One of the most challenging, addictive and enjoyable games I've played. Desperados is an unknown classic.
User Rating: 10 | Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive PC
First of all, I should state that I'm not a huge gamer. I grew up playing the old Atari, Commodore and Intellevisions games, plus Arcade. Now in my 30s, I've re-entered in the world of gaming. The technology is fantastic in the gaming world now, however, I find myself overwhelmed and bored by many of these high-tech 3D games. Desperados caught my eye a year ago - it was released in US in 2001. I had no idea what to expect but was intrigued by a "western" themed game - a genre I haven't experienced previously. There's no doubt that comparisons to the "Commandos" series of 2D multi character play is valid for Desperados. But having played Commandos, which I did enjoy, Desperados is truly unique in its on right. While on one level there's a simplicity to the game, the graphics and gameply are superb. As the Gamespot reviewer noted, the gameplay is extremely hard and requires much trial and error, and save and reloading (actually a easy to use feature provided by the developer). The reviewer lists this as a fault to the game. However, I found the challenge to be positive and quite rewarding. While it appears to be an adventure/action game on the outside it truly is very much a strategy game. All six of the characters can be used by the player, though you progressively obtain the characters usually by rescuing them in a higher level. Each character has unique abilities, but all characters possess the ability to shoot a gun or rifle type weapon. For instance, our hero and main character Matt fires a fast six shooter. His special abilities include a quickdraw in which you can kill at least 3 enemies at once. Also, he can lure enemies with a chiming watch - this comes in useful. Each character has at least 6 unique abilities including a shooting ability. Sam, the second character who is obtained when Matt rescues him in level 2, can use explosives like dynamite, fire a rifle, and use a rattlesnake ( on some levels and with luck the snake can kill off dozens of enemies at once if setup correctly. Doc, the 3rd character, uses a six shooter that doubles as a sniper weapon, plus he can heal. The sexy female Kate is surprsingly valuable with her sex kitten lure and kick ability. I'll stop here with character descriptions, but that gives you a taste. All the character's abilities can be used in creative ways to get through very progressively tough levels. You'll find that you will get more creative as the game goes along. Another nice feature in the game is that you can record actions for one or multiple characters including running away (very valuable at times). Overall, the game is very hard. It can take a quite a bit of time, strategy, a bit of luck and trial/error to complete all 26 levels. However, I should note that with each new character the developer includes a training level that familiarizes you with their abilities.I have to estimate that I played the game at least 60 hours through for several weeks before completing all levels. However, I found it rewarding and it only proved to me the value of the game. Most games now, 5 years after this one was released, seem to be over in no time with little replay value. This is getting long, so i'll close with a couple of quick points. Again, for a 2D game Desperado's graphics are fanstastic and rich. Furthermore, as the game claims, it's the first game to include ongoing movie-like cut scenes - they're great! Lastly, there is an intriguing plot to Desperados and an endgame. I think true gamers that like a challenge will absolutely love this game. I just heard that Spellbound is planning a sequel that continues the story from demo version of the game, which was separate from this game's storyline. The sequel will include both 2d and 3d gameplay. I can't wait. I encourage everyone to purchase this game at what is now a very low price from sites like amazon or the like.
