Blood West - Pixel masterpiece
Howdy, friends!
At last, I'm ready to talk about this unique and very pleasant game that unfortunately missed by most players. I happened to stumble upon this product by fortune, and after the first glance, I didn't have high expectations. Of course, I love the Western theme: films, games, and in general, I have an affinity for this period of American history. But at first glance, it seemed like just a casual shooter with less-than-pleasant graphics. How wrong I was!
The story of one risen deadman:
From the very beginning, the game presents us with a compelling tale of human greed and violence on sacred lands of the indigenous people. Over time, these vices awaken Evil itself, and the land becomes overrun by the dead and monsters. Only one shaman from the local tribe survives, using the power of spirits to bring back to life Gunner, our main character. Thus, the gameplay begins. Initially, the game may feel somewhat empty and unfinished. However, a brief dialogue with a spirit totem provides some insight: our character, when alive, was a feared and dangerous individual who likely killed many people and monsters. Now, as a revived undead, his purpose is to vanquish the local Evil.
Blood West: The shaman who brought us back to life.
Exploring the Canyon, the first act location, reveals a town, a church haunted by evil spirits, a saloon with dangerous women armed with shotguns, and a tribal cemetery. While the map may not seem extensive at first glance, its varied terrain and multiple levels make for a substantial gameplay experience.
In the second episode, our hero finds himself in a swamp poisoned by evil. Here, he encounters the beautiful Lady in Mask. The swamp has corrupted the local populace, turning them cruel and faithless. Visiting several villages, a crocodile farm, and various structures like a fort, prison, and lighthouse, Gunner prepares for a final battle against the evil that plagues the area. With the help of a revived undead hunter, he learns how to defeat the local monster and liberate the people. However, the hunter advises Gunner to break free from serving the spirit totems.
In the third and final chapter for today, Gunner and his new friend journey to the hunter's old homeland, where they still require the assistance of ancient spirits. Without revealing too much, they ultimately face off against another formidable boss. But I'll leave the rest of the storyline unspoiled for you to discover!
Gameplay and Mechanics:
Initially, I struggled to understand the genre of this game. On one hand, you have access to guns, even several types, but the scarcity of ammunition at the beginning encourages a stealthy approach. All monsters inflict significant damage, making direct close combat battles a swift path to death. However, death is not the end - your totem will revive you each time, albeit with a debuff, and enemies also revive, akin to mechanics seen in Dark Souls.
In Blood West, you won't encounter a vast array of different enemies, but each enemy type requires a specific strategy to defeat. Typically, aiming for the head is effective, but in the third act, many enemies possess protective or counter mechanics. As you progress, the difficulty level significantly increases. Defeating the first boss left me feeling strong and wealthy, armed with a solid gun and revolver, along with plenty of ammo. However, upon entering the swamp, even basic monsters proved resilient to one or two headshots. It became crucial to acquire suitable equipment quickly I spent my first $4000 on a new revolver, which significantly eased my progress through the location.
Blood West: Wendigo one of the most scary enemies
You can equip one primary weapon, such as a big gun or melee weapon, and a secondary weapon like a revolver or knife. Support items, like healing potions or dynamite, can be placed on your belt. Additionally, you have three slots for artifacts, each with trade-offs for instance, choosing between healing over time with a 10% HP decrease or increasing rage damage by 20% while taking 200% damage from spectral enemies.
Earning experience from killing monsters allows you to level up your character. Perks provide flexible options, allowing you to specialize as a silent killer with melee weapons or a sniper with extreme headshot damage. You can combine perks to suit your preferred playstyle.
The game also trains your attention and patience. Exploring reveals numerous secrets and hidden loot across locations, some of which respawn upon death or using teleportation items. Traders assist you in purchasing ammo, gear, and trophies from monsters, emphasizing your role as a hunter.
Blood West - "And stay down, forever!" - Gunner
Sound and voice acting play a crucial role in the game's atmosphere. The developers curated a perfect playlist, transforming traditional country and western melodies into haunting tunes that evoke a sense of horror and discomfort. The deep sounds immerse you in the terror-filled environment, with the main theme of Blood West being a standout in my playlist. Additionally, the sound effects of shots, strikes, and the environment are of high quality. The main character's brutal voice adds to the immersion, as he frequently comments on his actions, from dispatching enemies to finding loot, or humorously remarking when his backpack is full with "Must stop hoarding!"
Ranking and Conclusion
What can I say, folks? A game that started as an indie project without much initial interest ended up captivating me for almost a week. Coming back from work, I found myself pondering what challenges I'd face next and how I'd overcome them. The seemingly simple gameplay at times became a real test of skill due to the game mechanics Hyperstrange Studio incorporated into their product. Blood West successfully combines several game genres, including stealth, action, RPG elements, and even grinding, resulting in an experience that never grows tiresome.
Blood West - Old cemetery and evil spirit
The meticulously crafted locations are filled with love for detail, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny to uncover all the secrets they hold. The storyline gains momentum and intrigue as it progresses into the second and third acts. It's fascinating to learn that while the developers initially didn't plan for many acts, they eventually expanded the game's scope.
Each character in the game has a distinct voice, making them feel authentic and trustworthy. Even the graphics, which blend modern technologies with pixel art, evoke a warm and pleasant feeling inside me. Without a doubt, I would give this game an 8/10 rating and highly recommend giving it a try. Let's work together to make this product more popular. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll see Blood West 2. Anything is possible, right?
Thank you for your time, and I hope you have a fantastic day. Until next time!
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