Gun review

How the Wild West was wonderful

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Gunfights done to perfection

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    Impressive

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    cinematic story

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    Enjoyable side quests

Cons

  • -

    It's short and none too replayable

  • -

    Difficult quests unlock too soon

  • -

    Strong words not for the wee ones

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Sizzling gunfights, white-knuckle horseback riding, lots of unflinching stares, slutty barmaids, and whisky- not the kind of stuff that usually works well with a gamepad attached, but the action/adventure Gun perfectly bottles all those classic Old West ingredients in videogame form, and the label doesn't read "snake oil."

Gun nails a compelling balance between great story and great gameplay. As hunter Colton White, your world is upended when your father is killed in an ambush - right after he reveals that he isn't actually your father. Your quest for truth and revenge takes you down a twisted path through brothels, outlaw hideouts, the sheriff's jail, and into Indian territory. Without spoiling anything, Gun's gradually unfolding yarn is grade-A stuff that commands your attention. Stellar voice acting by a cast ranging from Kris Kristofferson (Blade) to Thomas Jane (The Punisher ) prevents the story from ever degenerating into standard videogame cliches.

The gameplay keeps both barrels smoking with intense third-person combat interspersed with side quests that give you a chance to catch your breath. You'll carve a path through a saloon, square off in duels on dusty streets, blow away marauding Indians with your shotgun, and even quietly stalk prey with a bow and arrow, all while swigging whisky to restore your health. The highlight-reel moments, though, come as you careen around on horseback through hornet-like swarms of airborne lead- the frantic intensity and fun never dulls, and a handy bullet-time move helps you survive when the crap hits the fan too hard.

More info

GenreAction
DescriptionGun perfectly bottles classic Old West ingredients in videogame form, and the label doesn't read "snake oil."
Platform"Xbox","Xbox 360","GameCube","PC","PS2"
US censor rating"Mature","Mature","Mature","Mature","Mature"
UK censor rating"18","18","18","18","18"
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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