Best Open-World Games To Play As A Gunslinger

Key Takeaways

Fans love exploring open-world sandboxes with engaging combat loops, especially ones that involve firearms and cool shootouts.
Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in gunslinging gameplay, from dual-wielding revolvers to slow-motion headshots and one-on-one duels.
Total Overdose and Westerado offer unique gameplay experiences with stylish shooting mechanics in open-world settings.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for all things Wild West and shootouts, I must say that these games have truly captured my heart (and trigger finger).

The idea of exploring a massive sandbox that is loaded with content is something that fans don’t tire of, even if open-world gaming has taken over the mainstream and continues to dominate the AAA industry. These games usually let players interact with a combat loop of some sort, with most open-world games letting players use firearms to shoot everything in sight and create gigantic explosions that are a joy to witness firsthand.

In some open-world video games, players can excel in the craft of quick-draw gunfighting, swiftly pulling out weapons to eliminate foes at remarkable speeds. When the game mechanics for sandbox exploration and shooting action are finely tuned, these open-world titles can amass a vast following. Many games have already demonstrated this, offering players an opportunity to live out their dreams of becoming deadly gunslingers, using their precision with a revolver to mete out justice to enemies who underestimate the abilities of the game’s protagonist.

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

Protagonists: Arthur Morgan & John Marston, Gunslingers In The Wild West

The highly anticipated video game Red Dead Redemption 2 has been a massive hit, selling rapidly and showcasing Rockstar’s advancements in storytelling. The animation team received a significant budget, resulting in Arthur Morgan’s movements feeling substantial, which some players found challenging to manage at times. However, these difficulties were quickly forgotten as players delved into the game’s dramatic gunfights and discovered the sheer enjoyment of blasting enemies with Arthur’s weapons.

In the game, regular gunfights were already enjoyable, but they became even more thrilling when characters used dual revolvers and gained access to some of the game’s potent rifles and shotguns. Additionally, players could unlock a skill called Dead Eye, which allowed them to slow down time for impressive headshots. This ability improved as players advanced through the story. Even after John took over as the main character, taking down enemies while hiding or on horseback remained engaging. Naturally, any game that’s famous for its gunplay wouldn’t be complete without one-on-one duels, and Red Dead Redemption 2 performed exceptionally well in this aspect too.

2 Total Overdose

Protagonist: Ramiro, A Gunslinger Working For The DEA

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Release Date: September 16, 2005
Developer: Deadline Games
Genre: Third-person shooter

I can’t help but feel disappointed that the gameplay of Max Payne didn’t receive further refinement from other games, considering how significantly the Arkham series reshaped melee combat and influenced numerous other titles to adopt their smooth, fluid combat style. It’s a pity that Max Payne didn’t spark a similar revolution for gunfights; instead, it seems that this potential never materialized. However, some games have attempted to mimic Max Payne’s combat mechanics with varying results, and one of the standout titles that successfully incorporated these stylish moves is Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico.

In addition to finding delight in the gameplay as it unfolded, this gameplay was elevated by the incorporation of an explorable sandbox filled with powerups, minigames, and collectibles. While it may not be the finest open world for fans, this sandbox feature significantly distinguishes Total Overdose, preventing it from being solely compared to a Max Payne clone. The combat boasts an acrobatic touch as players can dual-wield multiple weapons and employ shoot-dodge techniques, while also invoking tributes to classic films with their dramatic shootout scenes by using special abilities that build up from a combo multiplier.

3 Westerado: Double Barreled

Protagonist: The Player Character, Seeking Revenge In The Wild West For The Death Of His Family

A game titled Westerado: Double Barreled, which pays tribute to spaghetti westerns, is recognized for its Wild West atmosphere, stunning pixel art, and a revenge storyline where the villain changes every playthrough. When the player’s ranch gets torched and their parents meet a tragic end at the hands of an unidentified outlaw, they set off on a quest for vengeance. Along the way, the protagonist gathers clues through various missions to reveal the true identity of this ruthless assailant.

As a dedicated fan, I must say that while this game is relatively brief, its captivating pixel art style, one-of-a-kind combat mechanics, and the unpredictable nature of the villain make it an irresistible choice for multiple playthroughs without ever feeling monotonous. The gunplay might require some odd aim adjustments initially, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be in for a treat with an exhilarating open-world indie adventure filled with thrilling gunslinger moments and immersive set pieces that keep you hooked.

4 Fallout: New Vegas

Protagonist: The Courier, A Package Deliverer Who Gets Embroiled In A Controversy Playing Out In The Mojave

Even though it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world, Fallout: New Vegas occasionally gives off a Wild West vibe, with influences from the Mojave Wasteland clearly evident. The game stands out with its great country music and an array of peculiar characters populating the landscape, making it no wonder that fans praise New Vegas as one of the finest role-playing games ever created. After being gunned down and left for dead, the Courier is miraculously revived in Goodsprings before setting off on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected surprises.

As a seasoned gamer, I find myself drawn to the role of a swift-triggered gunslinger in Mojave, where my mastery over firearms allows me to annihilate any adversary that dares cross my path. This playstyle demands patience, practice, and a significant investment of time and skill points. Yet, the payoff is immense – the thrill of using a humble revolver to obliterate a pack of deathclaws in the Wild West, earning me a formidable reputation as one of New Vegas’s most feared gunslingers.

5 Borderlands

Protagonist: Mordecai, One Of The Playable Characters With A Gunslinger Skill Tree

The original loot-shooter game, Borderlands, is fantastic for playing with friends. Its unique world design and abundance of tasks to complete make it an ideal starting point for a series that would refine its mechanics and character development in subsequent games. In this game, there are four characters for players to choose from, with Mordecai being an excellent choice for those who prefer a gunslinger role.

In the game “Borderlands”, Mordecai has three skill development paths for players: two focus on enhancing either his sniper rifle proficiency or boosting Bloodwing, his combat pet’s power. However, those who wish to embody a gunslinger in the semi-open world of “Borderlands” will appreciate leveling up the skill tree bearing the same name, which boosts their pistol mastery. Engaging enemies with Mordecai’s handgun abilities can make the “Borderlands” gameplay more thrilling and action-packed than ever before.

2024-10-05 09:04