El Hijo – A Wild West Tale: A Stealth Adventure Review
Contents
El Hijo – A Wild West Tale offers a refreshing take on the stealth genre. Trading complex open worlds and brutal combat for a more lighthearted and family-friendly experience, El Hijo provides a unique and engaging adventure perfect for gamers seeking a less violent but still challenging stealth experience.
El Hijo – A Wild West Tale
Stealth is Key
The core gameplay of El Hijo revolves around non-lethal stealth mechanics. You cannot kill enemies, only temporarily stun them. This design choice makes the game accessible to a wider audience, including families with younger players, while still maintaining a challenging gameplay loop. The inability to permanently eliminate threats, combined with the consequence of restarting from the last checkpoint upon being caught, adds a layer of strategic depth to the stealth gameplay.
El Hijo – A Wild West Tale
El Hijo encourages players to utilize the environment to their advantage. From manipulating shadows and distractions to employing a variety of “toys” and enlisting the help of rescued allies, each level presents unique puzzles and challenges. Different enemy types require specific tactics and tools, further enhancing the strategic element of the gameplay. A small bird companion aids in scouting the environment and revealing enemy sightlines, reminiscent of the eagle vision mechanic in Assassin’s Creed or the strategic overview in Commandos.
A Child’s Perspective
El Hijo paints a picture of a harsh and unforgiving world. The young protagonist faces constant danger from a variety of enemies and environmental hazards. This vulnerability is further emphasized by the protagonist’s age and the overwhelming odds stacked against him. The game also touches upon the theme of child labor, with numerous enslaved children scattered throughout the levels. While rescuing these children is optional, it adds a layer of depth to the narrative and provides opportunities to earn achievements.
El Hijo – A Wild West Tale
Minor Shortcomings
Despite its strengths, El Hijo has a few minor flaws. The enemy AI can be somewhat inconsistent, occasionally exhibiting oblivious behavior even when the player is in plain sight. Certain gameplay mechanics, such as the mother character’s powerful slingshot, feel slightly out of place. Occasional glitches, such as the player getting stuck while moving, can also disrupt the experience.
El Hijo – A Wild West Tale
Conclusion
El Hijo – A Wild West Tale offers a charming and engaging stealth experience with a unique non-lethal approach. While minor AI inconsistencies and occasional glitches detract slightly from the overall experience, the game’s creative level design, strategic gameplay, and family-friendly nature make it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the stealth genre.
Game Information
- Developer: Honig Studios
- Publisher: Handy Games
- Genre: Action, Stealth
- Release Date: December 3, 2020
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Minimum System Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Dual Core CPU – 2.6ghz
- RAM: 8 GB
- HDD: 3.5GB
- GPU: GeForce 560, AMD Radeon HD 5830
Tested System Requirements
- OS: N/A
- CPU: N/A
- RAM: N/A
- GPU: N/A
- HDD: N/A
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