Fragments of metal flying at near liquefying speeds, guns steaming hot from spouting solid fire, explosions of red as a head disappears, and bodies falling like rain.

If you still don’t know what I’m talking about, “Red Dead Revolver” is all I have to say. This is one of the latest and greatest for the PS2 and it is the first of its kind. Rock Star Games did a real kick ass original job on this one, and it portrays a spaghetti western right down to the quality of film in the cinematics. This game could best be described as a third person shooter, but there are additional features that set it apart from all the others.

First of all, this game has two main modes, which are story adventure mode and showdown. In the adventure mode you go on a quest with Red as a bounty hunter, while meeting new people and learning town secrets along the way. Throughout the game you also control other characters in order to complete certain goals. Showdown mode is a multiplayer deathmatch where you can use anybody unlocked to duke it out in your choice of arenas. Personally I thought this mode was lacking in many ways, but then again I didn’t have many willing human opponents….. or should I say victims.

Occasionally while in the adventure mode you will come across bandits who will want to have a quickdraw with you. This feature is sweet, and most reminds me of the drag racing in Need for Speed Underground. There’s also a feature known as Dead Eye, in which the whole world slows down slightly so you can target multiple targets for quick and accurate shooting. You can also use your surrounding environment for cover and stealth. Along with the ability to take control of grounded chainguns and ride horses and trains, this game gives you a lot of control.

My favorite things about this game would have to be the look and feel. As I said before, this game portrays old spaghetti westerns. Momentary flashes of white fuzzes or lines going up and down, making cinematic scenes look perfect. Not only that, but the music is great. I would have to say that the songs were the best part, except of course the one that sounded like a Star Wars song.

Probably the only thing I didn’t like about this game was it was too short for me. This game was by no means impossible, but it wasn’t any cakewalk either. One thing I didn’t quite understand was the midget clowns, but I’m not complaining. The happiest clowns are the dead ones, so I enjoyed making those tiny (Halo alien sounding) clowns smile using my bullets.