JOHN GLEEP

JOHN GLEEP is an intergalactic action-roguelike that combines UFO piloting with pachinko-style casino management. The player controls John Gleep, an alien whose casino is failing and who owes a debt to Joey Norp, a mob boss who is also a dentist. The player travels between planets, abducts citizens and collects resources, then places the abductees in the casino, where they bounce around as involuntary gamblers. The game uses dual-screen gameplay, so the player flies the ship and manages the casino at the same time.

While abducting, the player must avoid attacks from Captain Missile and handle side tasks such as defusing bombs, squashing bugs and ignoring virtual meetings. The casino can be upgraded and customised with pegs obtained from a gacha machine, and Junk and Gadgets found on planets can strengthen the ship or activate new abilities. The Hyperdrive must be fuelled to reach a new star system, which provides more planets to raid and more time to pay the debt. Each planet raided brings the debt collection closer, and failing to pay ends the run. Each new run offers different casino combinations and planets.

Between raids, the player can explore the star system to visit a club, bet on Binko Races, play Human Poker, or check in on John’s ex-wife Lucille and their child, Lil Gleepy. Companions can be encountered during play and offer a range of permanent upgrades, and the player can help with their personal problems. The game lists several permanent upgrade systems, more than 100 gadget unlocks and over 40 different pegs. Its story is described as a sci-fi crime drama featuring comedic characters and unexpected twists.