Many players see Azure Striker Gunvolt as a great modern 2D action platformer and a spiritual successor to the Mega Man Zero series. The game is praised for its fast and exciting combat, where players shoot enemies to mark them and then use electric attacks to hit multiple targets at once. The gameplay feels smooth, quick, and fun. Players also enjoy the colorful anime-style pixel art and energetic J-Pop soundtrack, which make the futuristic world feel lively. The score system rewards skilled play, encouraging players to perform stylish moves and avoid damage to earn higher ranks and special music during levels.
However, some players feel the game is too strict and not very beginner-friendly. Because upgrades depend on high scores, making mistakes can slow down progress and feel frustrating. Some players also dislike how the story dialogue appears during gameplay, sometimes blocking the screen and making it hard to see enemies.
Another common complaint is that the levels feel simple and linear, with more focus on boss fights that require memorizing attack patterns. Overall, Azure Striker Gunvolt is a fast and stylish game, but it can feel challenging and frustrating for casual players.