Gun

"The best western game to date"

INTRO
Gun is the best western game made to date. Granted it is far from perfect but in the grand scheme of things you should be satisfied with Neversoft's (Tony Hawk development team) first foray into this genre. The game consists of a 1 player only storyline along with multiple types of side missions and free roam capabilities.

STORY 9/10
You assume the role of Colton, a badass hunter/cowboy who has been taught the ways of the wild west by your father Ned. When things go horribly wrong one day during an ambush, Ned sends you on a dangerous crusade to make right his final wishes. Without spoiling the story let me just say that it is entertaining, well thought out and fluid enough to make you want to see what happens next.

GAMEPLAY 8/10
Gun's gameplay is split up into three categories. First of all you can play as Colton on foot in which case you have numerous olden days guns and melee weapons at your disposal. You can also purchase upgrades from one of three shopekeepers throughout the land. Basically you can toggle between third person and first person depending on what the situation dictates and there is ammo strewn about throughout the land. The second style is while on horseback. Horses in this game play extremely well and are in no way as irritating to control as was the case in 'Shadow of the Colossus' if you ever experienced that. You can handle Colton as well on horseback as you can on foot. The last phase is by using many of the interactive cannons etc during the story mode portion of the game. In addition there are numerous side quests that you can enjoy including Poker, Law Man, Pony Express(timed delivery), Wild Game Hunting, Ranching etc. Add to all this that you can freely roam the old west(As much as you've unlocked anyways) and you've got the best western game ever made on your hands.

GRAPHICS/FMV'S 8/10
Graphics are relatively simple but still come across fresh and realistic. The landscape is dusty, arid and dry and the towns and badlands look totally believable and historical. Characters look believable and so do the various animals that you will encounter throughout the game. FMV's are exceptionally well done. all of the cutscenes are very nicely rendered and acted out. As you progress you will surely want to keep playing to see the next cutscene. The shopkeeper ones do become tiring after a while(Coulda considered some variety here) but all in all fantastically done.

MUSIC/SFX/CAMERA 8/10
Music in the game is reminiscent of the time this game takes place in. The music includes quite a bit of Indian themed drums and such and this creates a nice adrenalin pumping background feeling. SFX are also very nicely done. Everything from gunshots to the horse grunts and hoofs sound completely realistic. The camera angles are also pretty well done. There are certain times when it gets a little wonky but those moments are few and far between what feels like total view control. You also have a Max Payne-esque type of bullet time which will slow everything down while allowing you to pick off your foes like fish in a barrel.

REPLAY 6/10
This is really the only portion of the game that forces me to deduct some points because there really isn't too much replay period. The only replay value that this game has is a variety of difficulty settings ranging from easy to insane. Sadly there are no unlockable skins or other visible enhancements. No online, no 2 player, no real reason to play through the game again and again unless you are short other titles or simply love the game that much.

CONCLUSION
Gun is a very fun and unique game that unfortunately offers very little replay value to the average gamer. While fresh and totally worthwhile to play, it is a little short and will divulge all of its secrets within one play through. Nontheless it is a worthy title to own in my opinion. weather you rent it first or buy it, just go play it. I rate it a 8/10.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/30/05