Westerns in Online Video Games
Despite a definite decline in public interest in Western films, this has had little effect on the popularity of video games and free slot games of the same theme. There are many game developments offering to travel back in time to the Wild West, to feel like a real cowboy, sheriff, or outlaw bandit. Almost every year leading companies release from steampunk to action and strategy, but always with the Western.
Previously demanded excessive cruelty and a sea of blood is no longer in trend, but the player opens up many opportunities in other directions: to develop battle tactics, develop their own lands, think through a turn-based strategy, to go on exciting adventures through the deserted prairies.
We bring to your attention the most outstanding video games and slots that are admired by a wide audience.
Top 5 Western-themed video games
This selection includes both new and early developments that have become iconic in the world of genre inspiring developers to create new masterpieces.
Red Dead Revolver
The open world of the game is similar to GTA, only here the player will travel on horseback, wearing boots with cowboy spurs. The maximum balance between storytelling and action, which the development company Rockstar managed to achieve, ensured a stable long-term demand and a logical continuation in the next two parts.
The Oregon Trail
The pixel graphics of the game did not spoil it at all, and even, on the contrary, added to the curiosity of gamers and its further popularity. The 8-bit development was created back in 1974, and it is still popular today, especially when considering the increased interest in pixels. The journey along the famous American Trail will be filled with adventures and challenges that players need to go through together. The game includes educational elements but it did not make the game lose its charm.
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
One of the games in the series that particularly stands out among the others for its kind of insanity. The idea of the game is that you have to lead Wanderer, the character, through all the adventures and dangerous places to the bounty hunters. You can play both third-person and first-person options switching views at any time. The development of Oddworld Inhabitants has received many positive reviews from critics and gamers for:
- good draughtsmanship of weapons;
- ammunition;
- lively locations;
- engaging gameplay.
Wild West Online
Here the player has unlimited possibilities in the development of events. Whether you want to loot, kill, or extract resources on your own, no one is stopping you from choosing the strategy and traveling the open world. Multiplayer mode enables you to communicate with other users by teaming up.
No desire to constantly wander the world? No problem – you can start your own farm and develop it, or go to the mine. But remember that there will be a lot of people who want to take away your belongings, so there’s always something to do.
A couple of years ago, 612 Games, the developer, uploaded Wild West Online on Steam, which pleased a large army of fans. The game was released in 2017 and remains at the peak of popularity.
West of Loathing
A parody game in primitive drawn graphics has caused quite a stir among gamers. In spite of all its outwardly plain appearance, it includes many quests, tasks, and requires the use of tactical skills. People without a sense of humor have nothing to do here, otherwise, the crazy dialogues without any meaning, the rampant drunkenness of the main character will not be appreciated at the proper level.
The game was released in 2017. The developer is Asymmetric. Players are in for a real crazy adventure, with irony, sarcasm, jokes, and turn-based battles.
Online slots inspired by the Wild West
The gambling industry is not behind in the release of products inspired by the Wild West, fueling interest gamblers with generous bonuses and one-of-a-kind characters. The most renowned brands such as NetEnt, BGAMING, and others present their unique developments with all the relevant attributes – revolvers, whips, boots, and stetsons – they can be used to collect prize combinations and get free spins.
Van Der Wilde and the Outlaws
The video slot by iSoftBet, presented in October 2021 demonstrates a typical cowboy theme with the heroes of his time. The five reels arranged in three rows have all the symbols that confirm – the machine was inspired by the Wild West.
Spinning reels, the player can get acquainted with the four main characters, which are the most expensive symbols:
- Mad Dog;
- Buffalo Butch;
- Bonnie Cassidy;
- Van Der Wilde.
The game logo Outlaws Wild in a standard combination acts as the wild. To increase the amount of prize money, wild expands to the whole vertical replacing any other icons, and if there are three or more symbols, it works as a scatter. When you get scatter icons in three positions on the field at the same time, they trigger 8 free spins. The RTP of 96% with high variance and maximum winnings of x8,827 attract the riskiest players.
Money Wagon
The new product by Flipluck was released in 2021. The RTP of 94.58% and low volatility point out at profitable spins with minimal risk, which is suitable for hasteless gamblers who play at small bets of 0.6 euros. The Western-themed slot is filled with cowboy symbols:
- bags of gold;
- dynamite;
- interesting characters and other artifacts.
The action takes place against the backdrop of a train traveling across the prairies. The playing field is on the carriage. Collecting the same symbols on five reels in three rows, the player receives the winning number corresponding to the payout table.
The player has to protect the valuable cargo from the outlaws receiving a generous payout for the most expensive symbols. Collecting a complete chain of bonus symbols can bring x1,000 of the bet.
Wanted Dead or a Wild
Another interesting western-themed slot by Hacksaw Gaming. The slot has a 5×3 grid with 15 paylines. The classic gameplay is complemented by profitable multipliers that can be added up to x100.
The slot displays a given theme very clearly; the reels have a lot of attributes that make it easy to recognize the genre of a harsh western: whiskey bottles, hats and scarves, a sheriff’s badge, and much more. By adding them to the active lines (there are 15 of them in the game), the player receives a well-deserved reward, which is instantly transferred to the bankroll.
There is everything required for dynamic spins – acceleration of spins, duel with rivals, bonus games, all that remains is to press the start button and enjoy the gameplay.
Dead or Alive
Having become iconic, the slot remains at the peak of popularity for several years after the release. In the classic western, you can earn up to 886,800 coins, which is rather a rare occurrence, and it attracts gamblers from all over the world. The playing field is set against the backdrop of a small town with a tavern and a windmill, and the reels are on the porch of the house.
Every detail corresponds to the set genre. The slot atmosphere is dark, and dangerous, which makes it even more impressive. It immerses you in the game with your head. Winning combinations are valid from left to right. The sheriff’s badge is the most valuable symbol.
In general, the slot is dedicated to the search for criminals, so the sheriff himself is in the foreground. A wanted notice is a wild sign that can make combinations by itself or help other simple symbols in this. The scatter – two revolvers – gives you access to 12 spins, during which you can earn a substantial amount from sticky wilds and other valuable signs