Game Review: Evil West (Xbox Series X)

Did you ever see the 2004 Van Helsing film? The one that was action orientated and starred Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale? It paid homage to the Universal Horror Monster films from the 1930s and 1940s, had some entertaining aspects (mainly Richard Roxburgh as Dracula), but was mostly bad. I mention this film because Evil West has similar vibes in regards to how it showcases steampunk-esqe fantasy, horror, and action.

It’s a comparison that makes much more sense once you’ve played the game, and you should, as Evil West promises simplicity and fun, delivering both in spades.

Developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Focus Entertainment, the story takes place in a fantastical Wild West setting. Where monsters (in particular, vampires) constantly threaten human life, and the government funds the Rentier Institute to deal with as many of these monster-based issues as they can.

Players take on the role of Jesse Rentier, the son of the head of the institute. After discovering a vampiric plot and killing the ringleader, the fight is brought to the Rentier doorstep and with that, comes all out war. The vampires, in particular, Felicity D’Abano are hatching a plan that threatens all of humanity.

It’s a simple story with some exciting twists and turns, and thanks to the energetic cutscenes, interesting characters, and excellent voice acting, the goal is fully realised in blockbuster fashion. While there’s nothing ground-breaking here, the investment is there. Especially because, most of the time, Evil West is a lot of fun to play.

Coming back to the word that may be overused in this review – simplicity. Evil West takes a ‘retro’ approach to gameplay, offering up linear levels to complete, with designated areas for action, big boss fights, and some very light puzzle solving. It is so refreshing to not see yet another ‘open-world’ game, and this style of gameplay suits every aspect of Evil West.

Dropped right into it as your partner halts a train by blowing the track up, and you traverse the steep cliffs to find its cargo. Immediately, the impressive visuals stand out. Not just with the locations, but with the characters and the style Evil West goes for. It is an arresting looking game, with some really varied locations allowing the vibrancy to shine, and even when it’s at its most frantic, the visual quality holds up.

Something that is quite important because Evil West is high energy a lot of time. Combat focused, with a desire to make the player feel like they’re in complete control all the time.

It utilises an over-the-shoulder style of 3rd-person gameplay, and while the game does feature guns, the majority of the action comes from melee combat. Something made much more fun thanks to the adaptable gauntlet that Jesse Rentier wears. Smashing vampire skulls never gets old with this thing, and as players progress perks and upgrades can be bought and applied to significantly change combat. There’s something so satisfying about pummelling a vampire or werewolf, uppercutting it into the air, filling it with six-shooter bullets before it lands, then finishing it off with a big electrified slam.

With so many upgrades and perks available (so many that you won’t unlock all in your first playthrough), players can really twist combat to suit them. Personally, I lived for dragging enemies across the battlefield using the gauntlet and filling them with rifle bullets. Although, some abilities are only useful against smaller and weaker enemies. When it comes to the bigger baddies, you’re going to have to adapt or die.

Evil West loves to throw enemies at you too. A big battle with hordes is always notable by an upcoming empty clearing and as the game goes on, these fights get more and more intense. There are a wide variety of enemy types, and while all follow patterns, it’s not always as simple as punching away. In the end though, they will all die, and often in bloody and gruesome ways.

How about the boss fights though? Evil West has a handful of special bosses and each is a thrilling battle of skills. Again though, Evil West keeps it simple by having the boss follow patterns of attacks, before exposing its weakness for you to attack. It shouldn’t be as fun as it is, testament to the game’s ability to keep the energy up even while you try to whittle down the bosses health bar.

The word is fun, and it’s the over-riding thought that cuts through across the 8–12-hour runtime, even if it’s not perfect. A level or two could have been cut, and it wouldn’t have harmed the game in anyway. The collectibles (in particular, the notes) blend into some backgrounds, so can easily be missed, and in some sections, combat is a bit repetitive. It also has a multi-player option, but it’s couch co-op only here, which is disappointing.

All valid complaints, but nothing big enough to derail a really solid action-focused horror game. Evil West is a delight to play, and with a New Game+ option, increased difficulties, collectibles, and more, multiple playthroughs are guaranteed.