PGC NEWS

The renowned Arkane Studios, celebrated for its immersive simulations and classic RPG design, has consistently pushed boundaries in the gaming industry. A key figure in their 23-year history is Raphael Colantonio, a driving force behind their most successful titles. His departure from Arkane left fans wondering about the studio’s future and his own. While Arkane delivered a stylish and innovative experience with Deathloop, Colantonio was quietly preparing his return to the gaming world with Weird West. This new title blends familiar immersive sim elements with a unique and darkly captivating Wild West setting. Let’s delve into this intriguing world and witness the comeback of a true gaming visionary.

A Supernatural Showdown: Heroes, Villains, and Pigmen

Weird West opens with an enigmatic scene: a shadowy group gathers around a circle, amnesiacs are brought in, and a mysterious ritual unfolds. The game’s narrative weaves together five interconnected stories set across a strange and dangerous frontier. Players step into the boots of a diverse cast: a bounty hunter seeking vengeance, a grotesque pigman, a cunning Native American shaman, a tormented werewolf, and a devout cultist.

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Each character’s journey is shaped by player choices, creating a branching narrative with significant consequences. Decisions range from simple acts of mercy or vengeance to complex questlines spanning multiple playthroughs. This interconnected narrative significantly increases replayability, as players explore different combinations of choices and witness their ripple effects.

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The world-building in Weird West further enhances the narrative. Players traverse a richly detailed landscape, encountering random events that range from humorous to heartbreaking. Locations like haunted mines and bandit-infested towns offer their own stories, told through engaging NPCs and environmental clues.

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Weird West’s narrative goes beyond individual tales of the strange and macabre. Supernatural forces and sinister conspiracies lurk beneath the surface, ultimately converging to challenge the player’s perception of the game world. This narrative design echoes Colantonio’s previous work on Prey, adding another layer of intrigue. While the storyline may not offer profound philosophical insights, its intricate details and captivating delivery make for a compelling 25-40 hour experience.

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Guns, Magic, and Immersive Gameplay

Departing from the first-person perspective of his Arkane titles, Colantonio adopts a top-down isometric view reminiscent of twin-stick shooters and classic Western RPGs. Weird West defies easy categorization, blending elements from various genres. Its detailed RPG system features upgrades, equipment, and customizable abilities, yet lacks traditional leveling mechanics. Combat is challenging and engaging, encouraging quick reactions and strategic thinking.

alt text showcasing the combat in Weird West

Each of the five playable characters offers a distinct playstyle. Jane, the bounty hunter, excels in marksmanship and explosives. The pigman boasts resilience and poisonous secretions. The Native American shaman utilizes ancestral powers for reconnaissance. The werewolf, naturally, transforms into a fearsome beast. The cultist wields powerful and bizarre magic.

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Weird West encourages players to observe the environment, assess enemies, and understand their character’s strengths. The absence of experience points further emphasizes this approach. Upgrades and equipment are acquired through exploration and clever use of abilities. This encourages careful planning and environmental awareness.

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Combat in Weird West is no walk in the park. Enemies are numerous, deal significant damage, and attack from all directions. However, each character’s unique skillset provides ample tools for survival. A slow-motion mechanic allows for strategic decision-making during heated firefights. The quickload feature offers a safety net for experimentation and learning from mistakes. The game strikes a balance between stealth and all-out action, rewarding both approaches with engaging gameplay.

Looting and Lackluster Gear

One area where Weird West falters is its loot system. Equipment is primarily defined by function rather than rarity, yet the game implements a cumbersome rarity system. The differences between rarity levels primarily affect damage and defense stats. The frequent drops of multiple rarity levels can lead to an overwhelming amount of inventory clutter.

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Furthermore, equipment acquired in one playthrough is lost in the next, diminishing the value of looting. This design choice feels particularly odd given Weird West’s willingness to break with other outdated RPG traditions.

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Despite this flaw, Weird West remains a captivating experience. Its compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and unique setting mark a successful return for Raphael Colantonio. While the loot system needs refinement, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of this darkly fascinating Wild West adventure.