Answer the call

One of the great mysteries in videogaming is why there aren't more games set in the wild west. There are at least as many cowboy movies as there are World War II films but in the gaming world there are barely any cowboy games.

Things are changing for the better though. Rockstar has a sequel to its last generation Red Dead Revolver in the pipeline, due out in the autumn. In the meantime, you can saddle up and ride on into Juarez, Mexico, the setting of a PC-only game released in 2006, and now the backdrop to this multi-platform prequel entitled, Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood.

Brothers in arms

The game tells the story of two brothers, Ray and Thomas McCall, who at the start of the story are soldiers fighting on the side of the Confederacy in the American Civil War. When Union forces threaten to destroy their home and family in Georgia, the boys go AWOL and head off to sort things out. This sets them on a course that will take them across America, in search of the legendary gold of Juarez.

Having two protagonists, Ray and Thomas, leads to some interesting gameplay variations. You get to control both characters at one time or another, and each has their own distinct skill set. Between them, you have all the abilities you'll need to complete the adventure. Depending on the player's preference he or she can opt to use Ray's hard man approach, using close-up combat, or take control of Thomas's more refined rifle skills.

Civil liberties

Were this an entirely accurate recreation of the wild west, you'd probably be restricted to firing a couple of standard issue, and highly unreliable, Colt revolvers and possibly a shotgun. Not here. Partly because the game takes place during the Civil War, and also because the developers have, thankfully, taken liberties with reality, there's a whole range of weapons on offer. From simple handguns, to long barrelled pistols, rifles, shotguns, bows, throwing knives and even a Gatling gun, there's plenty of hardware to play with.

The combat is what really establishes the lawless authenticity of the game's setting. As you take part in gun battles against multiple enemies, you can build up your concentration meter. Fill it up and you'll enter into a destructive shooting mode, enabling you to take on large numbers of foes more easily. And when it comes to fighting the game's bosses, you'll enter into a one-on-one duel which, far from being a simple shooting match, is as much a battle of wills as anything.

Bandit country

These days any first-person shooter worth its salt has to have a multi-player mode and Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is no exception. Various multi-player maps and character classes are available, with players able to take on the role of lawman or bandit. Shooting enemies results in the collection of a bounty and the more bounty you build up, the more you're worth to another player when he shoots you - a scoring system that anyone who's played conkers will recognise. Some maps are also inspired by classic western movie moments so you'll have the opportunity to have a shootout at the OK Corral.

It's pretty clear from what's already been said that Call To Juarez: Bound in Blood is an atmospheric shooter and this is due in no small part to the gritty visuals that perfectly recreate the dust and filth of a range of classic western environments. With its great looks and intense action, this is one western you'll want to train your sights on.

GAME's Verdict

• Looks like the wild west.
• Great storyline.
• Two playable characters.
• Tense duelling.
• Multi-player options.

• In my opinion, this is too rough for younger gamers.

Review by: Simon 'The Padre' Kirrane
Version Tested: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Review Published: 02.07.09