GUN
Many gamers prefer more open environments to play in. For those, my next recommendation should hit the spot just right. GUN is an action sandbox game, very much in the style of Grand Theft Auto but set in the old west. Players follow the story of Colton White, the typical western movie star role, as he tracks down the people that shot his pa, Ned. His quest takes him through many twists as gets caught up in a great western tale filled with the classic/obligatory saloon brawls, Indians, train heists, horse riding, gun slinging and more.
Colton has access to several weapons throughout the game, but they all come down to a few categories. Of course there are pistols, which you can duel wield, shotguns for close combat, rifles for sniping, bows and arrows, a bowie knife and sword for melee combat, and Molotov cocktails or dynamite. Weapons can be traded up, but also upgraded by purchasing scopes or boring gear to customize your sidearm.
One of the best gameplay features is “quick draw.” In quick draw mode, time slows down and Colton whips out his pistols for lightening quick headshots. You’ll use this often when being attacked on foot by larger groups and when you need quick sharp shooting, like when sticks of dynamite are being lobbed at you. Another feature that helped earn Gun an “M” rating is that you can scalp your enemies. There aren’t any rewards for doing so, but it ads authenticity to the times you’re playing it and gal darn`it it’s just plain fun.
The main story is short, but there are plenty of sidequests to keep you busy. Players can try their luck at poker in the saloons, get hired on as a ranch hand, hunt wild animals like wolves and mountain lions with only your bow and arrow, deliver packages for the Pony Express, hunt down criminals from wanted ads or take up law enforcement for local or federal marshals.
The pacing of the game and short story have made this title tough to buy for some. However it is a great story and the entire game tells it well. GamesRadar gave Gun a 90 saying, “we’ll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster game any day.” Plus, the cut scenes are great with stellar voice work from Thomas Jane (The Punisher) as Colton, Kris Kristofferson (Blade) as Ned, Lance Henriksen (the android Bishop from Aliens) as the main antagonist, Brad Dourif (the voice of Chucky) as an evil preacher, Tom Skerritt (Top Gun and Alien) as resistance fighter Clay Allison and Ron Perlman (Hellboy) as Mayor Hodoo Brown. Experience a great game and all this talent for only $9.65.
