Where did the reviewer miss an additional 5%, perhaps even more? Read to find out where the reviewer missed out.
Players of Call of Juarez will feel right at home with the gameplay of the prequel. Shotguns, revolvers, volcano guns, bows and arrows and dynamite make their appearance along with some other weapons. What's more COJBIB's weapons are accurate to the time during which the game takes place. A more disappointing aspect is the lack of sound from the dynamite, only a weak unsatisfying blast is heard. Also, instead of the slowmotion draw shootout in COJ, COJBIB introduces a quickdraw shootout to act as bossfights. Although fans of westerns must appreciate the attempt at making this classic element of the western genre a reality, the quickdraw function does not satisfy a need for bloodlust. It starts out as a tense exercise but is quickly morphed into somewhat of an annoying, unsatisfying bossfight. Despite these shortcomings COJBIB excels in the gameplay department, delivering a fun filled experience overall. (Gameplay: 30%, 25/30)
It is a pleasure to say that COJBIB's storytelling mechanics improves on COJ's and provides an engaging story that keeps the player wanting more, similar to what COJ accomplished but even better this time round. The cinematics are brilliant, it truly felt like a western movie. This of course is due in no small part to the absolutely superb voice acting and dialogue in COJBIB. The brothers' dialogue is such that it brings the relationship between the brothers to life, increasing plot addiction and encouraging the player to keep playing to see what's next. Unfortunately COJBIB fails to effectively capture two of the main characters falling in love and although it is an improvement on COJ, the ride is over pretty quickly. Even so, with its great cinematics, superb dialogue and voice acting and enjoyable cliché western plot, COJBIB succeeds in capturing and keeping the attention of the player for an enjoyable experience. (Plot, Cin, Dialogue 20%, 16/20)
Now let's look at the overall package. In the graphics department COJBIB beyond all doubts succeeds in capturing the west we all want to see.
All in all everything looks fine, not once did something graphical bother me, quite on the contrary. In terms of value, COJBIB is dynamite. Bargain price and, it has to be said, NO DRM! That's right, it's a solid gaming investment, no activating online, no Steam, no Starforce. (Graphics 10%, 10/10, Value 10% 10, 10)
In terms of longevity, COJBIB does not seem to offer much at first, despite collecting 'secrets' after you finish the campaign, what else can you do? What is often overlooked by other reviewers is the fact the COJBIB gives one access to the COJBIB User Content Creation Package (although it has to be downloaded separately). The editor is extremely simple and you'll have a custom map with buildings and foes within minutes. It also means several other custom single player missions as well as lots of additional multiplayer maps can be downloaded for hours of extra fun. With its custom maps, modding potential, engaging plot and fun filled multiplayer, prepare to get busy. (Replayability 10% 9/10)
Even the multiplayer of COJBIB satisfies, and it is greatly advised to play COJBIB against some of your buddies at LAN especially against some that appreciate western games, it really provides hours of fun.
Online, unfortunately, was a bit of a problem, you have to register and no matter what, Ubisoft would not take my serial key and I had to resort to using a friends serial although I know I entered it correctly! Even so it turned out to be extremely fun although a few problems with cheating were evident. (Multiplayer 20% 15/20)
In short, COJBIB is a great game offering so much to the player and asking so little. It's hard to say no to so much enjoyment, creativity and potential in such a cheap package.
Final Score (15 + 9 + 10 + 10 + 16 + 25)
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85/100
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