Customer Reviews

Call of Juarez

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"Call of Juarez" joins recent games like "Gun," "Red Dead Revolver," and "Darkwatch" as yet another Western-themed shooter. Once a genre that scarcely seemed to exist, it is now quickly filling the Western-themed void that seems to exist in Hollywood. Like the aforementioned titles, "Call of Juarez" is very good at what it does, and ends up just shy of greatness -- but if you've a mind for more gunslinging', you can't do much better.

The plot behind "Call" sees half-Mexican troublemaker Billy Candle framed for the murder of his parents and seeking the lost treasure of Juarez that he might finally carve a name for himself in the world. Meanwhile, his vengeful uncle, Reverend Ray, a gunslinger turned man of God, is on his trail spewing fire and brimstone -- er, mostly just fire.

The storyline and characters are the best thing "Call" has going for it. You will alternate between playing as Billy and his self-righteous Uncle Ray. Billy excels at stealth, platforming, and archery, while Ray is Clint Eastwood incarnate with guns blazin'. The shifts in perspective provide a compelling method of building suspense and filling in the plot gaps, and both characters are so different from one another that each of their respective segments seems to represent a mini-game all its own.

Unfortunately, Ray is the by far the standout character. Billy has a decent arch and is fairly likable in his own right, but Ray is worthy of any "Top Ten Best Video Game Character" list -- and that's some tough competition. Clad in a leather duster and cruciform breastplate, he strikes an imposing image and is voiced to perfection. There's something inherently fascinating about a character that speaks to God and quotes the Bible between shooting people in the face. He's obviously crazy, and playing crazy is just plain fun.

Not only is Ray the best character, his sequences are generally more gratifying due to their action-packed content. He is considerably stronger and more durable than his nephew, and can use weapons that Billy can't even touch. He also has a concentration mode that helps him get the drop on his foes and is pretty useful in a pinch.

Billy, on the other hand, is more apt to avoid combat. His bow and arrow sequences are pretty satisfying, but few and far between. More often than not Billy finds himself trapped inside a first-person platformer mixed liberally with a first-person sneaker. The stealth segments are okay, and less reliant on trial and error than some games who make stealth their primary objective -- but it's been done much better in the past, to put it mildly. As far as the platforming sections go, they work as well as they possibly could given the first-person point of view, but it can be hard to properly line up jumps, and dying from an unplanned fall can be quite frustrating. He can use a bullwhip Indiana Jones-style, lashing on to objects and swinging across some chasms -- and though it works fairly well, there's still an awkward quality to it all.

That is not to say that some of Billy's missions aren't enjoyable -- they are. But Uncle Ray's blastapalooza trumps it in spades. The only downside to the gunplay is the wonky decision made by the developers to have certain firearms overheat and break in the midst of a battle. You get used to it and learn to plan accordingly, so it's not a dealbreaker -- but simply collecting bullets and swapping weapons like most FPS games would have worked better.

Complete with horseback chases, treasure hunts, duels, fistfights, and plenty of shootouts, "Call" is a good game for action junkies to invest in -- particularly those who love Westerns with good characters and a solid story. The gameplay is varied, for what its worth (even if it's not always successful), and when it all works it works splendidly well. Complete with top notch production values (some of the game's vistas are breathtaking and evoke the West quite well), this is darn near a can't-miss on a console that could always use one more actioner.

Answer the "Call." It's worth it.

Call of Juarez joins other Western themed games in immersing you in shoot-outs, cacti, wood fences and tumbleweeds. You switch between the characters of Billy - the young half-Mexican lad, and Ray, his uncle, a gunslinger who is out to kill him.

The conflict is that Billy, coming home after several years of roaming, finds his mother and abusive stepfather are dead. Ray thinks Billy has done the deed. The story then plays out with Billy trying to clear his name and find a fortune, and Ray wanting revenge.

The story is extremely linear, as you might expect in this situation. If you're hopping between the two characters and, as Ray, you were able to Kill Bill, the game would be over. I definitely understand the linear gameplay. Heck, in pretty much any game you want to achieve their end objective, be it take over the town or destroy all the enemies. Still, it's nice to feel you have some control along the way. Entire roads are blocked because of a plot twist??

Also, as much as it is linear, it is very vague. You're told to do something, but then you have to stumble around for a while to figure out what exactly they want you to do in order to progress. It can get frustrating.

The graphics aren't that bad on a high def TV - the individual leaves on the trees are visible and the humans are reasonably detailed. We've taken several trips to the western US region and it really is pretty out there. They did a nice job on some of the cut scenes, with small reflections in metal surfaces, the dull rasp of leather, and other details. The clouds aren't solid objects that drift - they actually change shape as they go.

The voice work in the game is reasonable enough, but while I liked the soundtrack at the beginning, it got really repetitive REALLY quickly. In some games the soundtrack blends in really nicely and you enjoy it. That's not the case here. It's a shame too, because sometimes it's peaceful as you walk along beneath the drifting clouds, with the grasses slowly waving, the birds singing in the trees.

As much as I appreciate the differences of sneaky Billy with his whip vs shooting Ray with his guns, I just didn't like this game as much as some of the other westerns we own. It was too linear, the soundtrack was too maddening, and it was too short. A great game to rent for a week, and that way you can see if you adore it enough to keep it after that.

...but I couldn't get into it. Now granted, its a few years old, and graphically we've come a long way, but, the 360 processor is the same as then, and graphically it just doesnt hold up.

Sound is good - I like Western's, ergo, I like Western Games, and all the nuances, such as music that go with it.

However, it can't save the gameplay, which is horrible. Other reviewers have called it linear, and thats an understatement. I mean, you either accomplish the task the game wants you to do, or you spend a 1/2 hour trying to determine exactly the right combination of movements and skewed-logic to move forward. I just didnt get it, and with the wealth of great games available to you, you should skip this one, even as a rental. No amount of clearance-rack-discount is enough to justify purchasing this one.

Which is a shame, because the genre (Red Dead Revolver, which completely rocked in its style, and Gun, which was more or less a pretty good homage to the Western mythos) deserves a good game. Western Games, like Western Movies, don't come out often, and when they do, you expect a level of quality that just isnt there in Call of Juarez.

Finally! I get to be a gold prospector and throw sticks of dynamite!
Excellent graphics and choice of characters with cool weapons (like six-shooters and dynamite) make online play extremely entertaining.
Serious fun in the Wild Wild West.
Enjoy!

I've been expecting this game for a long time...like about over a year prior to its release. I remember playing the demo for the PC version about that long ago and I remember thinking that Call of Juarez was a very fun, action packed, and balanced game.

When it came out in the US in June I immediately ordered it from Amazon for the Xbox 360 (b/c I wanted to get the whole visual and power performance). It arrived shortly after it's release on June 5th and I set to work playing through it.

Call of Juarez is not only one of very few Western themed video games but is also one of the extremely few Western themed First Person Shooters - which makes pretty much everything you see here original and new for the genre.

The game is fun and will provide a base time of maybe...7 hours of play including the story mode and the extra missions. The story is well laid out with tons of characters and great voice work. The settings are rich with detail - from open grasslands to thick forests and eerie ghost towns everything seems so alive and vibrant but still in that old times/rustic way.

One of the cooler aspects of the game is the duel players: Reverend Ray and Billy Candle. One's the hunter and the other is the hunted - providing two different ways of playing. As Billy you spend your time sneaking around, avoiding enemies, and progressing the story while as Ray you basically kill tons of enemies with your awesome slow-mo gun slinging ability.

Each character has their strengths and weaknesses and you can quickly learn what your character can or cannot do. Having the story from two perspectives is also a great idea and provides a lot of depth to both characters and the story itself.

Overall, Call of Juarez is a great game that is very fun to play if you're into Western themed games (like Gun). For your fast paced FPS lovers (fans of Halo, etc) this may or may not be up your alley - you run around with revolvers and simple rifles...not dual SMGs.

Although it has little replay value the game should hold over those that are expecting the release of far more popular titles this fall (Halo 3, Assassin's Creed, etc). I would recommend Call of Juarez to those that just want a great summer title to mess around with.

This game is a definite pick up for anyone looking for something different. If you have any interest in westerns at all you will enjoy this game. The story is great and really holds your interest throughout the game. The scenery is authentic and by itself makes the game worth it's reduced price tag.
As far as game play, it all works as expected for a FPS. Some have complained about Billy's role in the game but it too is very fun and refreshing. There are a few scenes where you really have to pay attention to the where the bad guys are and even listen to their conversations to know when you can make a break for you next hiding spot. Billy is not Master Chief, Marcus Phoenix or any of the other FPS dudes but that is what makes it so nice. There are plenty of games to cover that approach to gaming. That being said, the other character, Ray, does have the "kill'em all" approach to justice. The way the story weaves back and forth between the two works well and gives you a chance to truly experience the story.
I personally think there are very few games worth the initial $60 price tag - Halo, Madden, Fable...maybe but not many others. We all have our favorites. At the reduced price this game is well worth it.

Look, im not gonna lie. This is the first non football or baseball game I ever finished. It was my pre gamer days. I absolutely loved it. Not knowing what to expect I paid 17 bux for it at my local game stop. I got the COJ2 the day it came out Ray as Billy because he was framed for murder. Ray is chasing Billy. Ray is Billys uncle. Obviously what im getting at is half the game you are running as Billy and half the game you are chasing as Ray. The graphics are stunning. To this day and many game later I believe they are still some of the best ive seen. The gun play is legit with the times. Its a little annoying when the guns blow up in your hand but hey what can ya do. They want to make it like the 1800's. I suggest renting the second one b4 you buy the first one. The second one has Tommy who is actaully Billys father.

All in all I think this game is WELL worth the 10-20 bux it may cost you at this time. The story line is fantastic.

Call of Juarez is an old west shooter with depth of storyline, action, and scenery. The experience combines moments of intense gunfights and opportunities to sneak through them. What the characters lack in 21st Century technology, they make up for with simple and fundamental throttling of bad guys across the nose.
As Call of Juarez opens, Billy, one of the main characters, finds himself running for his life from the other main character, an obsessive Reverend. Billy is falsely accused of his parents death, a fugitive, and the dangerous Reverend seeks justice, on his terms. Billy is a skilled climber, and sneaky, but the Reverend is a seasoned gun with a killer haymaker. As Billy tries to avenge his parents death, and stay ahead of the Reverend, he finds himself on a treasure hunt, for the Gold of Juarez.
The landscape of the great frontier is an amazing backdrop. There are wonderful moments of exploring western range on horseback and enjoying the way it all looks around you as the sun sets. It's man vs. wild when you creep upon your prey, arrow pulled back in your bow, the rabbit never knew what hit him. The Reverend is fast with the gun in high stake duels, and good with boxes, easily stack objects and climb on things to create your own defensive spot to mow bad guys down from. At times the atmosphere is like Billy the Kid, surrounded and trapped in a lone house, and the only option is to plan..., then shoot your way out.
Feeling the revolver kick out lead, jumping on a horse, and tearing off across open fields never gets old. It would have been nice to spend more time in the saddle, and less on the old boots. The fist to fist combat is a brilliant change of pace. It's great to whack the guy with your left hook, then see an opening on the right and let him have it. I would have loved the chance to bloody some more noses, or play cards.
This game was everything I wanted in a western. Like "Gun", it's the sights, sounds, and cold steel that make it the wild west.

The shining moment of this game was the 'Bonus' missions. After finishing the single player campaign you will unlock 3 bonus missios. The graphics and game design are a little better than the main single player game. The bonus missions look more polished than the single player story. Other than that pretty much standard FPS action ,with some one on one duels Old West Style and some climbing and jumping with the Billy charachter. I beat this game in about 4 days, playing it for about 3 hours at a time give or take. It wasnt a horrible game, and the graphics arent that bad,but there is a problem with black shadows and white sunny areas.Something most Tv's can somewhat fix by adjusting contrast and in-game brightness level. Overall ,would I buy it? Not a chance .I Rented it and beat it before the rental was due. It was a nice change of scenery in the FPS realm though.Something different to experience. You play two charachters ,oNE IS an Indian/caucasian ,somehwhat stealthy sneak in the shadows player. And the other is a Preacher Hell bent delivering Justice w/ a revolver and a bible. You can duel weld weapons and both fire independently of each other LT/RT, respectively. You can even hold a bible in one hand and your charachter will read passages and the enemy will momemtarily pause, giving you ample time to pump em full of lead. But I never took advantage of this feature ,it was more of a novelty than a game requirement. The best feature of the game was the 'SLOW' time mode (like Matrix/Maxx Payne) , you can activate this mode and take out 2-3 enemies at a time,kinda kool. As a rental ,it is worth it if your a fan of FPS and jonesin for some gaming waiting for some betters shooters this Fall......HINT:HINT: spoiler alert !! To beat the final fight, (The guy that will stab Billy in the back). To kill the guy before he stabs Billy you will have literally a 'millisecond'to do this. As soon as you see the item boxes on screen after the cutscene . Pull back on right stick and push forward , youll enter the slow mo faze, then try to shoot the guy in the head but you dont have too to beat him. IT TOOK me about 15 tries to get as you dont have much time to do this move. Then after that congrats you beat the game ,now go play those 3 bonus missions, there a little better than the single player mode.(note) Initially only one bonus mission will unlock so you have to complete the 1st bonus mission to unlock the 2nd, and the 2nd to get the 3rd. Good Luck. PEACE.

I was eagerly waiting for "Call of Juarez" because it looked like it would be an updated, more freeform version of "Gun" from last year which I liked a lot, except that it was short, and much too linear, and thus, in my opinion not worth $60. Well this game is a tiny bit better as far as visuals, and a little more bloody (which I like; if you're playing a shooter, it's more realistic to have a HAVOC type engine with blood, ragdoll physics and so on, instead of the "enemy" just dropping where they are, and their body disappearing 20 seconds later). but it's too short, too linear, and in my opinion, not worth $60.

You play as 2 characters, sort of like in "The Getaway," but this is back in about 1870 so there are no cars to jack, the weapons are simple, and you don't have too many original things to do. The controls to me were awful; very confusing; I'd try to draw a gun, but bring out a Bible instead, now, I like the Bible, but it doesn't do much good when you bring a Bible to a gunfight, ha ha. The shooting part is frustrating; the enemies can take like 10 hits, unless you manage a head shot, but you can take about 4. You only have limited ammo; you can take guns off dead enemies, but they usually have less ammo than you did, because they shoot at you non stop, whether you are hiding are not, (and hit you sometimes at random, when they cant even see you, which SUCKS); and since headshots are hard to hit with the lousy controls, you have to use 7 or 8 shots to take an enemy down, so when you get to that big gunfight parts you will have like 5 bullets left and die quck. And unless you hide a lot and "rest" you will die, and reset a lot. The save system sucks; autosave at certain points, no quicksave.

The gameplay is disappointing; very linear. You can only go to certain areas. You can't shoot innocents (at least I was never able to), which I HATE in a shooter. "Freeform" games are supposed to give you the choice of being evil or not. A big part of that `is getting to kill innocents. If you cant do that, the game sucks, IMO. (I know, I'm bad, but thats my preference-I don't ALWAYS kill innocents I just like to know I CAN).

Gameplay is too short-not even 10 hours. Multiplayer didn't impress me. There's either no one else on line, or brats that think theyre playing Halo 2. This game is not recommended; especially at full price. If you're interested, get the demo first; you'll see a good sample of how the gameplay and controls are frustating (stupid me, I figured the full game would be better. I was mistaken). If you're still interested, RENT first. If you STILL want it, wait at least till the price drops DONT pay $60 for it.

NOT reccommeneded. If you want something like this "GUN" is a better game and is $19.95 now.