The West Review

In The West each player begins as an adventurer with the option to work their way up to soldier. Your objective is to establish yourself in the new frontier. Accepting quests and odd jobs help you earn money to move up the ranks. Players stop by the saloon to visit Henry Walker the barkeeper. He hands out various quests or temporary work assignments. These tasks can include defeating Double-Face Jules in a duel, picking tobacco, or helping out a fellow pioneer in need. Every completed battle or quest increases your skill level. Players can also collect clothing items, firearms, and cash during their adventure. The gameplay is fun but the jobs require lengthy time allotments before moving on. Players can send telegrams to others and level up to running a town.

The simulated graphics are all nicely done. Each image depicts an animated version of a western frontier scene. Brawls and duels feature a vivid re-enactment with hand movements, smoke effects, and firearm sounds. It adds a nice virtual world feel to the tough western aspect of the game.The West is a text based so the sound is minimal. This doesn't take away from the overall look of the game. Character images appear alongside each descriptive task. During duels players can hear authentic sounding gunshots that add to the cowboy inspired theme. There is also an option to mute the occasional gunshot sound for players who prefer the silence.

Overall The West is a great game. Although, the gameplay can be a bit slow for some gamers taste it's still entertaining for a text-based game. This game is somewhat similar to the popular Oregon Trails series. The MMO community is filled with fellow western lovers that you can send messages to via your dashboard area. Purchase guns, duel, brawl in the saloon, or start your own town.

The West is perfect for those older gamers who loved the original PC game Oregon Trails. Players adventure into the vast western frontier for a journey beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This game is loads of fun. Click and explore part of American history.

If you happen to be a history buff or ever secretly wished to be a cowboy The West is for you. Hit the dusty trails and make a home for yourself in rugged Wild West.