The best thing about this game though, is the old West setting. It is not a common video game setting, and yet there have been some pretty awesome (and awful) titles over the years. Here is a list of some of my favorites:
Outlaws (1997) PC
Perhaps my favorite Western game, and easily one of the most overlooked. Outlaws first off and some excellent shooting, as it utilized the Jedi game engine (ala Dark Forces). It combined that action with awesome Morricone-esque music, dark, yet elegant animated cut-scenes and a classic Western story of revenge you can't help but get into. Plus I loved the multiplayer. This and X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter were my go to MP games in high school.
Alone in the Dark 3 (1995) PC, Mac
Perhaps not the first title one thinks of when looking for Western games, but a great title nonetheless. The AITD series of course helped pioneer the survival horror genre back in the early 90s and this was the last of the classic series. This time around Edward Carnby finds himself in the ghost town of Slaughter Gulch. Given where the previous entries in the series went (haunted mansion and haunted pirate ship) a haunted ghost town made perfect sense. Like the other original AITD games, this game had great atmosphere and was sufficiently creepy to make it fun.
Blood (1997) PC
Not really a classic Western game as much as it was a classic bloody shooter. It has a lot of fantasy elements, but if you were/are into early PC FPS games, this is a must play. The Western elements were still good nonetheless. I can't really say much about the setting or atmosphere other than the fact that I remember it being, well... violent.
Sunset Riders (1993) SNES (also arcade and Genesis)
Of course Sunset Riders is awesome! It followed in the tradition of other great Konami arcade titles and combined the look and feel of a beat 'em up with shmup action. I had this for the SNES as a kid and loved the arcade cabinet as well.
Red Dead Revolver (2004) PS2, Xbox
Of the various Western games that came out within the last 5 years (think Gun, Dead Man's Hand, Call of Juarez) this one was the best, but in some ways that isn't saying much (IMHO). It was basically a fun and short action title. The setting, controls, and music were all just right. But nothing really shines about this title. I have noticed that resale value has recently spiked up to $20-$30 for this game on eBay. Don't be suckered. It is good, but not at that price.
So that is my personal list. And no, I did not forget Oregon Trail. That game was classic only because it proved a diversion during computer class in grade school. I never loved it enough to lay down some clams for a copy. Share your opinions and personal favorites as well.
