After a surprise update after years without any major updates,Red Dead Redemption 2finally got afree expansion for its multiplayer, but that’s not the only good way to scratch theRDRitch. While this surprise inclusion is a more than welcome excuse to revisit the game, you may also look to some smaller titles for a fantastic Western experience. Even after getting your fill ofRed Dead Redemption 2’snew content, there are plenty of cowboy-themed games that can keep the excitement going.
Although there have been countless games that take on the concept of tense standoffs and dubious morals that come with the Old West, few titles manage to capture the fullRed Deadexperience. Withplenty of movie referencesand a trailblazing attitude of its own,the cowboy series kept several classic traditions alive that would go on to inspire other developers. Even if smaller games fail to capture the same level of immersion as their Triple-A competitors, there’s one hidden gem game that still stands out from the crowd thanks to its uniquely satisfying gameplay loop.
Westerado: Double Barreled Offers An Incredibly Satisfying Experience
A Game With More Depth Than Meets The Eye
While it might struggle to achieve the level of immersion thatRed Dead Redemption 2can provide, don’t be deceived into thinkingWesterado: Double Barreled’s gameplay is as simplistic as its pixelated art style implies. Capturing all the gun-slinging action and role-playing elements you need,Westerado’s unique presentation and gameplay are an unforgettable mix. Aside from the standard fast-paced shootouts and deadly exploration you expect from a game set in the Wild West,the biggest selling point forWesteradois simply how much freedom the game gives youfrom start to finish.
Although it starts off small,you’ll quickly realize the world ofWesterado: Double Barreledis even bigger than it seems, with plenty of outlaws and townsfolk that could use either a helping hand or a bullet to the chest. Much likeRed Dead Redemption, combat is an essential part of any outlaw’s life, and the hybrid two-dimensional art style requires you to line up with the side of enemies to risk shooting them. As you explore and blast your way throughWesterado’s visually pleasing environments, you’ll also have the option to pacify enemies or survive encounters nonviolently.
While it can be hard to reliably pull off, shooting off someone’s hat is not only a great way to pacify an enemy without harming them, but also an opportunity to nab extra lives for each piece of additional hair. Much likeRed Dead Redemption’s honor system,the world reacts to your actions as well, with enemies surrendering or even fleeing in fear just from the sight of you. Whether you choose to play as a helpful pacifist, an ambiguous outlaw, or a dastardly bandit,Westerado: Double Barreledsupports every action you could take in the name of revenge.
A Tale Of Revenge Is A Perfect Fit For The Wild West
Although the gameplay can take some getting used to,my first successful playthrough ofWesterado: Double Barreledwas just as unforgettable as my time finishingRed Dead Redemption, despite its shorter length. Releasing five years after the originalRed Dead Redemption,Westeradotakes similar cues with its tale of revenge by any means necessary, offering you plenty of ways to find the person who killed your family and burned down your ranch.
Virtually anyone you come across can be the killer.
The primary gameplay mechanic ofWesteradois that, outside of some named NPCs, virtually anyone you come across can be the killer you’re trying to get revenge against. While the identity of the gunman remains unknown,you spend the game doing odd jobs or missions to obtain more information about the killer before making your final accusation. Rather than the side jobs just being a necessary chore, there are often several ways to accomplish them, combined with more than enough clues giving characters to let you pick your own path.
You can even go as far as to kill your own uncle at the start of the game, who returns as a ghost to offer advice and tutorials if you still need help learningWesterado’s mechanics.
Speaking of choosing your own path,Westeradolets you kill quite literally every named character in the game if you feel like it, although killing too many NPCs at once will have some unruly consequences. Even if you decide to go for a villainous route or accidentally kill someone,every NPC’s death is permanent inWesterado, offering real consequences for every action.Despite the occasionally grave tone,Westeradohas just as manyfunny moments asRed Dead, with a self-aware sense of humor that acts as a parody as much as an homage to the genre.
Shorter Stories Like Westerado Can Offer A Refreshing Gameplay Loop
Just Long Enough To Provide An Unforgettable Experience
The main downside to an indie title likeWesterado: Double Barreledis how short the game can be, with your first playthrough likely averaging around 4 hours to complete. Despite its short length, one ofWesterado’s best strengths comes from its rogue-like gameplay that encourages additional playthroughs, letting you explore a different path to your ultimate goal to help overcome some of its more repetitive gameplay mechanics.
The massive time commitment for a full playthrough ofRed Dead Redemption 2can be more than a little intimidating, even if it’s more thanworthy of a second playthrough. While it’s hard to make a direct comparison between the two titles,you can start another playthrough ofWesterado: Double Barreledwithout nearly as much hassle, providing another great reason that this western experience is more than worthy of your attention.
