. Famitsu gave the PSP version a 29 out of 40, and Western reviews of the PC port hovered around 7 to 8 out of 10. Reviewers praised the fast-paced action and anime-style presentation, though some said it felt like the ideas could’ve gone even further.
As for sales, there’s no reliable number out there — it was a niche release, after all, and never really broke into the mainstream. That’s also one of the reasons it isn’t famous: it was a Japan-only release on PSP, with no official English localization. But honestly, who needs a full translation when your main job is to pilot a mech and fire at anything that moves?
Dracue didn’t become a big studio after this either. Gunhound EX remains their standout game — more of a cult classic than a widely recognized PSP hit.
The Story
The game’s setup is straight out of a 90s mecha anime. You pilot a heavy combat machine through different missions, fighting waves of enemies, giant bosses, and military hardware that just keeps coming. The story isn’t super detailed, but it’s enough to push you forward between battles and cutscenes. The real fun is in the action, not reading walls of text.
Game Mechanics
The mix of mechanics makes Gunhound really stand out. You get machine guns, missiles, and one of the coolest parts — a grappling hook. It’s not just for climbing but also for swinging and repositioning during fights. That little touch changes how you approach stages, giving it a different flavor compared to standard run-and-gun games.
The game captures that heavy mech feeling while still staying responsive. You’re not zipping around like a ninja; you’re piloting a powerful machine that has weight to it, and learning that rhythm is half the fun.
Controls
The controls feel surprisingly smooth for a PSP mecha game. Swapping weapons, firing, and using the grappling hook all click into place once you’ve played a couple of missions. On handhelds with good buttons and a d-pad, like the RG28XX or Miyoo Mini Plus, the game plays almost like it was built for these smaller devices.
Why It Fits on a Small Retro Handheld
This is where Gunhound really shines for me. The missions are short enough to pick up and play in between tasks, and the anime-inspired visuals scale perfectly to smaller screens. The intensity is still there, but it feels tighter and more personal when played on a handheld. For a game that’s all about quick bursts of action, portable is the way to go.
Every time I load this up, it gives me that mix of anime mecha excitement and arcade-style quick action. It doesn’t need hours of play, and the grappling hook always makes the combat feel fresh. I’ll tell myself “just one mission,” and then end up playing two or three because it’s so hard to put down once you’re in the zone.
Final Thoughts
Gunhound EX may not be a mainstream PSP classic, but it’s one of those hidden gems that deserves more attention. Between its anime-inspired mecha action, simple pick-up-and-play missions, and perfect fit for retro handhelds, it’s a game I recommend to anyone looking for something different on PSP. The lack of an English release probably held it back, but if you enjoy action that doesn’t waste your time, you’ll feel right at home with Gunhound.
EZRetro Plays 