West of Loathing

Developer : Asymmetric
Released:
Platforms :
Adventure
Indie
RPG
West of Loathing Poster

" Humorous adventure RPG with clever writing and unique art but uneven difficulty spikes "

West of Loathing Review

West of Loathing is widely praised as a hilariously funny and clever turn-based RPG set in a unique stick-figure Wild West universe. Players enjoy its witty writing, abundant humor, and creative puzzles, which make the experience highly entertaining and engaging. The game offers a variety of classes and multiple routes, contributing to its replayability and diverse gameplay options. Despite its simple graphics, the art style is charming and fits the tone perfectly.

The RPG mechanics are accessible and enjoyable, though some players note that the difficulty balance can be uneven, with some battles feeling too easy and others suddenly challenging. The story and dialogue are standout features, delivering a memorable and often absurd narrative. Minor technical issues, such as occasional bugs, have been reported but are generally well-managed by the developers. Overall, West of Loathing is considered a delightful, well-crafted game that offers great value and lasting appeal for fans of humor and RPGs.

Highlights

Players especially praise the game's sharp and witty writing, which provides continuous laughs and memorable dialogue. The humor and unique art style are standout elements, giving the game a distinctive charm. Gameplay mechanics, including turn-based combat and puzzles, are considered fun and accessible, with each class offering a fresh experience. The game's replayability and creative exploration options also receive high marks. Additionally, the soundtrack and sound design complement the quirky atmosphere well, enhancing immersion.

Criticisms

Some players mention the difficulty balance as inconsistent, with early battles being too easy and sudden spikes later on. The combat system, while enjoyable, is sometimes viewed as simplistic and not very challenging. A few users report minor bugs, including save file corruption, though customer support is responsive. The game’s duration may feel short or abruptly ending depending on choices, and some find the music repetitive over time. Replay value is limited for those less interested in multiple playthroughs.

Pros

  • Extremely funny and clever writing keeps players engaged throughout the game.
  • Unique stick-figure art style perfectly suits the game’s humorous tone.
  • Multiple character classes provide diverse gameplay and replayability.
  • Turn-based combat is simple to learn and enjoyable for casual players.
  • Creative puzzles add depth and encourage exploration.
  • Abundant side quests and secrets enhance game length and fun.
  • Soundtrack and sound effects complement the quirky atmosphere well.

Cons

  • Difficulty balance can be uneven, with sudden spikes in challenge.
  • Combat system lacks complexity and may feel repetitive to some.
  • Occasional bugs reported, including save file corruption.
  • Music can become repetitive over long play sessions.
  • Game length may feel short or the ending abrupt for some players.
  • Limited replayability for those not interested in multiple runs.
  • Some players feel price is not fully justified at full cost.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

West of Loathing — a slapstick comedy stick-figure wild west adventure role-playing game.

Release Date Aug 10th 2017
Publisher Asymmetric
Developer Asymmetric
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Humorous
Creative
Accessible
Repetitive Music
Difficulty Spikes

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (8,415)
99% Positive 1% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
87