Hard West

I'd give this one a 4.5 because of a few minor flaws but since that is not an option here, I'm going to give it a 5 instead. One complaint that you see at many places is about the tutorial, let me say this the tutorial is there to show you the basics that's all and anyone who's been playing turn based games can see all whatever that's being said is apparent, except for the creating cover mechanic which is also indicated nicely. Secondly, there's some portion of game where you are going on a map where some choices have to be made in a text based interface, this seems to be disappointing to a few but I thought it was good. Now coming to the good points, narration is a big plus point, voice acting of the narrator was top notch. Looks okay, and music really seemed to set nicely to the atmosphere in the game. The mix of western and supernatural themes was great actually. There's card system which grants you abilities and you need to set your cards to your chars from the deck you've unlocked, this part was done very well. Finally, I think critics have been a bit too harsh on this one, give it a try and you will not be disappointed.

For the price it's pretty cool, but it's just a handful of maps with only a voice-over narrator linking them together into any kind of story. Also, to stretch out the limited gameplay, there is no save feature and it is really easy to die. It feels like a protracted demo than a full game. The play mechanics and the graphics are good and there is a ton of potential for an amazing game. I hope there is a sequel that realizes that potential.

This game is a lot of fun for me. High points: the gameplay of comabt encourages run and gun tactics. Feels more aggressive and free flowing than Jagged Alliance 2 (a game I dearly love). Sitting in higher ground and sniping won't usually work well. This is not a clone. The card system: interesting levelling up. Sure, some cards are stronger than others, but getting poker hands can give passive bonuses that are more useful overall. Especially as you seek to negate injury effects from previous combats/map world consequences. The music and the narrator are both excellent. The overall gritty feel and dark (sometimes dark humour) of the game works well for me. Rough points: no save in missions - I'm not looking for a quick save feature here as they can be abused. However, some missions come in two stages. Seen as the map is reloaded with fresh enemies and your guys in new positions, would make sense to make a checkpoint here rather than having to redo the first stage over if an essential character gets killed. The out of mission map screen...sometimes it works very well - I'm enjoying Solomon's hunt for a cure to the madness as he scavenges research and materials to invent things as he slowly succumbs to madness himself, for example. Sometimes it works less well. The father's continual roving around for food being careful of time is perhaps realistic, but gaming wise it becomes a drag as the scenario goes on. As a note, for decisions made here to have more impact on gameplay, keep injuries on (it can also get quite funny with just how mutilated your leader can get. Plus makes you think harder about his loadout for combat) Other thoughts: people wailing on this for poor graphics should bear in mind it's a kickstarter game by a company with less than 5 titles ever made. It doesn't have AAA backing. Overall this has proved a lot of fun so far. Mistakes will likely be punished pretty hard (always stay in cover!) Hoping for expansions.

A game with alot of potential that is by no means wonderful. Production wise its good (gfx, sound, narration, nailed the western theme etc) but to me it has some issues aswell: * Its not a continuous story that you play through, its 8 scenarios. Sure some of them reuse the same main character and follow on from eachother, but not all. Personally I didnt like this approach. * The "Map mode" to me is really boring and not well done. This is where you move a marker around the map to pre-defined locations (ie: drive the game essentially). At each location you will be presented with dialog and given different options on what you can do. Some situations result in missions (woohoo!) others simply reward or penalise you for the decision you made. You also interact with vendors using these map locations to buy equipment or guns. Overall its fun, but again it leaves me feeling it could be alot better.