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Desperados III, the fourth installment in the acclaimed real-time tactics series, revives the Wild West genre after a 13-year hiatus, thanks to THQ Nordic. While this niche genre may not appeal to everyone, it boasts a dedicated fanbase, sharing similarities with classics like Commandos and Robin Hood.

Developed by Mimimi Games, the team behind the successful Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, Desperados III understands the core elements that made its predecessors special, delivering an experience worthy of the Desperados name. Let’s delve into what makes this game a tactical triumph.

John Cooper and his gang in Desperados III

A Colorful Cast of Characters

Once again, players follow John Cooper, but Desperados III serves as a prequel, exploring events before the first game. Familiar faces return, including the quirky Doc, a seemingly cold but caring teammate, and the charming yet deadly Kate. New additions include the jovial strongman Hector, the mysterious Isabelle with her potent voodoo abilities, and of course, the quick-witted John Cooper, tying this diverse group together.

Character interactions in Desperados III

Each character interacts with the narrative in a way that reflects their personality, allowing the story to unfold naturally. From Doc and Hector’s whiskey-fueled wager on who can eliminate the most enemies in the “O’Hara Farm” level, to John’s flirtatious banter with Kate, these interactions, combined with environmental details, create engaging character development.

While the main storyline of revenge is relatively simple, the colorful cast keeps it engaging from start to finish. Players journey with John Cooper from Colorado to New Mexico, experiencing diverse environments reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2. Each level, from bustling towns to precarious bridges, is richly detailed and visually distinct. Mimimi Games masterfully uses the environment to tell smaller stories, showcasing lively interactions like gossiping prostitutes and sleepy railroad workers.

Detailed environment in Desperados III

Ghosts of the Wild West

Fans of Shadow Tactics will feel right at home with Desperados III. Each level is teeming with intelligent enemies, strategically placed within complex, multi-layered environments. The game rewards observation and clever planning, allowing players to orchestrate deaths that appear accidental, much like in the Hitman series.

Planning a takedown in Desperados III

The diverse character abilities further enhance the tactical depth. John Cooper’s standard stealth skills, Hector’s traps, Kate’s disguises, and Isabelle’s voodoo powers offer a wide range of approaches. Each character also has unique stats and limitations. Isabelle and John are agile but struggle against heavily armored foes, while Hector can handle them but moves slowly. Kate and Doc can’t climb but excel at close-range encounters and long-range sniping, respectively.

A key distinction from Shadow Tactics is the prominent role of firearms. While loud and slow to reload, clever use of guns can significantly impact encounters.

Variety of environments in Desperados III

The core gameplay revolves around combining these skills in real-time. Similar to Shadow Tactics, the game features a “Showdown Mode,” allowing players to pause time, plan actions, and execute them simultaneously. Whether witnessing a perfectly orchestrated takedown or a narrow escape, the execution is always satisfying. While stealth is paramount, the game also delivers explosive moments, from gunning down enemies with a six-shooter to raining dynamite from above.

Challenging Complexity

Desperados III is not an easy game. The enemy placement and AI rarely allow for mistakes, which are frequent for newcomers and even veterans. Quicksaving is essential, as is experimenting with different strategies. Due to the level size and complexity, completing a mission can take considerable time. While this demonstrates the game’s tight design, it can also be daunting.

The challenge of Desperados III

Conclusion

Desperados III successfully revives the classic real-time tactics formula with its engaging characters, challenging gameplay, and stunning Wild West setting. While the complexity may be demanding, the satisfaction of overcoming each obstacle is immensely rewarding. This is a must-play for fans of the genre and those seeking a deep, tactical experience.