PGC NEWS

The latest action-adventure title, Evil West, developed by Poland-based Flying Wild Hog (known for Shadow Warrior, Trek to Yomi, and Hard Reset), throws players into a fast-paced, visceral combat experience reminiscent of recent God of War titles. The unique blend of vampire-slaying action within a Wild West setting generates a distinct appeal, promising a refreshing take on familiar genres. But does Evil West live up to its potential? Let’s delve into this thrilling adventure.

alt text describing Jesse using a gauntlet weapon

A Rip-Roaring Good Time with a Retro Feel

Evil West follows the journey of Jesse Rentier, a skilled monster hunter, as he uncovers a sinister plot by a vampire organization seeking global domination. Aided by his allies, Jesse embarks on a mission to thwart this impending threat. While the narrative initially presents itself as a B-movie experience with humorous undertones, the game effectively portrays the underlying dark and bloody reality of the vampire menace.

The game’s characters, including the technologically challenged yet adventurous Jesse, the hot-headed but loyal Edgar Gravenor, and the intellectual support characters Emilia Blackwell and Vergil Olney, are well-developed and contribute to the narrative’s engaging dynamics.

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The visual presentation of Evil West excels in its fusion of Wild West aesthetics, Steampunk elements, and a touch of Cthulhu-inspired monster designs. The diverse environments, ranging from eerie forests and swamps to sun-drenched deserts, are beautifully rendered, showcasing Flying Wild Hog’s artistic direction. The clever use of contrasting colors, lighting, and shadow effects further enhances the visual appeal, while the detailed character models and grotesque monster designs add to the game’s immersive atmosphere.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with a captivating and powerful soundtrack that complements the intense combat sequences. The clear 3D audio effects also contribute to the gameplay experience, aiding players in navigating the chaotic battles against hordes of enemies.

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Evil West’s linear level design evokes memories of classic PS3 and Xbox 360 titles like Uncharted and Gears of War, while its combat system draws inspiration from the recent God of War games. The game’s core strength lies in its fast-paced, addictive combat, pitting players against relentless waves of monstrous foes.

While the game appears to be a third-person shooter, melee combat takes center stage. Players unlock a satisfying array of stylish and powerful combo attacks, allowing for creative and visceral combat encounters. From juggling enemies in the air to electrifying them before delivering a devastating ground pound, Evil West offers a diverse and rewarding combat system.

The ranged weapons provide a valuable complement to the melee combat, offering tactical advantages against specific enemy types or exposing vulnerabilities for subsequent close-quarters assaults. The enemy AI is also well-implemented, with enemies strategically flanking players and capitalizing on moments of vulnerability.

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Character progression is achieved through upgrading weapons and unlocking new combo abilities. Weapon upgrades require finding hidden currency and loot throughout the levels, while combo upgrades are earned through defeating enemies. This progression system provides a tangible sense of growth and power, further enhancing the engaging gameplay loop.

Although the level design lacks innovation, Flying Wild Hog cleverly introduces variety through diverse scenarios and locations. From thrilling mine cart rides to puzzle-solving segments involving targeting “blood veins,” the game keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. The inclusion of “New Game+” allows players to revisit levels and fully unlock all upgrades and collectibles.

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Narrative Pacing Issues

While Evil West’s streamlined gameplay and focus on linear levels offer a refreshing alternative to open-world titles and complex collectible systems, certain aspects detract from the overall experience. The primary issue lies in the rushed pacing of the narrative during cutscenes. The dialogue is delivered at a breakneck speed, overwhelming players with information and lacking emotional impact. While the game intentionally embraces a B-movie style, the humor often falls flat, and the dramatic moments lack the necessary weight.

alt text depicting Jesse in combat against a monster

Another minor flaw is the level design’s occasional lack of interactivity. There are instances where backtracking for hidden items is blocked, hindering exploration and potentially frustrating players. The upgrade interface, while resembling modern skill trees, allows for non-linear progression, which can be confusing due to the lack of in-game guidance.

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Graphically, Evil West is visually appealing, but the quality mode on consoles suffers from inconsistent frame rates. Prioritizing frame rate over visual fidelity results in a noticeable decrease in image clarity and draw distance. While the 3D audio is generally impressive, certain sound effects, particularly those associated with electrical attacks, are jarringly loud. Additionally, audio glitches occasionally occur during transitions between areas.

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Conclusion

Despite its flaws, Evil West delivers a thrilling and engaging experience. The fast-paced, visceral combat and streamlined gameplay offer a refreshing break from the complexities of modern AAA titles. While the narrative pacing and technical issues detract from the overall polish, the game’s unique blend of vampire-slaying action within a Wild West setting makes it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the genre.