Do you want Helldivers 2, however want its gameplay loop of dropping right into a hostile surroundings solo or with buddies, finishing some aspect targets, a important mission, after which escaping by holding again waves of enemies and extracting by way of car was a bit extra chill? Possibly a bit extra cowboy-themed, too? Nicely, probably the most well-liked demos out now as a part of Steam’s Subsequent Fest, for a sport referred to as Far Far West, makes it look like precisely the sport you’ve been wanting.
Far Far West is from the indie devs at Evil Raptor, the identical small workforce behind the superb Pumpkin Jack and the good-if-a-bit-flawed Akimbot. Not like these single-player motion platformers, nevertheless, the studio’s subsequent sport is a co-op (or solo) mission-based first-person Helldivers-like robotic cowboy journey. And people, it’s a blast to play even on this unfinished demo stage. The fundamental gameplay loop of Far Far West has you and as much as three different gamers hopping into a big western-themed map to finish small aspect targets and open-world actions earlier than deciding to tackle the map’s boss in an enormous ultimate battle. Every run rewards you with a couple of totally different currenices and XP, letting you improve your rifles, pistols, and magic spells (robotic magic!), and equip joker playing cards that provide bonus skills and particular traits. I discovered one card that allow me do further harm once I was low on well being. Helpful! One other card would typically make headshots spit out confetti. Ineffective, however very humorous! Like Helldivers, you possibly can discover the complete map and full every little thing, or simply go straight to the massive finale mission after which (hopefully) escape alive by way of a hover practice.
This can be a very rewarding loop, however that alone doesn’t make Far, Far West value enjoying. The precise motive I loved the demo a lot was how properly it performs. Weapons really feel each snappy and hefty in a approach that makes blasting away skeleton armies a blast. I additionally actually cherished how motion feels in Far, Far West, with its air dashes and massive jumps. You even have a horse you possibly can trip everytime you need, which makes it simple to get throughout empty sections of the world.
The magic spells, whereas a bit odd on this cowboy sci-fi world, add an additional layer of depth to the fight. The acid spell doesn’t simply spit out damage-dealing inexperienced goo; you (or your buddies) can shoot a fireball on the puddles and blow all of it up, and any enemies close by together with it. © Evil Raptor / Kotaku Between missions, you come back to a bit Wild West-themed city, full with a saloon, sheriff’s workplace, and some totally different distributors and outlets that allow you to improve your gear, weapons, and talents utilizing the assets you acquire from missions. There’s additionally a capturing vary the place you possibly can check out new weapons or upgrades, one thing I’d like to see in Helldivers 2, really.
The vibes on the town, like within the missions, are a bit extra laid again, at the very least on decrease difficulties, in comparison with these in Helldivers 2. You don’t die as quick. Enemies don’t hit as exhausting. It’s a bit simpler to stay round and battle, even when you make errors. However be warned: For those who crank up the problem, Far Far West will slap you down rapidly and train you a lesson. I’m excited to play the complete sport when it launches someday later this yr in early entry. I additionally hope it will get a console port, as I do know my pal group that performs totally on console would sink hours and hours into Far Far West.
