The Desperados series, while not always a mainstream success, has cultivated a dedicated fanbase akin to that of Commandos. Now, under the stewardship of THQ Nordic, Desperados 3 arrives, and we’ve ventured through its Wild West landscapes to bring you our assessment.
Desperados 3 tells the story of Cooper, a Western gunslinger who tackles problems and missions, often collaborating with like-minded individuals. The initial level serves as a tutorial, introducing players to the game’s mechanics with Cooper as a young boy. The gameplay encompasses diverse scenarios, from train robberies to eliminating villainous elements from small Western settlements, culminating in encounters with various formidable bosses.
The core gameplay adheres to classic real-time strategy (RTS) principles. Players navigate characters across a map populated by enemies with predictable patrol patterns. Stealth and silent takedowns, utilizing throwing knives, bear traps, or close-quarters knockouts, are crucial. Detection or the sound of gunfire rapidly escalates the situation, demanding immediate evasion to avoid overwhelming enemy forces. Players can utilize distractions such as coins, whistles, and explosive devices to manipulate enemy positions. Furthermore, each character possesses unique abilities and weaponry, which are essential for successfully completing levels.
Patience and careful planning are paramount in Desperados 3. Frequent deaths are common, and even minor errors can lead to failure and a restart. The game’s design encourages experimentation and learning from mistakes. The ability to quicksave frequently (with reminders every minute) mitigates frustration by minimizing the amount of replayed content. While this accessibility may slightly reduce the overall difficulty, the alternative of excessively spaced checkpoints would be detrimental to a precision-based game like this. The “showdown” mode, which allows players to pause time and queue commands for simultaneous execution, adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. A welcome addition.
The graphics are competent, successfully conveying the dusty Western aesthetic, although not exceptionally detailed. The map can be freely rotated, which, while initially requiring some familiarization with the controls, becomes intuitive. On a large 4K display, increased detail would be appreciated. The PS4 Pro version offers both “graphics” and “performance” modes; while we typically favor the latter, the smooth performance of the game makes the enhanced graphical fidelity a worthwhile trade-off. The inclusion of HDR would likely enhance the overall contrast and visual appeal. The audio, however, is notably well-executed, featuring expertly mixed Western musical loops, impactful sound effects, and authentic voice acting that captures the essence of the American South.
RTS, a genre that flourished in the 90s with titles like Command & Conquer (recently remastered by EA with updated visuals) and Warcraft (Blizzard’s original trilogy), has become less prevalent in recent years. Players anticipating an action-oriented cowboy shooter or a “Diablo with revolvers”-style dungeon crawler will likely be disappointed. However, for those who enjoy strategic thinking, rapid tactical adaptation, and creative problem-solving, Desperados 3 offers ample entertainment and replayability, earning it a strong recommendation.
