Don't let Helldorado confuse you. Despite the snazzy new name sported by this real-time stealth strategy game set in the Wild West, this is actually the third release in the Desperados series from German developer Spellbound. As with many strategy sequels, don't expect to be treated kindly. Everything about this unbelievably hard tactical game assumes that you have logged serious hours with the previous two Desperados. If you haven't, then say howdy to big-time frustration. Every mission is so spectacularly grueling and the settings so thoroughly rigged against you that you feel like a guy with a broken hand drawing six-guns against Wyatt Earp. The extreme challenge is certain to drive away almost everyone but Desperados veterans itching for another fix and hardy Western aficionados willing to endure anything for a trip back in time.
The Good:
* Missions are numerous and huge
The Bad:
* Grueling difficulty
* Out-of-date visuals with some frame rate problems
* Not enough atmospheric audio or vocal cues from sentries
This Tuesday, two games were added to the OnLive PlayPack, Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals and Helldorado.
Gameplanet: "Helldorado is the sequel to Desperados, an action strategy game set to appeal to diehard fans of the franchise... for the rest of us however the game has one or two shortcomings which might be a deal breaker."
IGN writes: "If you're a fan of fast paced action, don't look here – Helldorado is much closer to an involved chess match where your players have to make specific moves to avoid being eliminated. With a heavy focus on stealth and strategy, but mired in trial and error that takes hours to gain any particular progress, Helldorado is only for the hardcore strategy fan that has a massive reservoir or patience. For others, this is a game that you may want to pass over for an easier tactical experience".
