Not many people make games based on the wild west. I think it's because nothing can match Outlaws yet.
Gameplay – Outlaws takes up a genre that’s rarely touched to his day. And that’s the western cowboy genre. The game is a first-person shooter, which gives a good glimpse at the genre. The guns used are classics, such as a pistol, rifle, TNT, sawn off shotguns and other western weapons. In the game, the player must shoot his way through loads of enemies and then face off with a boss at the end.
It’s not all run and gun, though. Each level requires some sort of a puzzle, whether it’s finding the right keys, arranging some sort of stones, finding a way inside a building etc. The player can run, jump, crouch, as usual. This is helpful during heavy firefights. Using the right weapon is crucial too. The rifle comes with an add-on scope, if you’re able to find it. The scope makes it seem like a sniper rifle, western style. The knives can be used to throw, or simply stab someone at close range. The pistol has two firing modes: regular trigger pulling, or slapping the back of it, which in return, uses more ammo, but shoots faster.
Video – The graphics are unique, in a way. While playing the game, it’s not hard to spot an enemy. There isn’t much blood, and the enemy models start to look generic and repeating after awhile. The surrounding areas are nice. You’re able to shoot a beer bottle, and it will shatter. If you shoot a cow skull on the ground, it’ll break. If you shoot a store glass window, it’ll break into pieces as well.
The cutscenes is what takes the prize home. Each is hand drawn and gives a very realistic feeling. Audio – The music is very western-like, yet gets simply annoying after awhile. Luckily, it can be turned off. The voice acting is suburb. In the cutscenes, the acting is very well done. As for playing the game, while the player is walking around, he may hear a famous “Where are ya Marshall!?” or “I hope you plan better than you shoot!” among other lines being shouted out in the distance. They’ve all been stuck in my head for years, so be advised.
Controls – The controls are very basic. Move, shoot, open doors, and use items. Not much to it, and it takes only a minute or so to get used to it. Nothing special.
Storyline – The story is well done. Not many games touch upon the western genre, even to this day. The story is about a wealthy man named Bob Graham wanting to build over bought/stolen land, and railroad ways. His sub-bosses, Slim and Dr. Death, visit James Anderson and offers him money to buy the land. He refused, and weeks later they return. This time, Anderson isn’t home. Due to anger, Dr. Death and Slim kills Anderson’s wife and kidnaps his daughter, all while burning down his house. The story revolves around Anderson’s revenge.
Multiplayer – The multiplayer has unique modes. Instead of capture the flag, it’s capture the chicken. There is also a deathmatch, and other modes. The multiplayer was fun at a time, but due to popularity of the game decreasing, it’s harder to play online.
Price – If you’re able to find it online, I’d say go and buy it. Shouldn’t be too expensive.
Replay – After beating single player, there is a historical campaign. It shows Anderson’s days as a Marshall before the main game started. No cutscenes are in the campaign, but the levels require Anderson to capture (or kill) some of the western’s biggest enemies.
Overall – It’s hard to find a good western shooter. Outlaws is one of the closest you’ll ever get, at least, for now.