While we’ve seen a resurgence of “AA” titles in the last few years, games like Evil West still don’t come around that often. Shrocky, violent, and ridiculously fun, this is a linear action game focused on an ever-expanding combat system. It also has a big early 2000s feel to it, with cartoon-like proportioned limbs and spawn Creator Todd McFarlane.
Structurally, Evil West is as simple as possible. The campaign is divided into chapters, each bookmarked with cutscenes, and levels are a balanced mix of combat encounters, corridors, and the occasional puzzle.
It might surprise you, but the gameplay has a lot in common with 2018’s God of War. From the one-button sign platforming, to the increasingly complex combat mechanics, and even the way protagonist Jesse shimmies a large metal chain, Kratos’ Norse adventures were clearly an inspiration. It can’t match the refined range of Sony’s blockbusters, but it manages to capture just as satisfying weight.
However, the background of the game makes it stand out. Proving once again that cowboys and horror go hand in hand, this is an alternate history America where vampires pose a constant and unseen threat to the general public. Along with Christian iconography, steam and electric weaponry are used to keep these monsters under control.
Playable hero Jesse Lentier is a smart field agent and his foul-mouthed mentor Edgar Grabner faces a crusade for justice. The plot is as pulpy as you’d imagine, but it’s not taken too seriously in and of itself. I can’t help but smile wryly every time I pull it out.
What we’re trying to say is that if you keep your expectations firmly in check, you can squeeze a fair amount of fun out of Evil West in its 12-hour runtime. There is no combat. Busting vampires with a stack of thick, cool ideas is the main reason I keep playing. Especially since Jesse is steadily unlocking new weapons, abilities, and upgrades.
There’s a bit of jank here, but not enough to detract from the carnage. We’ll start with mechanical gauntlets that bring vampires into submission, but it won’t be long before guns are added to the mix. Jesse’s trusty revolver The can be fired from the hip for quick damage, and the Rifle is great for killing flying enemies or targeting weak spots. Combining melee and ranged weapons like this doesn’t always work, but Evil West’s battles boast a particularly pleasing flow.
However, the enemy variety leaves something to be desired.About halfway through the campaign, fewer and fewer new enemies are introduced, and you’ll have to face increasingly familiar enemies, but in greater numbers. Things are a bit repetitive, but the depth of Jessie’s arsenal Just right to keep you hooked.
By the way, you can experience all of this in online 2-player co-op. It’s a weird and somewhat disappointing implementation (only the host’s progress counts), but if you and a friend want to blast together a schlocky story complete with balanced encounters, the option is I have.
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s worth mentioning the title’s performance. This should play at 60 frames per second for all combat, but 1080p can get muddy. It’s not a big deal, but the game also uses some pretty aggressive motion blur effects. It cannot be weakened or disabled. Combine that with resolution, and at times the action can get lost in a smattering of innocuous colors, like someone put a damp oil painting on a turntable.
Conclusion
Evil West is one of those really fun 7/10’s. It will never win awards and probably won’t be remembered for long. It’s a chunky action game that knows how to have fun in and out of combat.
