Info about Evil West:

Official game description:
  
**Evil never sleeps… but it bleeds.**  
A dark menace consumes the American frontier. As one of the last agents in a top-secret vampire-hunting institute, you are the final line between humanity and a deep-rooted terror that now emerges from the shadows. Rise up to become a Wild West Superhero, eradicate the vampire threat and save the United States!  
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.  
*   Battle alone or with a friend in stylish, gory action combat  
*   Myths and legends retold within a stylised, weird wild west universe  
*   Evolve with perks, upgradable weapons, and tools  
*   Explore and fight through a story-driven campaign to save America

Release date: 21 Nov, 2022

Categories: Real-time Combat, Cooperative Multiplayer, Single-player Story, Character Progression, Linear Progression, Third-Person Shooter, Beat 'em up


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and Satisfying Combat (weight 0.99): Players consistently praise the combat system for being fun, fluid, and impactful, blending melee and ranged attacks effectively. The sense of impact, diverse enemy types, and rewarding progression through skills and weapons contribute to a highly enjoyable fighting experience, especially on higher difficulties.
- Nostalgic Old-School Action (weight 0.74): Many players find the game reminiscent of classic action titles from the PS2, Xbox 360, and PS3 eras, particularly drawing comparisons to God of War, Darksiders, and Doom. This 'old-school' approach, focusing on linear progression and direct action, is a refreshing change from modern open-world games.
- Enjoyable Co-op Experience (weight 0.67): The co-op mode is a significant positive, enhancing the game's fun and replayability. Playing with friends, especially on harder difficulties, is noted as a highly enjoyable and engaging experience, despite occasional bugs.
- Good Story and Characters (weight 0.21): The game's story is generally well-received for being engaging, well-paced, and fitting for the action genre. Players appreciate the interesting characters, lore, and cinematic presentation, which provide sufficient motivation without overshadowing the core gameplay.
- Solid Graphics and Art Style (weight 0.17): The game's visuals, art direction, and environmental design are frequently highlighted as strong points. Players commend the beautiful graphics, detailed environments, and effective sound design, which collectively create an immersive and atmospheric experience.
- Unique Western-Fantasy Setting (weight 0.17): The game's distinctive blend of Wild West, steampunk, and supernatural horror elements, featuring cowboys hunting vampires and demons, is highly appreciated. This unique aesthetic and thematic combination is a significant draw for players, offering a fresh take on action games.
- Well-Designed Linear Levels (weight 0.06): The linear level design is seen as a strength, offering varied and well-crafted environments that prevent repetition. Players appreciate the focused experience, with each level introducing new features and maintaining a good pace without unnecessary detours.
- Fitting Soundtrack and Audio (weight 0.05): The game's music and sound design are praised for effectively complementing the Western-fantasy setting and action. The soundtrack, blending Western blues and hard rock, enhances the atmosphere and intensifies combat moments.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive and Unbalanced Combat (weight 0.57): The combat system is criticized for its monotony, lack of enemy variety, and artificial difficulty spikes, especially in later stages. Players frequently encounter the same mini-bosses as regular enemies, leading to tedious and frustrating encounters.
- Overpriced and Lacks Value (weight 0.51): Players consistently feel the game is not worth its full price due to its short duration, repetitive gameplay, and overall mediocrity. Many suggest it should be priced significantly lower, even on sale.
- Numerous Game-Breaking Bugs (weight 0.39): The game is plagued with an excessive number of bugs and glitches, ranging from minor visual issues to game-breaking problems that force restarts, hinder progress, and severely impact the overall experience, particularly in co-op mode.
- Poor Controls and Clunky Mechanics (weight 0.26): Players report significant issues with the game's controls, especially for keyboard and mouse, citing unresponsiveness, awkward keybindings, and a general clunkiness. The camera is also frequently criticized for hindering combat visibility.
- Dated Graphics and Visual Issues (weight 0.15): The game's visuals are often described as outdated, with blurry textures, poor lighting, and an over-reliance on intense color filters (especially red and yellow) that cause eye strain. Cutscenes are also noted for their low quality and jarring transitions.
- Linear Level Design and Limited Exploration (weight 0.1): The game features an extremely linear level design with frequent 'points of no return,' preventing backtracking and exploration. This design choice, combined with repetitive arena-style combat, contributes to a monotonous experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Linear Level Design (weight 0.22): Players consistently describe the game as linear, level-based, and corridor-like, reminiscent of Xbox 360/PS3 era action games. There is limited exploration, no open world, and backtracking is generally not possible within levels.
- God of War-like Gameplay (weight 0.14): Many players compare the gameplay, particularly the combat and character movement, to God of War (especially the 2018 version), with additional influences from Doom, Devil May Cry, and Souls-like dodge/parry mechanics.
- Diverse Weapon & Ability Use (weight 0.14): The game features a wide array of weapons (revolvers, rifles, shotguns, flamethrowers, gauntlet, etc.) and abilities. Players are encouraged to switch between them strategically to exploit enemy weaknesses and manage combat situations.
- Repetitive Boss & Enemy Design (weight 0.12): A significant concern is the frequent reuse of bosses and mini-bosses as regular elite enemies in later stages, often in stacked encounters. This repetition can lead to a feeling of artificial difficulty and lack of variety.
- Moderate Campaign Length (weight 0.11): The main campaign is generally considered to be of average length, typically taking 8-12 hours to complete. Achieving 100% completion or playing on higher difficulties can extend playtime to 20-30 hours.
- Simple Progression & Upgrades (weight 0.1): The game features a straightforward progression system with skill trees (for the gauntlet and character abilities) and weapon upgrades. Upgrades are purchased with in-game currency (money/gold) found in levels or earned through leveling.
- Co-op Mode Limitations (weight 0.06): While co-op is available, it has significant limitations. Only the host's progress is saved, the guest player often controls a clone of the protagonist, and there are reports of bugs and moments where the guest is passive.
- Adjustable Difficulty (weight 0.04): The game offers multiple difficulty levels that can be changed at any point during gameplay. Players note that even normal difficulty can be challenging, and higher difficulties require strategic thinking and pattern memorization.

Performance notes:
- Generally good performance (weight 0.09): Many players report that the game runs smoothly and stably on various systems, including mid-range PCs and the Steam Deck, often achieving high frame rates with minimal issues after some setting adjustments. Some even experienced no crashes or significant bugs.
- Numerous bugs and glitches (weight 0.04): The game is reported to have a variety of bugs, ranging from minor annoyances like getting stuck on objects to game-breaking issues like frequent crashes, graphical glitches, desync in co-op, and specific level-related problems. Some bugs force players to restart levels or the game entirely.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.03): Player feedback on optimization is mixed, with some finding it acceptable or even good, while others criticize it as poor, leading to micro-freezes and requiring lower graphics settings even on powerful hardware. There's a clear demand for better optimization.
- Hardware requirements (weight 0.02): The game generally requires a capable PC with a good graphics card and processor to run well, with specific mentions of needing at least a GTX 1660. However, some players achieved good performance on lower-end cards like the RX 550 or RTX 3050 with adjusted settings.
- Stuttering improves over time (weight 0.01): Some players noted that stuttering becomes less frequent and harsh with continued playing, suggesting a potential caching or loading mechanism that improves performance after initial play sessions.
- Cutscene and menu frame rates (weight 0.01): Cutscenes are locked at 24 FPS, and menus are locked at 60 FPS. While cutscene effects are generally praised, the low frame rate for cutscenes is a specific technical detail noted by players.

Recommendations:
- Generally Positive Reception (weight 0.24): Many players recommend the game, often describing it as 'good,' 'solid,' or 'entertaining.' While not a masterpiece, it's seen as a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of specific genres or themes.
- Buy on Sale (weight 0.21): A significant number of players strongly advise purchasing the game only when it's heavily discounted. The full price is widely considered too high, with many suggesting a price point of $10-20 or less for it to be truly worth it.
- Genre Appeal & Theme (weight 0.11): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy action games, particularly those with a 'Wild West,' 'steampunk,' or 'vampire hunting' theme. It appeals to fans of older action titles and specific combat styles, often compared to games like God of War or Doom.
- Desire for a Sequel (weight 0.07): Many players express a strong desire for a sequel, hoping for improvements on the original's weak points and further exploration of the game's world and mechanics. This indicates a positive core experience despite existing flaws.
- Difficulty Recommendations Vary (weight 0.05): Players have diverse opinions on difficulty. Some recommend starting on 'Normal' for enjoyment, while others suggest 'Hard' or 'Evil' for a challenging experience, especially on New Game+. There's a consensus to avoid the hardest difficulties for a first playthrough due to potential frustration.

Other player notes:
- Unique Wild West Vampire Theme (weight 0.11): Players highly appreciate the game's distinctive blend of Wild West, steampunk, and vampire/monster hunting elements. This creative setting is frequently compared to 'Red Dead Redemption with vampires' or 'God of War in the Wild West,' offering a fresh take on action genres.
- Mixed Reception on Overall Quality (weight 0.05): Overall player sentiment regarding the game's quality is mixed, with some finding it surprisingly fun despite low expectations, while others felt it was just 'okay' or even disappointing. Many consider it a decent 'B-movie style' game.
- Reminiscent of PS3/Xbox 360 Era (weight 0.04): Many players feel the game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, reminding them of action titles from the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 eras. This 'old-school' vibe is often seen as a positive, offering a refreshing change from current gaming trends.
- Voice Acting and Sound Design (weight 0.03): The voice acting is generally considered good, though some instances of mediocre delivery or inconsistent accents were noted. The sound design and music, particularly combat music, are often praised for fitting the game's aesthetic and enhancing the experience.
- Linear Action Brawler Experience (weight 0.03): The game is praised for its straightforward, linear action-brawler gameplay, focusing on combat rather than open-world exploration or complex RPG mechanics. This direct approach is appreciated by players looking for an unapologetic, fun, and violent action experience.
- Good Performance on Steam Deck (weight 0.01): The game reportedly runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, even with lower settings, maintaining fluid framerates during intense action. This makes it a viable and enjoyable experience for portable gaming.
- Achievement System Issues (weight 0.01): Some players encountered bugs with achievements, preventing 100% completion, while others found certain achievements difficult to obtain. There's also a warning against looking at achievements early to avoid spoilers.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.26): Players are highly satisfied with the game's engaging and brutal combat system, often described as 'chunky,' 'visceral,' and 'satisfying,' especially when executing combos and feeling powerful. The game's value for money, particularly when purchased on sale, along with its strong graphics, interesting story, and unique Western-vampire theme, contribute significantly to overall enjoyment and a sense of a quality, focused experience. Many appreciate the linear design, lack of open-world elements, and good performance, finding it a fun and stress-relieving action game.
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Frustration primarily stems from numerous bugs and technical issues, including crashes, stuttering, unresponsive controls, and game-breaking glitches that often force restarts or prevent progress, especially in co-op. Players also express significant annoyance with difficulty spikes, repetitive enemy encounters (often involving 'mob stacking' and 'bullet sponge' enemies), and poorly designed boss fights, which are perceived as artificial difficulty rather than a genuine challenge. Other causes include inconvenient controls, camera issues, and linear map design preventing backtracking.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Disappointment arises from the game's perceived unfulfilled potential, often due to its unfinished state, numerous bugs, and lack of post-launch fixes. Players find the story repetitive or bland, characters unmemorable, and gameplay lacking depth or variety, leading to boredom quickly. The game's value at full price is frequently questioned given its short length, linear design, and overall lack of polish, with many feeling it fails to meet expectations set by marketing or similar genre titles.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement is driven by the game's unique concept of cowboys vs. vampires, its fast-paced, action-packed, and often gory combat, and the feeling of being a powerful vampire slayer. Players are thrilled by the spectacular visuals, engaging story, and overall high quality, often comparing it favorably to other action games like Doom or God of War. The prospect of a sequel and the desire for more games in this genre also contribute to this emotion.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players find enjoyment in the game's fun and straightforward beat 'em up gameplay, particularly when playing in co-op. The satisfying combat, engaging story, and unique Western-vampire atmosphere contribute to a generally positive and entertaining experience. Many appreciate the game's ability to provide simple, mindless fun and a good way to de-stress, especially during the initial hours and when unlocking new abilities.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is primarily directed at the developers for the game's unoptimized and buggy state, which many perceive as unfinished or a 'scam,' especially given the full price. Players are infuriated by severe stuttering, game-breaking bugs, and poor design choices that lead to unplayable combat or broken immersion. The lack of bug fixes and perceived incompetence in game design further fuel this anger, with some regretting their purchase.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy is experienced through the game's fun co-op experience, the sheer pleasure of blasting demons and vampires, and the overall entertaining and creative gameplay. Players express immense enjoyment from the action of a good beat 'em up, often feeling like a kid again or having a blast for a low price. The game's ability to provide pure entertainment and a stress-relieving experience contributes significantly to this positive emotion.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom sets in due to the game's repetitive and tedious gameplay, particularly after a few hours, with players citing repetitive combat scenarios, enemy designs, and predictable arena layouts. The linear progression, slow combat, and uninteresting story or characters also contribute to a lack of engagement, making players feel ready for the game to end long before it actually does.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by minor bugs, stutters, and frustrating design choices such as mid-bosses appearing as regular mobs, hand-holding level design, and unskippable cinematics. Players are also bothered by unreliable dodge mechanics, excessive enemies in later stages, and issues with button layouts or targeting, which collectively detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's unique art style, detailed environments, and the developer's success in creating a new brand with a distinct identity. The game's adaptability to different playstyles, deep skill system, and design philosophy of providing focused action that ends before becoming boring are also highly valued. Good optimization, fluid performance, and a quality alternative to high-budget open-world games further contribute to this appreciation.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is triggered by the game's old-school action style, which reminds players of classic Xbox 360 or PS2/PS3 era games, particularly linear slashers like God of War or action shooters like Gears of War. This throwback gameplay and aesthetic evoke a sense of fond remembrance for older gaming experiences, contributing to a positive emotional connection for many players.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are positively surprised by the game's unexpected quality, enjoyment, and difficulty, often exceeding initial expectations. This surprise stems from finding unexpected fun in a game outside their usual thematic preferences or discovering its Souls-like challenge despite a different genre label. The game's overall quality and engaging nature, leading some to finish it despite not typically liking story-driven games, also contribute to this emotion.
- Neutrality (weight 0.01): Neutrality reflects an overall assessment of the game as 'okay' or 'average,' neither particularly good nor bad. This sentiment often arises from mixed feelings about graphics, combat style, difficulty, or story length, where various aspects of the game are deemed standard or unremarkable, leading to a balanced but unenthusiastic evaluation.
- Confusion (weight 0): Confusion arises from not understanding negative reviews or specific game design choices, such as odd keybinds, inconsistent hitboxes, or the game's unclear identity. Players are also confused by the significance of certain weapon development choices or how good combat mechanics could be undermined by enemy design, leading to a sense of bewilderment about the game's direction.
- Hope (weight 0): Hope is primarily centered around the desire for a sequel, often with improvements or an expanded world. Players express a strong wish for developers to continue the IP, fix existing bugs, and potentially create more co-op titles, indicating a belief in the game's underlying potential despite current flaws.
- Challenge (weight 0): Players experience challenge due to the game's high difficulty, demanding boss fights, and the need for effective tool management and strategic decision-making in combat. The presence of many enemies and fast-paced encounters, sometimes compared to Soulslike bosses, contributes to a demanding gameplay experience, even on easier difficulties.
- Amusement (weight 0): Amusement is derived from the game's campy style, awkward character portrayals, and humorous descriptions, sometimes including bugs. Players find humor in the game's quirks, such as early small bosses reappearing as regular mobs or the arachnophobia toggle, contributing to a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- Discomfort (weight 0): Discomfort is caused by the game's visual style, specifically an overly red screen, high saturation, or a red and green color scheme, which can lead to eye strain and dizziness. Camera issues when vaulting or a generally uncomfortable color tone also contribute to this negative physical sensation.
- Caution (weight 0): Caution is expressed regarding the game's price, with players advising against purchasing it at full price due to perceived low value or awareness of late-game crashes in co-op. This sentiment suggests a warning to potential buyers based on past negative experiences or observations.
- Mild annoyance (weight 0): Mild annoyance stems from less severe but still bothersome issues such as eye-straining colors, dated level design with invisible walls, and repetitive enemies or mini-bosses. Technical rough edges, some bugs hindering achievement progression, and late-game enemy stacking also contribute to this minor but persistent irritation.}