GUN for the PlayStation 2 is an action-adventure, open-world game set in the American Old West, developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. Released in 2005, GUN combines Western-themed storytelling, third-person shooting, and open-world exploration, immersing players in a gritty tale of revenge and survival. The game is known for its engaging narrative, diverse missions, and authentic Western setting.
Key Details:
•Release Date: November 8, 2005
•Genre: Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter, Open-World
•Setting: American Old West, featuring towns, deserts, mountains, and outlaws
•Gameplay Style: Free-roaming, mission-based progression
Story and Setting:
•Protagonist: Players take on the role of Colton White, a skilled gunslinger and hunter whose quest for revenge unfolds after his father is killed by a gang of ruthless criminals. Colton’s journey takes him through lawless towns, treacherous frontier lands, and into conflict with a variety of enemies, from outlaws to corrupt officials.
•Plot: The story, written by screenwriter Randall Jahnson, explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and justice in the Old West. Alongside his quest for vengeance, Colton encounters historical figures, Native American characters, and classic Western tropes, creating an immersive Western experience.
Gameplay and Features:
•Open-World Exploration:
•Players are free to explore a variety of Western landscapes, including frontier towns, mining camps, Native American territories, and wilderness areas.
•Players can undertake main missions to progress the story or explore side quests and mini-games, like poker games, bounty hunting, and cattle herding, to earn rewards and enhance their skills.
•Combat and Weapons:
•Gunplay: The game features third-person shooting mechanics with a range of Western-era weapons, including revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and bows.
•Quick Draw Mode: A slow-motion aiming mechanic that lets players take down multiple enemies quickly, inspired by the iconic “bullet time” style.
•Melee Combat: Players can use knives and engage in close-quarters combat, adding variety to the fighting experience.
•Horseback Combat: Players can ride horses, allowing for fast travel and combat from horseback. Horse-mounted gunfights are a significant feature, enabling players to chase down or evade enemies on horseback.
•Upgrades and Skills:
•Colton can upgrade his weapons, health, and combat abilities through experience points gained from missions and side activities.
•Players can also unlock improved skills like faster reloading, increased damage, and enhanced accuracy as they progress.
•Missions and Side Quests:
•The main story missions cover a variety of classic Western scenarios, including bank robberies, jailbreaks, and showdowns with outlaws.
•Side missions offer additional challenges and rewards. Players can work as bounty hunters, stopping criminals for money, or as a peacekeeper, maintaining order in lawless towns.
•Mini-games like poker and blackjack add to the authentic Western feel.
•Graphics and Presentation:
•GUN features detailed environments that capture the atmosphere of the Old West, with sprawling desert landscapes, bustling frontier towns, and mountain regions.
•The voice cast includes well-known actors like Thomas Jane as Colton and Kris Kristofferson, adding depth to the characters and storyline.
•The soundtrack complements the Western theme, with atmospheric music and sound effects that immerse players in the frontier experience.
Reception and Legacy:
GUN received praise for its engaging storyline, realistic Western setting, and variety of gameplay elements. Although the game was relatively short, it left an impression on players for its mature, gritty take on the Western genre and open-world freedom. GUN is considered a forerunner to more expansive Western games, like Red Dead Redemption, which would go on to build upon the foundations that GUN established in terms of open-world, narrative-driven gameplay in a Western setting.