Call of Juarez: Gunslinger

“Techland redeems the 'Call of Juarez' series with 'Gunslinger,' with a tall tale approach to the story that makes for unpredictable play.”

I’m not going to lie, this is the first time I’m playing a game in the Call of Juarez series. I had little to no knowledge about it prior to playing this specific Nintendo Switch port of the final iteration of the franchise. Now I’m wondering what the hell was I thinking ignoring this franchise for all these years. Especially since I loved my time with the version of Call of Juarez: Gunslinger for the Switch, arguably one of the best first-person shooters to grace the system’s library...

Ditching the divisive Call of Juarez: The Cartel's modern-day setting, and sauntering into the Wild West once again, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is a real return to form for Techland's underrated series. Boasting over-the-top arcade action, stripped back weapons of yore, and a Tarantino-inspired visual style, this downloadable shooter feels like a worthy successor to the brilliant Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood.

Techland takes us back to the Wild West in style

This particular entry may not truly connect to the Call of Juarez mythology (save for a brief cut scene), but it more than lives up to the Wild West ideas that influenced the series. The game is a substantial offering with plenty of opportunities for replayability, but the fact that it's only $15 makes it all the more impressive. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is well worth the price tag, and one of the more unique FPS experiences available.

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Call of Juarez: Gunslinger has a lot of charm in its short but appropriately wild Old Western campaign, with an excellent storytelling twist and fast-paced arcadey gunplay against wily black-hats. Why it puts such emphasis on its broken dueling mechanic is confounding, and its ludicrous load times and occasional crashes are marks against it, but the good beats out the bad and the ugly.

The story and setting are what Gunslinger excels in. Locations are varied yet believable, every actor sounds like they belong in a western, and some sound effects sound straight out of an old film. While the plot isn’t too deep, the characters are simplistic, and the level design and game mechanics feel at odds with each other, the narration and bits of historical accuracy are enough to keep you playing to the end.

An impressive effort from a much-criticised developer.

Thirdly is Duel, Gunslingers Mexican stand-off mode, throughout the story you will find yourself having a stand-off with the select character of that particular story. This challenge will only see you duelling against increasingly difficult enemies as you progress. Being new to the series I found duelling to be one of the most authentic aspects of pulling me into the Wild West. In one hand your keeping your hand as close to your pistol as possible for the quickest draw and on the other you have to focus in on your opponent following his every move waiting for the draw and kill of your adversar...