Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat — Everything We Know

Dust off your pistols and pull those gloves tight; it’s time to haul that ridiculous coffin back into the fray. Beyond the Grave is making its return, and it’s about to get messy. Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat isn’t shy about what it is: a wild, noisy blast of bullets and pure chaos. Fans of the old-school anime chaos know exactly what kind of ride they’re in for.

This isn’t just a minor upgrade or a lazy remaster. Blood Heat is a complete rebuild of the 2022 game Gungrave G.O.R.E., powered by Unreal Engine 5 and rebuilt from the ground up. The result? A faster and flashier return to form for one of the most underrated cult classics in gaming. So, what can you expect when this coffin-swinging gunslinger rises again? Here’s everything we know so far.

What Is Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat?

If you’ve never heard of Gungrave, here’s the quick catch-up. The series began in the early 2000s on PlayStation 2, combining anime-style storytelling with “gun-fu” gameplay long before Devil May Cry and Bayonetta became household names. Players control Beyond the Grave, a resurrected hitman wielding dual pistols and a massive coffin weapon. Yes, it’s an actual coffin that doubles as a rocket launcher, shield, and melee weapon all in one.

Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat is a modern remake and reimagining of that formula. It keeps the soul and identity of the original, a dark revenge story, massive explosions, and cinematic gunfights, but updates everything else. From movement controls to enemy AI and graphics, everything has been redesigned for next-gen hardware. Think of it as a “do-over done right,” a second chance to make the game as cool as fans always imagined it could be.

Story

In true Gungrave fashion, Blood Heat isn’t shy about going full anime melodrama. You play as Grave, a former assassin brought back from the dead, now serving as a grim reaper for hire. His mission is simple. Get rid of the dishonest group that is distributing SEED, a medicine that turns people into hideous animals.

Amidst slow-motion filming and explosions, the drama presents a blend of redemption and vengeance. Even if you might recognize some of the characters, the plot has been improved and restructured this time to provide new players with a better experience and make it simpler for beginners to follow.

Gungrave’s world has traditionally relied on gothic sci-fi themes and extreme brutality, but Blood Heat attempts to counterbalance that intensity with cinematic storytelling. Expect animated cutscenes and voice acting that match the tone of the original anime adaptation. Additionally, the storyline finally gives Grave and his allies more emotional weight than ever before. Ultimately, it’s a story about revenge and redemption, told with bullets, fire, and an absurd amount of style.

Gameplay

Let’s be honest, Gungrave games have always been less about realism and more about pure adrenaline. And Blood Heat looks like it’s doubling down on that philosophy. At its heart, this is a third-person action shooter. Players will unleash stylish combos, chain together devastating gun attacks, and use their coffin like a wrecking ball. But while older games were known for their limited movement and clunky aiming, Blood Heat is fixing that.

Surprisingly, the remake introduces 360-degree movement, refined aiming, and smoother transitions between shooting, dodging, and melee. Players can now dash through enemies, deflect bullets, and perform cinematic finishers with ease. Additionally, environments are more interactive too, think destructible cover, explosive barrels, and even environmental hazards you can use to your advantage.

On the other hand, enemies are smarter this time around. Instead of just rushing at you, they’ll flank, use cover, and coordinate attacks, making each encounter feel more dynamic. You’ll have to mix quick reflexes with style to rack up high combo scores, because in Gungrave, looking cool while killing is half the point.

And yes, the signature Demolition Shots and Storm Barrages return. Players will now unleash screen-filling chaos once their “Beat Count” meter rises. In short, it’s still the same wild ballet of bullets, but smoother and faster. 

Development

Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat is being developed once again by Studio IGGYMOB, the Korean team responsible for the 2022 release. However, rather than just patching the old game, the developers decided to rebuild the entire experience from the ground up. They’ve switched to Unreal Engine 5, which gives the game a massive visual upgrade, sharper textures, and realistic lighting. Similarly, it adds detailed character models that finally do the art style justice. But the overhaul isn’t just skin-deep. The team has revamped combat systems, animations, and enemy behavior to deliver a more modern, responsive feel.

In interviews, the developers mentioned that they wanted Blood Heat to be the “definitive Gungrave experience.” One that honors the series’ cult roots but plays like a truly next-gen title. That means a smoother frame rate, faster load times, and combat that rewards creativity and precision. 

IGGYMOB has also teased that new characters and story elements are being added. That means they will expand the Gungrave universe and give players more context to Grave’s grim world. So while the old G.O.R.E. had potential but stumbled in execution, Blood Heat looks to be the fiery rebirth fans have been waiting for.

Trailer

Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat’s trailer shows off fast, explosive action and lots of different environments. The trailer also gives a quick look at the bosses in a cinematic run, and they look terrifying. They are huge and scary, making the action even bigger. Notably, the trailer doesn’t just show the fights. It makes players feel the chaos with guns blazing, heavy music, and non-stop energy. The trailer promises an immersive third-person action game.

Platforms and Release Date

So far, Gungrave G.O.R.E: Blood Heat is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. There’s no word yet on PlayStation 4, which suggests this is a truly next-gen experience. 

As for the release date, it’s still under wraps. Studio IGGYMOB has only confirmed that the game is “in development” and that updates will be shared as time goes by. With its scale and graphical overhaul, a late 2025 or early 2026 release seems most likely, but nothing is official yet. Notably, the developer has been sharing sneak peeks and early screenshots that already look impressive. This third-person action shooter promises perfect lighting effects, atmospheric environments, and that signature anime-inspired vibe.