Westerado: Double Barreled
Overview -
There have been games that have successfully emulated the atmosphere of the Old West—most notably of which being the 'Red Dead' series—but compared to many other video game settings, games featuring revolver wielding cowboys in dusty plains and deserts aren't in the highest supply. Thankfully, Ostrich Banditos' 'Westerado: Double Barreled' is looking to fill an indie-sized gap as a great Steam Western.
Video Review
'Westerado: Double Barreled' subscribes to a more retro asthenic for its Western setting. While it does not adhere wholly to a 8- or 16-bit style, the Steam title does use pixels for the characters and backgrounds. The character models are basic, but they work well enough in capturing the game's aesthetic. Characters do look a little weird when the game zooms in on faces during important cutscenes, but it feels less cheap and more part of the 'Double Barreled's charm.
The rest of the game's graphics are incredibly detailed, and quite colorful given the dusty Old West setting. The lush, colorful set pieces really make exploring the areas between towns and important places a lot of fun, and oftentimes I would shun the fast travelling horseback option in favor for exploring just a little more of the wilderness that made up 'Westernado'.
Audio Review
I must admit, I didn't think 'Double Barreled's soundtrack would be one of my highest praises for the game, but there you have it. The game's tracks absolutely nail the atmosphere of the Wild West, and the music is catchy and wonderful to listen to. With the game's graphics emulating a bit of a retro feel, I was worried that the music would follow suit, but I was glad to be proven wrong.
Even the sound effects are top notch. Drawing and readying your puns are satisfying, and the loud bang of the shotgun and pistols firing pack a real, deadly punch worthy of such olden weapons.
Final Thoughts
If nothing else, 'Westerado: Double Barreled' is a blast to play. The gameplay is solid, and both the mechanics and setting are top notch. If you're looking for an Old Western to waste away your afternoon, don't look towards another John Wayne movie, grab this great indie title instead.
