There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to games about The Wild Wild West. From minimalistic-looking adventure games to those that deliver grandiose areas for you to explore, you have a lot of games to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Red Dead Redemption (Series)
The Red Dead Redemption series is known for its incredible storytelling and immersive open-world setting. Both games are set in the Wild West era and offer players a rich and authentic experience of the American Frontier. With both titles’ great attention to detail and handling of themes concerning morality, redemption, and life, you’ll adore what they offer.
The in-game landscapes are well-crafted and evoke a genuine sense of the Wild West. From the towns to the wildlife, everything contributes to giving fans a highly realistic and engrossing experience.
In addition to delivering fantastic leads like John Marston, there is a vast environment where you can hunt wildlife and participate in social activities. Red Dead Redemption is definitely worth your time.
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is a game that has players compete in epic gunfights and observe a compelling story with a captivating depiction of the lawless frontier. It captures the essence of the Wild Wild West through its incredible attention to detail, engrossing mechanics, and memorable cast.
The game’s setting is one of its defining aspects worth touching upon. From its expansive prairies to its rugged landscapes, every location captures what you’d expect from a Western-themed title. Additionally, the gunfights take place in many historically accurate locations, allowing players to immerse themselves in a world of cowboys and outlaws.
On top of showering players with a great weapon variety from revolvers to shotguns, you’ll find Call of Juarez: Gunslinger fascinating and entertaining.
West of Loathing
West of Loathing is a wonderful minimalist title that captures the heart of the Wild Wild West. Although its graphics aren’t as impressive as others on this list, the game evokes the essence of the Western genre with its clever writing, immersive world, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
The humor is witty and pays homage to the quirks you’d find in Western films. It’s filled with puns, satire, and pop culture references. Moreover, the game’s setting is brimming with diverse characters and lovely sights. From bandits to dusty towns, you’ll find yourself immersed and shocked by the level of care that went into crafting this game’s world.
On top of having alluring turn-based combat, West of Loathing is a great game to add to your wishlist.
GUN
GUN is a remarkable game with a great story and an authentic Western environment. This game’s vast open world allows players to explore incredible areas from canyons to bustling frontier-centric towns. The environments are rich with distinct characters, wildlife, and atmospheric effects. The storyline is as incredible as the game’s visuals and lively nature.
In the game, you assume the role of Colton, a skilled gunslinger who unravels a tale of revenge and redemption. This story explores ideas concerning lawlessness, corruption, and the clash between progress and tradition. The characters you meet during Colton’s quest are memorable; thanks to the amount of depth they receive within it.
In addition to having fast-paced shootouts and fun side missions, GUN is an excellent game that’ll put you in the Western mood.
Desperados III
Desperados III is a masterfully crafted game. It emphasizes strategic gameplay, requiring players to plan and execute intricate heists in classic Wild West settings. You’ll control a group of skilled outlaws, each with a unique ability and play style. This game encourages players to use the outlaws’ skills to overcome obstacles and outwit enemies, making matters feel complex.
The game’s landscapes are beautiful and capture the Western spirit. The storyline is filled with enough high-stakes situations, twists, and well-written character moments.
For those looking for a strategic and thrilling Western-related game to play, Desperados III is worth checking out.
Steamworld Dig 2
Although this game doesn’t take place in the Wild Wild West, it captures the spirit of exploration, frontier life, and mining, which are closely associated with the era. One notable aspect that makes SteamWorld Dig 2 a great title is its captivating narrative. In it, we follow Dorothy, a steam-power robot who delves into an underground cavern to find her missing friend.
Through Dorothy’s journey, the game embraces the Wild West theme as you’ll uncover hidden treasures, confront enemies, and explore frontier-like environments. Dorothy’s mining and exploration shenanigans also mirror the notion behind a Wild West prospector, who are individuals known for seeking riches in untapped lands.
On top of having an ambient soundtrack and colorful visuals, SteamWorld Dig 2 is a fantastic game with satisfying Western remnants.
Wild Guns Reloaded
Wild Guns Reloaded gives players a fantastic arcade-style shooter experience with aspects of the Wild Wild West thrown in for good measure. In it, players control characters equipped with old Western-style weapons from pistols to shotguns. You’ll engage in intense shootouts with dangerous mercenaries and robotic warriors.
The game also includes some nice platforming sections to make it feel refreshing compared to other Western-themed titles. The game’s plot is simple and revolves around you venturing out to save your kidnapped allies from crude outlaws. However, the game utilizes classic Western tropes wonderfully, leading to many compelling confrontations and moments.
In addition to having a wide range of memorable melodies, Wild Guns Reloaded is worth your time.
Red Steel 2
Red Steel 2 is a Ubisoft-developed game that combines elements of the Western genre with a futuristic, samurai-inspired setting, creating a unique experience. In it, players assume the role of a lone warrior armed with multiple guns and a useful sword. You’ll navigate the game’s lawless world that’s brimming with many people for you to interact with.
Red Steel 2’s gameplay is strategic and fast-paced. You’ll engage in thrilling gunfights and sword battles, utilizing ranged weaponry and melee combat to dispatch foes. This game rewards players for having great precision skills, as it’ll assist you through its tougher bouts.
On top of having visually appealing cel-shaded graphics, Red Steel 2 is a phenomenal game that’s worth checking out.
Wild Arms 3
Wild Arms 3 is a fantastic game in the Western genre. Its post-apocalyptic setting embodies the spirit of the Wild West with its sprawling deserts and abandoned locales. The nature surrounding its locales from its canyons to its sandstorms makes everything feel authentic and lively.
Wild Arms 3 has you control several protagonists who embark on a journey to save their world from an oppressive organization. The story features elements of justice, revenge, and redemption, common themes found in the Western genre. The characters’ distinct personalities, outfits, and weapons establish the game’s Wild West feel too.
On top of having fun combat and strategy elements, Wild Arms 3 is a phenomenal Western-themed title to play.
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is a superb game with a fascinating twist on the Wild West. It takes place in the alien world of Oddworld, which employs Wild West aesthetics, narrative themes, and gameplay mechanics you’d find in other titles with a Western spin. For instance, this game contains many dusty towns, railroad tracks, and deserts to evoke a Western feel. From its wooden structures to its lively saloons, you’ll adore the detail that went into the game’s locales.
Stranger’s Wrath’s narrative tackles Western themes like justice, redemption, and lawlessness. This title has you assume control over a bounty hunter who is on a quest to capture outlaws and secure bounties. The protagonist’s journey mirrors the archetype of the lone gunslinger exceptionally.
In addition to having compelling side missions and fun shooter and role-playing elements, Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is worth playing.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best Wild Wild West-themed video games through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!