Summary
From the escapades of the rag-tag crew of the Serenity in the cult-classicFireflyto the dogged bounty-hunting ofCowboy Bebop, the sci-fi western provides a unique combination of frontier action, adventure, and fantasy. The blend is one that’s proven wildly popular, both with the aforementioned examples and with more recent sci-fi, such asThe Mandalorian.
Video games have taken this genre and run with it in many ways, offering a great variety of swashbuckling adventures across the stars or otherwise. From managing a colony on a hostile frontier planet to gun-fighting with steampunk robots, there’s something herefor every sci-fi western fan.
Rebel Galaxyis a fast-paced adventure through space with a swashbuckling spirit, focusing its efforts on atmosphere and action over simulation. With its bluesy soundtrack and frontier setting,Rebel Galaxyis perfect for fans of science-fiction such asFireflyand space westerns as a whole.
Thecombat is particularly unique, offering explosive broadside battles with a variety of spaceships. It’s the visceral nature and frequency of these battles, as well as the game’s adventurous spirit, that allows it to stand out.
SteamWorld Heistcombinestypical steampunk imagerywith a space western look and feel. The game’s unique character designs and colorful neon visuals do a lot for the overall atmosphere, butSteamWorld Heistis elevated by its gun-slinging combat system.
InSteamWorld Heist, players must contend with enemies in tight, claustrophobic firefights. While turn-based and tactical, these gunfights are made expressive by allowing players to manually aim their shots, even providing the ability to bounce bullets for trick-shots.
Sporting more ofa spaghetti westernfeel than anything else, this pulpy space western is slick with its visual style.Wild Bastardsis a roguelite, but it remains an experience that excels with its atmosphere, thanks in large part to its creative character designs, stylized visuals, and evocative soundtrack.
Gameplay combines tabletop-esque node exploration with frantic gunfights, butWild Bastardsis elevated by the variety of its characters. These heroes, numbered thirteen, are immensely diverse, facilitating different play-styles with their unique weapons and abilities.
Taking place in a veritable dust bowl rife with dangerous outlaws,Stranger’s Wrathis a decidedly western experience. However, the variety of alien characters and steampunk technology they wield give it a unique look and tone.
While its setting and overall atmosphere make foran immersive backdrop,Stranger’s Wrathexcels primarily with its gameplay. Combining typical 3D platforming with dynamic action sequences,Stranger’s Wrathis able to stand out from the crowd, especially so with its live ammunition system, which has players collecting various critters to fire from a powerful crossbow.
With itspost-apocalyptic wasteland settingand retro-futurism,Fallout: New Vegascontinues its series' trend of quirky technology and mutated creatures. However,New Vegasadds a decidedly western twist with its desert setting.
The wild nature of the post-nuclear Mojave Desert and the dangerous factions and outlaws that roam it makeNew Vegasperfect for fans of the Wild West. Furthermore, the nostalgic sci-fi imagery and unconventional technology that frequents its desert expanses present a unique landscape to explore.
RimWorldis a comparatively accessiblesci-fi colony-simwith a space western setting akin toFirefly, with influences from works such asDunethrown in for good measure. The outer-rim setting and frequently low-tech weaponry are particularly reminiscent of westerns, butRimWorldis packed with alien creatures and powerful technology that pushes it firmly into the realm of sci-fi.
Deeply mechanical and heavily simulated,RimWorldis also able to offer an immersive experience despite its minimalist visuals. Elevating the overall experience is an atmospheric soundtrack that sets the mood with a combination of alien, electronic sounds and spaghetti western stings.
From the minds ofFalloutpioneers Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky,The Outer Worldscombines theimmersive RPG gameplayof games such asFallout: New Vegaswith a space western setting similar to that ofFirefly. However,The Outer Worlds’colorful world design, quirky characters, and unique humor allow it to stand out both as a game and as a setting.
The Outer Worldsexcels with its adventurous spirit, allowing players to explore multiple planets and locations with their own distinctive look and feel. However, it’s the game’s characters and, more specifically, the variety of companions, that make it a particularly immersive RPG.
