IDEAS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD
Western video games have always captivated us, ever since childhood. I remember having one on the Commodore ’64 that I absolutely loved. If you feel like travelling back in time and reliving the anarchy of the Old West, video games are ideal, and fortunately we have enjoyed exceptional titles over the years. From phenomenal role-playing games to extraordinary open worlds, there is no shortage of options. My absolute favourite is Red Dead Redemption II, a 2018 open-world title following Arthur Morgan and his misadventures in the Wild West.
Western video games: a genre that has evolved over time
Although westerns have maintained a steady presence on the big and small screens, their history in the video game world has been rather uneven for some time. Whether you prefer classic shooters, stories with complex and psychologically layered characters, or “weird westerns” with a supernatural twist, this genre offers something for everyone.
Outlaws, a first-person shooter set in the Wild West, was released by LucasArts in the late 1990s, after the genre enjoyed a cinematic revival with films such as Dances with Wolves, Unforgiven and Tombstone. Its story followed former federal marshal James Anderson (Jeff Osterhage) as he pursued a gang of, well, outlaws across the wild frontier. The game used the same Jedi engine as Star Wars: Dark Forces, although it was not particularly successful upon release.
Nevertheless, Outlaws, with an aesthetic inspired by Clint Eastwood’s Dollars Trilogy, earned a cult following. Its original graphics certainly reflect their era, but Atari’s 2025 remaster brought this 1990s classic back into the spotlight. Western enthusiasts may find Outlaws an excellent starting point.
Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare and adventures in the Wild West
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is great fun for anyone wanting to combine the Old West with the early 2010s zombie craze. In a non-canonical story outside the franchise’s usual chronology, Undead Nightmare is almost a Twilight Zone version of Red Dead: it adds not only the undead, but also Bigfoot, the Chupacabra, unicorns and apocalyptic horses.
We need more weird westerns in general, but this subgenre arguably works even better in video games. Playing a cowboy who fights zombies and hunts Bigfoot makes a welcome change from standard shooters. Of course, it is far from the only supernatural western adventure to reach your consoles.
Darkwatch
Another excellent weird western worth trying is Darkwatch. A further cult classic, this first-person shooter blends horror storytelling and steampunk mechanics with a western aesthetic. Gunslinger Jericho Cross (Christopher Corey Smith) is recruited into the titular organisation in its war against vampires. Infected himself, Cross must use his curse to hunt other bloodsuckers and supernatural threats in the Arizona Territory.
Although Darkwatch was intended to begin a game series, its sequel was cancelled before it could fully shine. A film adaptation was also planned, directed by Glen Morgan and James Wong, writers on The X-Files and Final Destination. That project never materialised either. Nevertheless, the game itself is great fun, and this would-be Jonah Hex certainly deserves its due recognition.
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
Among first-person western shooters, nothing compares with the Call of Juarez series. Yet among these hectic adventures, which have nothing to do with Call of Duty, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger stands out most. Gunslinger is loved for its refreshed graphics, compelling gameplay and return to its roots after the preceding entry, The Cartel, moved the story to modern times. Gunslinger gave fans what they wanted and is often considered the series’ best.
The game follows Silas Greaves (John Cygan) as he recounts his youthful exploits in the Wild West, particularly his pursuit of real-life outlaw Roscoe “Rustling Bob” Bryant. Along the way, he encounters historical figures including Billy the Kid, Johnny Ringo, Butch Cassidy and Jesse James. Naturally, historical discrepancies—such as Henry Plummer still being alive in 1881 despite having been hanged in Bannack, Montana, in 1864—suggest Silas’s account may be more legend than reality.
Gun
Released the same year as Darkwatch, Gun is a much more traditional western. In many ways, Gun paved the way for Red Dead’s success. Protagonist Colton White meets several lesser-known historical figures while crossing the Wild West, including José Chávez y Chávez, Dave Rudabaugh, “JJ” Webb and Luke Short. This third-person adventure brilliantly mixes grit and revenge with compelling, fast-paced storytelling that will make you want to replay it repeatedly.
Gun also features the voices of former western stars Kris Kristofferson, Lance Henriksen, Brad Dourif, Tom Skerritt and Ron Perlman, further elevating the game. Although some consider it little different from an Old West-themed Grand Theft Auto, its western merits set it apart. Do not overlook it next time you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of 1880.
One of the most beloved western games: Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption is undoubtedly the most important western video game. Former outlaw John Marston is forced to take up arms again to find his old mentor, Dutch van der Linde (Benjamin Byron Davis), seeking to atone for past mistakes while protecting those he loves most. The game itself is a phenomenal, dusty adventure evoking the spirit of the American Southwest. With exceptional gameplay and a gripping story, it is no surprise that many western films inspired this tale.
Although Red Dead Revolver technically began the Red Dead series, Red Dead Redemption gave the franchise its decisive boost. Even with graphics that sometimes look dated beside the latest entry, our first adventure with John Marston was groundbreaking. Its gripping plot and memorable characters make the brilliance of this Wild West thriller undeniable.
If the first Red Dead Redemption changed how western games were made, Red Dead Redemption 2 did everything possible to surpass it. A prequel, it follows Arthur Morgan as he grapples with his loyalty to Dutch, his complicated friendship with John and his place in the declining world of the Old West. With a map even larger than the original’s and countless side missions, tasks and callbacks, plus an epilogue centred on John, this is a game worth completing 100%.
