While the free-roaming world of GUN may be impressive, it feels empty, rushed and generally unsatisfying.
The first thing you notice about GUN is its outstanding visuals, at least on current-gen platforms like the Gamecube (as opposed to the somewhat technically inferior Xbox 360 version). Neversoft have created what they claim to be a free-roaming world, but this freedom comes at a cost, that being the frustrating map system. In the bottom-right hand corner of the screen, there is a small map of the Wild West, which in itself is fine, but become frustrating when you see what else the developers have done to keep you playing the story. Coupled with the map, you get a bar of text along the top of the screen, telling you to do next, giving you the feeling that Neversoft don't really want you to explore their funky world at all. This may be a minor issue, but these reminders get really annoying when you are in the middle of an intense fire fight, and it seems like it is just there to get in your way.
That point brings us to the second installment of what is annoying about this game, that frustration being the difficulty of the missions. Here's a handy hint: GUN is hard, so to save yourself a headache, start with the easy difficulty first. The side quests on offer become compulsary eventually, because as the game progresses, you are essentially forced to complete these tasks to make you character strong enough for the main game. While the controls may be responsive, the game still is very unforgiving, because most of the missions force you to protect someone else, and these people don't last very long in the middle of a shootout. Rant over.
Now to the good things. As I mentioned before, GUN sports lovely, gritty visuals, and this suits the gameplay and genre. Neversoft have been wise to make it so grubby, as opposed to the clean textures of, say, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Not that this western will ever look as good as Samus' world, but dirty visuals look nice when compared to the first generation PS2, Xbox or Gamecube titles. The audio is deliciously western, with Ron Perlman and Kris Kristofferson being the standouts with the voice acting. The Special FX, such as the gun firing, horse galloping, etc. are also excellent.
The very best thing about Gun is the premise. While that may not bode well for the game, it means that most of the gameplay elements are extremely well done. While horseriding battles are fun, as you can pick off the rider or shoot away his steed from under him, there is something sickeningly fun and evil about getting cowboys or hookers in a headlock and then slitting their necks in front of a filled saloon. It's so very wrong, but it looks so very, very cool.
Overall, GUN really is a game that really isn't worth its pricetag, unless you buy the budget Gamecube or 360 version. Ten or so hours isn't really worth $89.95 Australian (I'm proud to be an aussie boy), but buying the $44.95 Australian Gamecube version or the GUN/ Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Xbox 360 double pack for $69.95 is a really good deal over here. I don't know what the prices are over there in the USA, but who really cares.
Tell you what. How about I stay here and play on my Cube version while you guys just run out and buy it, heh? It may not be worth full price, but it's a budget game by now. You know what to do...