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CRITIK

Evil West

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Evil West
Item: Evil West
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 22, 2022

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

DeveloperFlying Wild Hog

Overview

A dark menace consumes the Old West. In solo or coop, fight with style in visceral, explosive combat against bloodthirsty monstrosities. Eradicate the vampiric hordes with your lightning-fueled gauntlet and become a Wild West Superhero. In visceral, explosive combat, unleash hell with your firearms, lightning-fueled gauntlet and gadgets. Kill bloodthirsty monstrosities in style as a lone hunter or in co-op with a friend. Explore and fight in a narrative-driven campaign while upgrading your weapons and hunting tools. Unlock new perks to evolve your monster-slaying mastery, crafting your own playstyle to defeat the supernatural hordes.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Evil West are varied, with some positive aspects mentioned. Critics such as Gamers Heroes, Noisy Pixel, and Pure Xbox appreciate the straightforward nature of the narrative, with Gamers Heroes specifically mentioning the revenge mission and the need to regroup and power up over the course of the gameplay. Noisy Pixel also praises the steampunk-inspired interpretation of 1800s America and the outstanding voice acting. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech highlight the incredible story with excellent cinematic elements and a dark interpretation of the American Frontier. These positive aspects indicate that the game manages to create an engaging and immersive world for players to explore. However, there are several negative opinions regarding the story of Evil West. Critics like But Why Tho??, Cultured Vultures, and Ragequit.gr express disappointment in the lack of depth and sophistication in the narrative. But Why Tho?? specifically mentions the simplistic nature of the main narrative and the cringe-worthy dialogue that tries too hard to emulate 80s action films. Cultured Vultures also criticizes the lack of memorable characters and the shallow portrayal of the protagonist, Jesse Rentier. Furthermore, critics like GameStar and XboxEra point out abrupt jumps in the narrative and over-the-top writing, which contribute to a predictable and repetitive storyline. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Evil West has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the straightforward and action-heavy nature of the narrative, others criticize its lack of depth and sophistication. The positive aspects, such as the steampunk-inspired setting, outstanding voice acting, and entertaining moments, contribute to an immersive experience. However, the negative aspects, including predictable plot beats, shallow characters, and cringe-worthy dialogue, hinder the overall impact of the story. It is important for players to consider these varying opinions and decide whether the story elements align with their preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Evil West. Some praise its straightforward narrative, steampunk setting, and voice acting, while others critique its lack of depth, predictable plot, and shallow characters. Ultimately, the game offers an engaging world for players to explore, but its flaws in narrative sophistication and character development may disappoint some.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Evil West are generally positive. Many critics praise the combat mechanics, highlighting the satisfying and weighty feel of the combat, as well as the variety of weapons, abilities, and upgrades available to the players. Critics such as GameSpew, Gamers Heroes, Noisy Pixel, Push Square, Twinfinite, Cultured Vultures, Game Rant, Movies Games and Tech, Pure Xbox, TheXboxHub, COGconnected, GameSkinny, IGN, PC Gamer, PC Invasion, Ragequit.gr, Shacknews, Softpedia, and TheSixthAxis all express their enjoyment of the combat system and its fluidity, intuitive controls, and engaging battles. They appreciate the combination of melee and ranged combat, as well as the use of special attacks and combos. The gameplay also offers a variety of enemies with different weaknesses and strategies, adding depth to the combat experience. The inclusion of skill trees, upgrades, and perks is also praised for providing meaningful changes to gameplay and allowing players to customize their character's abilities. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Evil West. One recurring criticism is the lack of enemy variety, with several critics mentioning that the combat can become repetitive, especially towards the end of the game. Critics like But Why Tho??, Gamers Heroes, Push Square, Pure Xbox, ZTGD, and Power Unlimited express their disappointment with the limited number of enemy types, which can lead to a sense of monotony during combat encounters. Another criticism is the level design, with PC Games, PC Gamer, and Xbox Tavern mentioning limitations in the level design and the lack of creativity and innovation in combo chaining. Some critics also mention that the puzzles in the game are easy and do not offer much of a challenge. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Evil West offers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly in terms of combat mechanics. The game successfully combines melee and ranged combat, providing players with a variety of weapons, abilities, and upgrades to experiment with. The combat is praised for its fluidity, weighty feel, and engaging battles. However, the limited enemy variety and repetitive nature of combat encounters are mentioned as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the customization options and the depth of the combat system, outweigh the negatives, making Evil West a game that is generally well-received by critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Evil West's combat mechanics, praising its satisfying feel, variety of weapons, and engaging battles. The game excels in combining melee and ranged combat, offering skill trees and upgrades for player customization. However, some critics note a lack of enemy variety and repetitive combat towards the end. Despite these flaws, Evil West is generally well-received for its enjoyable gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

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 Evil West are quite varied. However, there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics like But Why Tho?? and PlayStation Country praise the game's aesthetic and art direction, with But Why Tho?? specifically highlighting the gruesome and dark designs of enemies and settings. Noisy Pixel also commends the phenomenal art direction, particularly in character, environment, monster, and weapon design. Critics such as Press Start Australia and Xbox Tavern appreciate the captivating environments and vibrant colors, with Press Start Australia mentioning a steampunk aesthetic. Additionally, COGconnected praises the saturated colors and iconic Western locations, while ZTGD highlights the outstanding visuals, including sun-baked areas and fire effects. These positive comments indicate that Evil West succeeds in creating visually appealing and immersive environments. On the other hand, there are some negative opinions regarding the game's graphics and visual design. GameSpew criticizes the graphical options, stating that they are not impressive and that players have to choose between a crisp 4K experience with occasional framerate dips or a smooth 60fps experience at 1080p with a soft image. Gfinity mentions frame dips and stutters, while Push Square criticizes the resolution as being muddy at times and the aggressive motion blur effect that can cause the action to get lost in nondescript colors. PC Gamer describes the visuals as strangely colorless, lacking diversity, and not particularly impressive or innovative. Shacknews also mentions severe game-breaking glitches during the first boss fight. These negative comments highlight issues with performance, technical glitches, and some design choices that detract from the overall visual experience of Evil West. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Evil West. While there are positive remarks about the game's aesthetic, art direction, captivating environments, and stunning visuals from critics like But Why Tho??, Noisy Pixel, Press Start Australia, Xbox Tavern, COGconnected, and ZTGD, there are also negative opinions regarding graphical options, performance issues, muddy resolution, and design flaws from critics like GameSpew, Gfinity, Push Square, PC Gamer, and Shacknews. It is worth noting that some critics, such as Twinfinite and XboxEra, find the style and overall visual experience of Evil West to be enjoyable despite some flaws. Ultimately, the game's graphics and visual design seem to have both strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in certain areas.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Evil West's graphics and visual design. Positive feedback praises the game's aesthetic, art direction, captivating environments, and stunning visuals, while negative comments point out issues with performance, technical glitches, and design choices. Overall, Evil West offers visually appealing and immersive environments, but faces criticism for graphical options, performance problems, and design flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Evil West, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. PC Games, PlayStation Country, Movies Games and Tech, and Xbox Tavern all praise the sound design and music for effectively creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience. They commend the quality and effectiveness of the sound effects, music, and voice acting, with PlayStation Country specifically mentioning the excellent dark country soundtrack. Softpedia also adds that the voice acting in Evil West is stellar and contributes positively to the overall experience. However, it is important to note that not all critics share the same sentiment. TheSixthAxis criticizes the voice acting in Evil West, describing it as "pretty terrible" and not matching the camp cheesiness of the game's world. This negative opinion is countered by the fact that TheSixthAxis acknowledges that the game does not prioritize delivering a mind-bending narrative epic, suggesting that the impact of the voice acting on the overall experience is minimal. XboxEra also points out the subpar writing, which they feel cannot be saved by the well-done voice acting. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, it can be concluded that the Sound Design and Music of Evil West generally receive positive feedback. The majority of the critics appreciate the atmospheric qualities created by the sound design and music, with PC Games, Movies Games and Tech, and Xbox Tavern specifically highlighting their effectiveness in setting the mood. While there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting and writing, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side. The positive aspects of the sound design and music seem to outweigh the negatives, resulting in an overall good quality and immersive audio experience in Evil West.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Evil West's sound design and music for creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances gameplay. Positive feedback on quality and effectiveness of sound effects, music, and voice acting, with a standout mention of the dark country soundtrack. Some critics criticize voice acting and writing, but overall consensus leans towards positive, highlighting the atmospheric qualities and immersive audio experience of the game.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Evil West are quite diverse. Some critics, such as But Why Tho??, Noisy Pixel, Movies Games and Tech, and Softpedia, have positive views on the voice acting. They praise it for being outstanding, fantastic, and stellar, adding to the overall experience of the game. These critics appreciate the immersion and credit the voice acting as a strong aspect of the game. Additionally, Xbox Tavern compares the voice acting to that of the Red Dead games, suggesting a level of quality and consistency. On the other hand, there are critics who have negative opinions about the voice acting in Evil West. PC Games, PC Gamer, and TheSixthAxis express concerns about various aspects of the voice acting. PC Games criticizes it for being mediocre, headache-inducing, and filled with half-baked jokes and annoying macho behavior. PC Gamer describes the dialogue as lacking nuance and filled with cringeworthy expletives, while TheSixthAxis finds the voice acting to be pretty terrible and not matching the camp cheesiness of the world. These critics highlight issues with the quality of the voice acting, the writing, and the overall impact on the characters and story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the voice acting for its outstanding quality and contribution to the immersion, others criticize it for being mediocre, lacking nuance, and not matching the tone of the game. The positive opinions emphasize the strengths of the voice acting, while the negative opinions highlight its weaknesses. It is clear that the voice acting in Evil West is a topic of debate among reviewers, with some finding it to be a positive aspect and others considering it to be a detriment to the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Evil West. Some praise it for being outstanding and enhancing the game, while others criticize it as mediocre and lacking in quality. The positive reviews highlight immersion and quality, while the negative ones point out issues with dialogue and character portrayal. Overall, opinions on the voice acting vary, with some seeing it as a strength and others as a weakness in the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

94%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Evil West, there are both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics across different gaming platforms. On the PS5, some critics, such as Press Start Australia and Push Square, highlight that the game runs remarkably well with only a few audio bugs encountered. Additionally, GameSpew mentions occasional framerate dips, but overall, Evil West performs well on this platform. However, Noisy Pixel suggests that a patch may be needed to enhance the resolution, as they find the visuals to be shoddy, especially on next-gen consoles. Moving on to the Xbox Series X, Cultured Vultures mentions moments where the game's performance suffers, with vampires moving at a low frame rate and background assets appearing missing. However, they still find the core gameplay enjoyable. Movies Games and Tech also notes minor glitches, bugs, and screen tears, but they do not consider them game-breaking. TheXboxHub simply mentions a few bugs and hiccups, without providing further details. Overall, while there are some performance issues on the Xbox Series X, the game remains playable and enjoyable for most critics. On the PC platform, COGconnected and NME report that Evil West runs well with only a few framerate hiccups and no significant issues with bugs, crashes, or performance. PC Gamer and Ragequit.gr mention occasional frame rate drops and glitches, but they describe these issues as minor niggles. Shacknews, however, points out severe game-breaking glitches during the first boss fight, although they mention that the game performed reasonably well overall. XboxEra also notes some audio bugs and crashing issues but states that the game ran well on PC. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Evil West generally performs well on all gaming platforms, with occasional technical issues present. While there are some framerate dips, stutters, and visual defects mentioned by critics like Gfinity, Twinfinite, and Noisy Pixel, these issues do not significantly hinder the overall gameplay experience. Some critics, such as GameSpew and COGconnected, highlight the game's good performance on their respective platforms. However, there are also reports of more severe issues, like game-breaking glitches during boss fights, as mentioned by Shacknews. It is worth noting that the opinions on technical performance vary slightly between platforms, with the PS5 and PC generally receiving more positive feedback compared to the Xbox Series X.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Evil West across different gaming platforms. While some praise its smooth running on PS5 and PC with minor issues, others point out framerate dips and glitches on Xbox Series X. Overall, the game is considered playable and enjoyable, despite occasional technical hiccups.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Evil West, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Several critics, such as Gfinity, Press Start Australia, Game Rant, Movies Games and Tech, and XboxEra, emphasize the positive aspects of the game's replay value. They mention features such as upgrade systems, additional paths and puzzles, a robust progression system, cooperative mode, multiple difficulty settings, collectibles, and a skill tree for customization. These elements provide players with opportunities for experimentation, customization, and different playthrough experiences, enhancing the game's replayability. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. Noisy Pixel notes that while Evil West offers multiplayer co-op and a new game plus feature, there is no couch co-op and only the host saves story progression. Pure Xbox mentions that although the co-op mode adds some replay value, the lack of innovation in level design and enemy types limits the overall replayability. IGN criticizes the game for its repetitive and predictable nature, suggesting that it may not appeal to those seeking a more varied and engaging experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Evil West does offer some replay value, but it may not be as extensive or diverse as some players might expect. While the game provides various features and modes that enhance replayability, such as cooperative gameplay and new game plus, there are also concerns about repetition, limited innovation, and predictable gameplay. It is important to note that opinions vary among the critics, with some highlighting the positive aspects more prominently, while others focus on the negatives. Ultimately, players seeking a game with strong replay value may find Evil West appealing, particularly if they enjoy cooperative play and customization options, but those looking for more varied and innovative experiences may be left wanting.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on Evil West's replay value. Some praise its upgrade systems, cooperative mode, and customization options, enhancing replayability. However, concerns are raised about repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and limited variety in enemies. While the game offers features like multiplayer co-op and new game plus, it may not meet all players' expectations for diverse replay value. Players who enjoy cooperative play and customization may find Evil West appealing, but those seeking more varied experiences might be disappointed.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall verdict of Evil West is a mixed bag, with some positive aspects that are praised by critics. But Why Tho?? commends the game for its fascinating designs and lore, as well as the enjoyable gameplay on hard mode. Gamers Heroes also appreciates the satisfying vampire punching gameplay and the rare experience it offers in the action genre. Movies Games and Tech is blown away by the excellent aesthetics, awesome cinematic, fascinating story, and gritty characters. PC Games and COGconnected both highlight the fun and engaging gameplay, combining old-school shooter mechanics with depth and engaging combat. Evil West is also praised for its smooth movement, cool sections, and satisfying combat by TheXboxHub. However, there are several negatives pointed out by critics. But Why Tho?? mentions that the levels feel too linear and the main narrative takes a while to pick up and lacks complexity. The game also struggles with fluid cutscenes. GameSpew highlights the game's graphical shortcomings, while Cultured Vultures criticizes the formulaic level design and technical issues. IGN mentions the lack of enemy variety and the potential for repetitive gameplay. PC Gamer criticizes the lack of ambition and diversity in the story, visuals, and dialogue, suggesting that a potential sequel could improve upon these aspects. Power Unlimited mentions the lack of exploration and gameplay variation, making the game repetitive for some. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Evil West offers enjoyable gameplay, satisfying combat, and a unique setting. It is praised for its engaging and enjoyable gameplay, captivating visuals, and fun and exciting combat mechanics. However, it is also criticized for its linear level design, technical issues, lack of diversity, and potential for repetitive gameplay. While some critics recommend the game for players who enjoy mindless monster killing and non-stop action, others suggest that it may not be for everyone and advise potential players to lower their expectations for graphics and story. Despite its flaws, Evil West is generally seen as a fun and entertaining game, particularly for fans of old-school action games.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Evil West, praising its captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and satisfying combat mechanics. However, some point out issues like linear levels, lack of diversity, and potential for repetition. While recommended for fans of action games, others suggest managing expectations for graphics and story.

CRITIK

Reviews

150 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Dec 5, 2022

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

Evil West delivers on its promise of a Wild West monster hunter game with an interesting storyline and stunning graphics.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 5

Nov 22, 2022

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

Evil West is a thoroughly enjoyable carnage-filled adventure with satisfying combat and captivating visuals.

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COGconnected

Nov 22, 2022

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

Evil West is a fun and engaging game that combines old-school shooter mechanics with depth and engaging combat. It has an interesting narrative, well-acted characters, and iconic Western locations. However, the battle design can be repetitious.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Dec 1, 2022

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

Evil West is a damn fun old-fashioned shooter beat'em up that embraces its linear-level design and fluid combat. It may lack AAA polish and budget, but it shows that nostalgic games can be appreciated through a modern lens.

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Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Jan 3, 2023

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

Evil West blew the reviewer away with its excellent aesthetics, awesome cinematic, fascinating story, and gritty characters. There are minor visual issues and a few bugs, but the game is highly recommended.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Nov 22, 2022

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

A strong game that lacks diversity but is enjoyable and worth checking out.

Softpedia

Nov 22, 2022

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

Evil West offers high-octane combat, solid voice acting, and a satisfying experience for those looking for non-stop action in a steampunk setting.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Nov 21, 2022

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

Evil West is an old-fashioned action-adventure game with engaging and enjoyable gameplay, despite its graphical shortcomings.

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GameSkinny

Dec 8, 2022

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

Evil West is an endearingly silly great time with superb combat and excellent graphics, although non-linear levels disrupt the pace somewhat.

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Nov 30, 2022

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

The review gives Evil West a score of 4 out of 5, praising its smooth movement, cool sections, and satisfying combat, but criticizing the lack of co-op focus and mentioning a few bugs and hiccups.

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