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CRITIK

Desperados III

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Desperados III
Item: Desperados III
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Simulation, Stealth, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableJun 16, 2020

PlatformXbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperMimimi Productions

Overview

The Wild West. A place where the law is made by those with a gun in their hands, and is enforced by the henchmen at their command. A place where death is no stranger and the undertakers are working overtime… especially when people start playing Desperados III. This real-time tactics game, developed by German game studio Mimimi Games (Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun), lets players command a band of Desperados led by fan-favourite gunslinger John Cooper.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Desperados III, highlighting its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and Wild West setting. Critics such as GameGrin, Worth Playing, and Attack of the Fanboy commended the well-written characters and engaging storytelling that added depth to the gameplay experience. The game was lauded for its focus on themes of trust, camaraderie, and revenge, reminiscent of classic Western tales, as noted by Critical Hit and PlayStation LifeStyle. The inclusion of unique abilities, supernatural powers, and comedic moments, as mentioned by Vandal and GameSpot, added a fresh twist to the standard cowboy narrative, making it an enjoyable and immersive experience for players. However, some critics expressed reservations about the story of Desperados III. Gamer.no and Strategy Gamer found the story to be uninteresting, predictable, and reliant on western tropes without much depth or originality. Digitally Downloaded and Wccftech criticized the lack of exploration in non-hostile areas and the overall predictability of the revenge plot. While the voice acting was noted to be stiff by Gamer.no, the lack of innovation in the revenge storyline was a common point of critique among some reviewers, such as KeenGamer and Game Debate. Overall, despite some criticisms regarding predictability and lack of depth in character development, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Desperados III. The majority of reviewers appreciated the engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and Wild West setting that added to the immersive experience of the game. The blend of traditional Western elements with unique character abilities and relationships resonated well with players, making Desperados III a standout title in the genre, as highlighted by various critics such as DualShockers, Shacknews, and Screen Rant. The game successfully delivers a compelling story with memorable characters, setting the stage for an enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience for fans of the Wild West genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Desperados III for its engaging Wild West narrative, well-developed characters, and themes of trust and revenge. Some critics find the story predictable and lacking depth, but overall, the game stands out for its unique abilities and immersive storytelling, making it a standout title in the genre.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Desperados III, highlighting its challenging and engaging nature that requires tactical thinking, stealth, and strategic planning. Critics such as Atomix and PlaySense appreciated the diverse character abilities and the 'Showdown' mode that allowed for detailed planning of actions. The game's emphasis on stealth, diverse solutions to challenges, and the ability to approach objectives in various ways were commended by reviewers like DualShockers and Areajugones. The inclusion of a well-integrated quicksave system, complex mechanics gradually introduced through tutorials, and the addicting gameplay loop that encourages experimentation and strategic thinking were also positively noted by several critics. However, some critics did mention certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Desperados III. Push Square highlighted the rigid rules and repetition that may lead to frustration for some players. Twinfinite pointed out that while experimentation is encouraged, trial and error can sometimes be frustrating. Additionally, Noisy Pixel mentioned that trial and error is encouraged, which may not appeal to all players. These criticisms suggest that the game's difficulty level and reliance on trial and error mechanics could potentially be off-putting for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Desperados III. The game is praised for its strategic infiltration gameplay, diverse character abilities, challenging missions, and rewarding experimentation. Critics appreciated the emphasis on stealth, tactical decision-making, and the variety of approaches available to players. The inclusion of unique character skills, well-designed levels, and the 'Showdown' mode for planning actions were highlighted as standout features that contributed to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetition and trial-and-error gameplay, the majority of critics found Desperados III to offer a highly satisfying and engaging tactical stealth experience that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Desperados III for its challenging and engaging gameplay that requires tactical thinking, stealth, and strategic planning. The game's emphasis on stealth, diverse solutions, and addicting gameplay loop were commended, although some critics mentioned drawbacks such as rigid rules and trial-and-error frustration. Overall, critics overwhelmingly lauded the game for its strategic infiltration gameplay, diverse character abilities, and rewarding experimentation, making it a highly satisfying and engaging tactical stealth experience for fans of the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Desperados III are overwhelmingly positive. Critics like Softpedia, who described the graphics as "gorgeous and very detailed," and XGN, who praised the "extensive and atmospheric environments," highlight the game's beautiful aesthetics and immersive world-building. The attention to detail in the environments, character designs, and animations, as noted by Worth Playing and Cultured Vultures, contributes to enhancing the Wild West setting effectively. The use of the isometric view in showcasing intricate dioramas and detailed towns, as mentioned by Critical Hit and Hooked Gamers, adds a unique visual appeal to the game. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Desperados III. Wccftech noted that the maps can be dull and lack visual variety, primarily featuring brown tones, which may lead to a lack of contrast and visual interest. GameWatcher also mentioned longer loading times and occasional slowdowns, which could affect the overall visual experience for players. Additionally, New Game Network highlighted the issue of enemies blending into the environment due to a lack of visual contrast, impacting gameplay clarity. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Desperados III excels in delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience that effectively captures the essence of the Wild West setting. The detailed environments, intricate character animations, and faithful adherence to the Western aesthetic were widely praised. While some critics pointed out minor issues such as lack of visual variety and occasional technical hiccups, the majority of reviewers commended the game for its beautiful graphics, attention to detail, and creative design choices. Desperados III's Graphics and Visual Design received high praise for bringing the world to life and enhancing the overall gameplay experience, making it a visually appealing and engaging title for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Desperados III's stunning graphics and immersive world-building, praising the detailed environments and character designs. However, some critics highlight drawbacks like dull maps and occasional technical issues. Overall, the game excels in capturing the Wild West essence with its beautiful visuals and attention to detail, despite minor flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Desperados III are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its exceptional voice acting and fitting music that enhances the Wild West atmosphere. Critics like DarkStation and Cultured Vultures highlighted the fantastic musical score, with references to Ennio Morricone's iconic Western compositions, creating a captivating and immersive experience. Additionally, critics such as COGconnected and KeenGamer commended the top-notch voice acting, with unique character interactions that added depth and authenticity to the game world. On the downside, some critics pointed out minor issues with the soundtrack and sound design of Desperados III. MMORPG.com mentioned that while the sound design was well-executed overall, some tracks were repetitive and less engaging, impacting the overall experience. Malditos Nerds also noted that while the music enhanced the different environments, some tracks felt out of place, potentially disrupting the immersion for players. These criticisms suggest that there may be room for improvement in terms of variety and consistency in the game's music and sound effects. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Desperados III. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's immersive soundscape, exceptional voice acting, and fitting musical scores that contributed significantly to the Western theme and overall atmosphere of the game. Critics like Worth Playing and Vandal praised the game for its fantastic soundtrack and top-notch voice acting, further solidifying the positive reception. While some critics highlighted minor issues with certain tracks or sound design elements, the general sentiment is that Desperados III excels in creating a rich audio experience that enhances gameplay and immerses players in its Wild West setting.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the sound design and music of Desperados III, praising its exceptional voice acting and fitting music that enhance the Wild West atmosphere. Some liken the musical score to Ennio Morricone's iconic Western compositions, creating an immersive experience. While a few critics noted minor issues like repetitive tracks and out-of-place music, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's immersive soundscape, top-notch voice acting, and fantastic soundtrack contribute significantly to the Western theme, with minor room for improvement in variety and consistency.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Desperados III has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the voice performances for adding depth and immersion to the game. Critics like COGconnected and Cultured Vultures highlighted the top-notch voice acting, with characters' performances being commended for enhancing the overall experience. PC Gamer also noted that the characters' performances were commendable, contributing to the enjoyment of the gameplay. The variety of languages available, as mentioned by GameGrin, further added to the positive aspects of the voice acting, providing players with options to enhance their experience. Despite the overall positive reception, there were a few criticisms regarding the voice acting in Desperados III. Gamer.no mentioned that the voice acting was criticized for being stiff and unengaging, which could potentially detract from the immersive experience for some players. TrueGaming pointed out that while the main characters had exceptional voice acting, the performances for enemies were repetitive, which could lead to a lack of variety in the overall voice performances. These criticisms suggest that there may be room for improvement in certain aspects of the voice acting to cater to a wider audience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Desperados III is a standout feature of the game. The majority of reviewers praised the performances for being top-notch, enthusiastic, and immersive, with characters' interactions and banter adding to the Western-themed atmosphere. TheXboxHub and Windows Central highlighted the well-done character interactions and solid voice acting that contributed to the immersive experience. Despite some minor criticisms, such as those from Gamer.no and TrueGaming, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting playing a significant role in enhancing the narrative and gameplay of Desperados III.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in Desperados III has received widespread praise for its top-notch performances that enhance immersion and gameplay. Critics lauded the depth and variety of languages available, with some minor criticisms mentioning stiffness and lack of variety in enemy performances. Overall, reviewers agree that the voice acting is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the Western-themed atmosphere and overall narrative of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on different gaming platforms, Desperados III received praise for various positive aspects. On the PS4, critics like PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted the quick save function and adjustable notification settings for saving, enhancing the player experience. Additionally, Softpedia mentioned that although minor frame rate drops were experienced, they did not significantly impact gameplay. Moving to the Xbox One, Windows Central commended the smooth performance on Xbox One X without noticeable slowdowns or stuttering, indicating a well-polished title. Furthermore, Atomix appreciated the engaging gameplay on PC despite minor issues like characters clustering together and movement difficulties. However, there were some negative aspects regarding the technical performance on each gaming platform. On the PS4, PlaySense mentioned occasional save game corruption issues leading to frustration, while PlayStation Universe highlighted long loading times on PS4 Pro as a downside. On the Xbox One, MondoXbox noted a lack of optimization for Xbox One X and HDR support, which could have improved the overall experience. For the PC version, Screen Rant pointed out outdated annoyances like poor pathfinding and isometric camera issues that could lead to character movement problems, requiring restarts. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Desperados III is generally positive across all gaming platforms. While some minor issues were reported, such as long loading times, frame rate drops, and occasional glitches, the game was praised for its engaging gameplay, smooth performance, and well-polished title. Critics like JeuxActu appreciated the flawless finish on PC with no bugs, customizable controls, and excellent support for controllers and keyboard/mouse. Despite some technical hiccups, the overall sentiment suggests that Desperados III delivers a solid gaming experience with its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive world, appealing to genre enthusiasts and players seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Desperados III received praise for its technical performance on various gaming platforms, with highlights including quick save functions on PS4, smooth performance on Xbox One X, and engaging gameplay on PC. Despite minor issues like frame rate drops and long loading times, critics agree that the game offers a well-polished title with a solid gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Desperados III, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Malditos Nerds commended the game for offering different difficulty levels and unlockable achievements, providing around 45 hours of gameplay on the normal setting. TheXboxHub and TrueGaming appreciated the addictive gameplay loop, different difficulty levels, and Baron's Challenges, which introduce new ideas and change the approach to missions. Additionally, Screen Rant and GameSpot noted the mission-specific objectives, time trials, and ability restrictions that add depth to the replay value. While the overall sentiment towards the replay value of Desperados III was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. Impulsegamer highlighted the game's price as a potential downside, suggesting that waiting for a sale might be advisable for completionists. PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned that longer missions could potentially overstay their welcome, indicating a slight pacing issue that could affect replayability for some players. Digitally Downloaded pointed out the somewhat linear gameplay experience with limited open-endedness, which may restrict the variety of approaches players can take. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Desperados III excels in providing a high level of replay value through its diverse missions, optional challenges, hidden objectives, and customization options. The game's ability to cater to different playstyles, encourage experimentation, and offer additional content through challenges and free updates has been widely praised. Critics like Game Rant, Vandal, and XGN highlighted the multiple ways to complete objectives, various challenges, and additional tasks that enhance the replayability factor. Overall, Desperados III has been lauded for its engaging experience, offering a wealth of content that keeps players busy and coming back for more, making it a standout title in terms of replay value according to the majority of critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics unanimously praise Desperados III for its high replay value, with diverse missions, challenges, and customization options keeping players engaged. While some mention drawbacks like pricing and pacing issues, the game's ability to cater to different playstyles and offer varied approaches receives widespread acclaim. Overall, Desperados III stands out as a top choice for those seeking a game with excellent replayability, according to the majority of critics.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Desperados III has garnered widespread acclaim from the majority of critics, with many praising its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and high replay value. PlayStation LifeStyle commends the game for offering a real-time tactical strategy/stealth blend that caters to both newcomers and veterans, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. MMORPG.com highlights the immersive world, interesting characters, and replay value, particularly recommending it to fans of tactical stealth games. GameWatcher applauds the rich detail, design, and mechanics of Desperados III, recommending it to genre enthusiasts despite some minor issues. The Indie Game Website also acknowledges the game as a worthy successor to the series, appealing to both existing fans and newcomers. On the downside, some critics noted minor technical issues and potential frustrations with longer levels in Desperados III. AusGamers mentions some technical issues and potential frustration in longer levels, while XGN points out technical problems like long loading times. However, these criticisms appear to be relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game. The slow pacing mentioned by Hooked Gamers may not suit all players, and some critics like GameGrin feel that the game may feel like a rehash of previous titles by the same developers. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive towards Desperados III. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Desperados III is a standout title in the real-time tactical stealth genre, offering a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience with meticulous attention to detail and engaging storytelling. Critics such as Worth Playing and Meristation laud the game for setting a new standard in the genre with impeccable level design, thematic variety, and engaging characters. The game's exceptional gameplay depth, mission variety, and challenges, as mentioned by Screen Rant, make it a must-play for fans of the genre. With the majority of critics praising Desperados III as a top-tier title with high replayability, charismatic characters, and diverse gameplay possibilities, it is evident that the game has resonated positively with the gaming community and is considered a standout release in the tactical stealth genre.

TL;DR

Desperados III is a critically acclaimed real-time tactical stealth game praised for its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and high replay value. Critics highlight its immersive world, interesting characters, and meticulous design, making it a must-play for genre enthusiasts. While some mention minor technical issues and pacing concerns, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. With impeccable level design, diverse gameplay possibilities, and charismatic characters, Desperados III stands out as a top-tier title setting a new standard in the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

158 reviews found

100

Windows Central

Xbox One

Jun 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados III is an unexpected gem with satisfying tactical gameplay, compelling story, and immersive visuals, making it a must-try for stealth fans.

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100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Jun 17, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is highly impressed by Desperados III and recommends it as an excellent starting point for new players. The game is described as one of the best games the reviewer has played all year.

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Ragequit.gr

Jun 14, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados III is praised as a serious candidate for RTS of the year, delivering stellar gameplay cohesion, storytelling, and promising long-term engagement, with a verdict of 96% - true Grit.

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God is a Geek

Jun 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados III is a genuine masterpiece of stealth, Stetsons, and steely-eyed heroics

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KeenGamer

Dec 21, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados III delivers a solid Western RTT experience with well-developed characters, engaging gameplay mechanics, and high replay value, despite some drawbacks in story originality and map mechanics.

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The Games Machine

Jun 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados III is a high-quality prequel that brings new adventures with John Cooper and his companions.

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Player 2

Jun 23, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados 3 is a sensational game with challenging gameplay and fair difficulty.

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GRYOnline.pl

Jun 22, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados 3 breathes new life into classic tactical stealth gaming, maintaining similarities to Shadow Tactics while introducing new features.

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JeuxActu

Jun 15, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hailed as the 2020 Game of the Year for fans of tactical and stealth gameplay, showcases dedication and craftsmanship with constant updates and wealth of content.

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DualShockers

Jun 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Desperados 3 is highly recommended as one of the best games of the year, excelling in storytelling and gameplay.

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