by Pete Degrazio
July 16th, 2007 -
First person shooter fans that didn't get enough of the Wild West in Activision's Gun will draw their guns in favor of Call of Juarez. This western adventure from Ubisoft offers gamers both sides of the story as you control the fate of both main characters, each with their own gameplay style. The gun slinging is solid and the graphics are great, now strap on your boots while we take you on a wild ride into the Old West.
Call of Juarez is a dark tale with a cool storyline involving violence, revenge, and religion. The dynamic based around two characters on opposite sides of the glass. The kid, Billy Candle and the demented Preacher are in the limelight, demonstrating their own unique perspectives and stylistic approach. Billy, on the hunt for the legendary Lost Gold of Juarez, comes upon the town of Hope to visit his mother and stepfather…only to find them murdered upon his arrival. Reverend Ray, the reformed gunman turned preacher and Billy's step-uncle, catches Billy running away from the bloody corpses of his brother and sister-in-law. Players are hooked from here as you follow the trail from both ends, seeking both vengeance and vindication.
Whether you’re cracking a whip a la Indiana Jones, or spreading the word of the lord as you seek redemption on tainted souls with shotguns and six shooters, Call of Juarez keeps you in the action. The gunfights become intense, and the duels are a nice change of pace. Another test of skills the game presents is a gamer’s ability to employ stealth for certain objectives. Trying to steal a horse? Best be careful slim. If a rancher catches you, you’ll get the boot. Once you get used to the controls, the gameplay is very smooth. For example having to change guns when it becomes damaged is a difficult task in the midst of a heated showdown. Quick note, we found out the hard way that prolonged use of a damaged gun will inflict damage when it explodes in your face. Slow motion action via “Concentration Mode “ is pretty wild, especially when you find yourself surrounded by 5 or 6 outlaws. In addition, completing episodes unlocks duels (players take it outside in vintage Wild West showdowns), as well as bonus missions.
Graphically, the surroundings look great and are well textured with detail. As you wander about the landscapes, take notice of the beautiful mountains, roaming plains and the bright blue skies. Character animations are a bit stiff at times, but its overlooked by strong dialogue and amazing voice-over work. Techland put a lot of effort into its sound, and it shows. The natural environments never sounded so real and the gunshots scared our neighbors. Musically, the compositions set the moods throughout the campaign. As action intensifies, so do the instruments, acting as a warning of trouble ahead. Rain fire and brimstone on everything except the cattle, and the score will soften.
Call of Juarez features fun multiplayer action containing 18 maps (including Historical Events such as the OK Corral gun battle) and 5 playable modes:
- Skirmish – A last man standing team deathmatch mode.
- Robbery – Outlaws get a chance to steal gold in a timed match.
- Gold Rush – Gather all the gold before the others beat (or kill you) to it.
- Capture the Bag – Two teams, two bases, two money bags, enough said.
- Wanted – Killed the wanted, or kill those who want you.
The competition is kept fair with classes determined by skill and it helps that the weapons pack a decent punch. Blasting your friends with a stick of dynamite is a luxury we should all experience.
Overall, Ubisoft delivered a solid game thanks to a great cinematic score and a great variety of gameplay including horses, dueling, stealth and flat-out action. Western themes have been outdone in every aspect of entertainment, shy of the gaming universe. Following in the footsteps of Gun, and Rockstar’s Red Dead Revolver, Juarez answers the Call.