Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger Review

This narrative conceit even justifies a major issue with how First Person Shooters handle some differences between reality and gameplay that essentially makes Young Silas seem like an unstoppable murder-god. It makes sense that Silas’ activity in these tales would include shooting dozens and dozens of people in every chapter without much of a concern, since he’s the one controlling the story and he’s trying to appear impressive.


There’s a scoring system in place that gives you more points for headshots and hitting running enemies, the score increasing with a multiplier that remains for as long as you keep killing quickly. The shooting’s aided by a slowdown mechanic that charges up with each kill. When it’s activated it also highlights enemies in red so it’s also useful for spotting any that you’ve missed. You’ve also access to an an ability which charges over time that lets you dodge out of the way of any bullet that would have killed you.

True to the franchise (it’s entirely unnecessary to play them before jumping in here) there are duelling minigames that pit you up against quickdraw legends. The way this is handled varies from scene to scene as variants crop up like having to shoot more than one person standing side-by-side or getting involved in a (to use a term we’ve not acceptably replaced yet) Mexican Standoff where you have to shift your attention to whomever is staring at you. At the core you move directional sticks around in an attempt to pull out your gun quicker and have a better focus when it’s in your hand.


Also included is a Time Attack mode reminiscent of The Club. You choose a loadout at the start you think will best suit the level ahead and try to run through it as fast and stylishly as possible. If you die you have to start over. It’s a fun mode, but it’s not the reason you need to give the game your intention.


If you’ve just a minor understanding of a few names of western outlaws you’ll probably get along well with this. An encyclopedic knowledge might have this serve as a matter of frustration as the game tries to suggest certain massive leaps of logic (like suggesting your actions directly lead to the gunfight at the OK Corral). Not taking this too seriously and letting yourself get taken along for the ride is key, if you’re willing, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is a fantastic example of game writing playing to it’s strengths while providing you with a fun enough activity that’ll bring you along.