Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is a fast-paced, Western-themed shooter that combines crisp gunplay with a unique narrative style reminiscent of a comic book. Players assume the role of a gunslinger turned bounty hunter, navigating through various iconic Western locations while engaging in shootouts and duels. The story is presented as tall tales with humor and attitude, blending historical events with fictional elements. Although the campaign is relatively short, lasting around 6-7 hours, it offers replayability through its arcade mode and multiple endings. The art style is distinctive and colorful, drawing comparisons to games like Borderlands, and the voice acting is widely praised for adding depth and personality to the characters. However, some players find the duel mechanics frustrating and occasionally buggy, which can hinder progress. Overall, it's considered one of the best Western shooters available, especially for fans of the genre or those seeking a quick, entertaining experience with solid gameplay mechanics.

Highlights

Players praise the game's crisp and satisfying shooting mechanics, which deliver an authentic Western shootout feel. The unique art style and comic book-inspired presentation stand out visually. The narrative, featuring tall tales and charismatic characters, is engaging and humorous, supported by excellent voice acting. The arcade mode adds enjoyable replay value, and the game runs well on various platforms including the Steam Deck. The inclusion of historical Western figures and multiple story endings enhances the storytelling depth. Many consider it a top-tier Western shooter with a strong atmosphere and pacing that keeps the action exciting throughout.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the short campaign length, with some players desiring a longer or more expansive story. The duel mechanics receive mixed reactions, often described as frustrating or unintuitive, sometimes compounded by bugs that cause instant death during duels. Some find the story less compelling until the later stages and note that the rewind effect in the narrative can become annoying. Additionally, the game may feel repetitive towards the end, and a few players mention limited features like the absence of horse riding. Despite these issues, the game remains enjoyable but could benefit from polishing and extended content.