Gun

"Just how good is it?"

I'm sure you're quite interested in this game, since you're reading a review about it. You have heard poeple call it "Grand Theft Auto in the west." But what is it actually like? Well, let me explain the good and bad points to you.

Graphics-Many don't care about this area, but for those who do, let me assure you that the game looks gorgeous. Cinematics are TOP notch and the environments are beautiful to the point where you beg yourself to explore them. While we are on environments though, let's clear up the Grand Theft Auto thing. It DOES NOT feel like GTA in any way. The fact that you can roam around are the only similarities it has. But what is roaming around like? Is exploring fun? Well, yes...while it lasts. While you CAN roam around, and there IS a beautiful world...there isn't much of it. Don't get me wrong, it's there and in truth it really isn't linear, but what most of the game is is two towns on opposite sides of the map, then a whooole lot of country side to get to one another. One path is easily accessed by another half way through and there are tons of turns and shortcuts, but ultimately that's what it is. And most of the game will take place between this country side and the two towns.

Story-This story for the game is very good, and well voice-acted and scripted. I only have one complaint, and that is that the story seems to advance too quickly. It always gets better and more exciting, but if you are going to do one story mission after the other you may find yourself saying "wait, hold on, let's take a breather here." The good guys rock, and the bad guys are very evil...and very brutal. The things that happen in this game are meeeaaan.

Gameplay:The most important part, that thankfully this game does it's best in. There are a variety of different weapons such as bolt action rifles and classic style shotguns, to bows and dual wielding six-shooters. They all do a great job of feeling very different and having their own strengths. The shooting in the game is a blast. Popping someone in the skull will cause a trail of blood to leak out and blasting someone with the shot gun in the leg will REMOVE it from the victims body, the same goes for arms and heads. You can also scalp your opponent...if you want to be that mean. Traveling is quite fun as you can also shoot while on a horse and the horse riding is flawless and the best I have ever seen in a video game.

Sound: The sound is excellent. The environments are flawless, sound effects fit perfectly and voice acting is SPOT on. And the soundtrack is also VERY good, especially considering the brutal action game this is.

Replay Value: When it comes down to it, you want to know if this game is going to keep you busy. Well, it MIGHT. You see, the story, although challenging, isn't very long. Although there are many side quests, completing everything can be done in three days, or about ten hours. If you want to start over and play on a harder difficulty, that can add some replay value. You are awarded nicely for completing side missions and they are all very unique and fresh, so you're rarely doing the same thing, especially considering the variety there is. (hunting, gold mining, bounty hunting, pony express, working on a ranch.) All in all, if you are in action fan who is interested in this game, then don't hesitate to give it a rent. But if you love cowboys and don't mind doing everything a second time, or coming back for an extra challenge, then you will get your moneys worth from buying this game. In the end, it all depends on you liking you subject matter.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/26/05