Review: Gun (PS2)

Yes, it’s another chance to saddle up and hit the trail in another Western adventure. Yet unlike Darkwatch, with its supernatural themes, Gun is a step closer to the real thing and much more enjoyable because of it. Coming from the developer normally associated with the amazingly successful Tony Hawk series, Gun is a dramatic departure from urban tricks and cool style. The decision to try something totally different should be applauded, even if the execution isn't up to scratch.

You take the role of Colton White, a young whippersnapper set forth on his first adventure. Neversoft have put a great deal of work into the storyline by employing scriptwriter Randall Jahnson, with a cast including Kris Kristofferson and Lance Henriksen, to create an interesting premise that twists and turns with great aplomb. Such are these key moments that Gamestyle cannot analyse the story without spoiling the surprises in store. However, let us say it is disappointing that the strength of the storyline and its execution was not matched by the game dynamics.

Once the opening training segment is dispatched, Gun gives you the freedom to hit the trail to the legendary Dodge City; but even before settling into the saddle for the first time, you become aware of two obvious flaws. Out in the open the game camera copes well with onscreen events, but when placed indoors (or close environments) it fails to maintain its tracking abilities. A more fundamental problem is that of combat, namely the targeting marred by loose controls and inaccurate hits. Gun is no simulation, and while Gamestyle understands this, it cannot explain away the worrying ease of dispatching opponents (thanks to the incredibly large targeting box), despite the twitchy controls.

At least you can play through the varied missions and gunfights with a sense of success. Neversoft has included an authentic range of weapons from the period despite the inclusion of the Wild West version of 'bullet time'. The game itself follows the GTA principle of giving the player freedom to hang around in bars or brothels, or explore the countryside; hunting for game or outlaws. The main flaw of this approach (excluding some shortsighted missions) is that Dodge City and the surrounding areas are never going to be a match for boisterous Liberty City. Yet there is much to savour and a real sense of freedom, as you head out into the Wild West, always eager to see what lies around the next bend. This sense of freedom is a key element of Gun's appeal, and helps it to overcome shortcomings that would ditch most other releases. More than GTA, you can feel at ease and explore without the worry of running into someone or something that might prove disastrous.

Being arguably the weakest of the main platforms graced by a Gun release ultimately means the game is designed to perform on the Playstation 2 - and for any PS2 owner this is good news as, given the expertise of the developer on the platform, Gun is an admirable title. The level of detail and variety on screen is impressive, as is the research into the era. What does let the overall package down is the occasional lapse in frame rate, limited draw distance and jerky animations. Given the assembled cast, Gamestyle would expect a decent standard of voice acting, and Gun certainly delivers this amidst all the gunfire and cowboy sound effects; yet the epic film inspired soundtrack, which really does deliver the feeling of a Western, eclipses the famous names.

Neversoft have delivered a refreshing alternative to gang warfare and car tuning by sticking to its guns and developing this title. Yes, there are faults a plenty, but Gun entertains and that's ultimately the best yardstick on which to judge any release. It is a shame that, given the range of releases on the shelves (including the big names), Gun will be trampled underfoot and lost for all to see. Definitely one title to check out when you have the opportunity, and one that would benefit from a price cut to entice Gamestyle even more.

Rating: 7 / 10

Words by Jason Julier