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In my world, there are two different types of game: one story driven, and the other action driven. I don’t particularly mind which it is, as long as it sticks to its department and doesn’t drift between the two. There are many awesome examples for each category: Final Fantasy, Fallout 3 and Oblivion are prime examples of ‘story games’; where as Burnout, Dead Space and Mercenaries are all about action.

WET is one of those games that really does focus of action. You can’t cross a single area without at least 2 barrels exploding in your face, forcing you to change direction. What it does, it does well. There’s no namby-pamby health regeneration - nope, it’s you against the world. At first this may sound a little tricky but once you learn of Rubi’s - *ahem* - special skills you’ll soon see why it’s so forceful.

The game starts with Rubi, your character, chasing a gang through the streets on Japan, using the environment to try to catch your target. After battling several goons, where you learn some of your acrobatic skills, you head outside to begin decapitating more enemies with your - rather sharp - sword.

However, here you start one of many repetitive struggles to reach the next area. The basic idea of these set pieces is this: get locked in an area with lots of bad guys, smash things with your sword to block of more enemies coming in, clear up and leave. The first time you play one of these areas all the action, all the moves, all the bullets are exciting and you feel almighty taking down 30 to 40 enemies - but it soon starts to get a bit of a bore.

After a bit of story progression, you’ll reach Rubi’s hideout in the desert. Here, you train using other weapons such as the shotguns and bows. It’s a nice place to relax as long as your not actually doing a challenge. There’s plenty to climb up and a vast amount of space for you to run in.

So, in summary, if you’re looking for a quick thrill that’s better than your usual all out action game, then WET will keep you going for a few weeks of now-and-again play, as long as you’re not trophy hoarding. My main criticism with the game is the repetitiveness. Apart from the odd exciting set piece, like falling through a burning plane, it does become a bore. I found myself putting it down for a day, picking it back up then putting it down again.

STORY
Definately, not the strongest point of WET at all. There is one but it’s hard to follow and you’ll soon find yourself engrossed in the action instead.

GAMEPLAY
It’s all about jumping, running and sliding your way through a countless amount of people. There’s not really much variety but you’ll enjoy what there is. Some little differences are thrown into the middle of the story which do keep you trying and playing a little longer.

AUDIO
Perhaps the best part about the whole game, as it’s a really well thought out. The songs give the whole game its Wild West feel. My favourite track plays in the first ‘locked area’, a track called ‘Insane’. All of the tracks are a great listen and it’s a nice feature to be able to replay then in the extra content area.

VISUALS
There's nothing special really - they work, but it’s certainly not the next Uncharted 2 in terms of graphics. The film effect, however, is a nice feature and completes the Tarantio/film feel. If you don’t like it or it get in the way, just hit start and you’ll be able to turn it off.

LENGTH
It’s actually a bit longer than your average game today. Campaign on easy would probably take about 4-5 days of occassional play, or a day of non-stop action. If you a trophy hoarder (like me!) Then your probably be looking at 1-2 months. Some of the trophies, for example ‘All gold on challenges', are really hard but, with enough practice, they're achievable.

Jacques

Labels: Bethesda, Jacques Hulme, Review, Wet

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