Sony’s PSP was treated like the stepchild of handhelds. No one, including Sony, really put any effort into giving the system some amazing PSP only titles. Instead, we got ports, remakes, and shovelware. Now, don’t get me wrong, some of these remakes and ports were pretty darn amazing. And it’s nice to have them on the go, but Sony never delivered on the Nintendo DS killer.
Gun was originally released in 2005 as a launch title for the Xbox 360. In 2006 Sony decided to release a port of this game on the PSP called Gun: Showdown. They added a few new features for interested gamers. Rebellion brought this port to the PSP and they didn’t do too terrible of a job.
About The Story
The story is the same as the initial launch. You play as Colton White and get dragged into some Wild West violence. This violence eventually gets your father killed and the steamboat you are currently a passenger of destroyed. Before your father, Ned, dies he tells you to find a whore named Jenny in Dodge City; he also tells you that he’s not your pa. This sets Colton’s whole adventure in motion. You must find Jenny and find out what she knows about your past all while trying to stay alive in a land of vicious killers, Indians. This original story by Randall Jahnson is one of the better ones to come out of Activision. I suggest a playthrough with this classic title, just for the story alone.
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The Voice Acting
One thing about Activision is that they do like to throw money at games to make them pretty top notch. Gun and Gun: Showdow are no different. This game must have had a huge voice-over budget. As I was playing I knew I recognized some of the voices. But then I looked it up to make sure. The first Punisher himself, Thomas Jane takes on the role of Colton White. Ned is played by Blade’s buddy Kris Kristofferson two damn good actors lending their voice to this game is pretty sweet. However, they aren’t the only ones, Ron Perlman, Lance Henriksen, and Tom Skerritt also are part of the cast.
The Graphics
The PSP’s graphics are also nothing to shake a stick at. Once I found out the game was a port I compared the Xbox 360 and PSP graphics. There really wasn’t THAT big of a difference. There was some slowdown on the PSP, but if that’s the only way you can play this game you should. I would suggest the Xbox 360 version, but if you don’t have one the PSP is the way to go.
The Controls
The controls are kind of tough on the PSP since it doesn’t have a second thumbstick. But I got the hang of them pretty quickly. Obviously, thumbstick is move Colton. The face buttons move the camera, this is difficult. But I played some Siphon Filter on the PSP so I returned to my groove pretty fast.
Right Trigger is draw weapon and it is also fire, to holster your weapon you have to press down on the D-pad and press X. Pressing up on the D-pad is quick-draw, this allows you to slow time and take kill shots at your foes. If you get shot up pretty bad press right on the D-pad. Your whiskey bottle will empty a bit and refill your health. If your pistol is not the weapon for the job press left on the D-pad to cycle through your current weapons.
Mini-Games
The additions to the PSP version aren’t the greatest additions to a port that I’ve seen. You get a bunch of mini-games. If you can’t defeat the first challenge in the first mini-game you’ll never be able to continue. You can hunt quail, bears, play some Texas Hold ’em, or even fight off hoards of criminals in quick bursts in case you don’t have time to jump into the main campaign of the game.
Multiplayer
You also get some multiplayer options should you have friends with this game or you happen to find me playing online. There are three for your enjoyment the common Deathmatch, an interesting one named Golden Cross where you win if you hold the Cross the longest in the match, and of course, some more Texas Hold ’em. Not the best additions, but obviously not the worst.
I enjoyed replaying this game on my PSP, it wasn’t as epic as the first time I played it, but it was still a fun experience. If you really want to get the full effect of this 2005 game I would go the route of the Xbox 360, not only will you be getting the best graphics Gun has to offer, you’ll also get those precious Achievements. This is a great game to go back to should you be pining for Red Dead Redemption 2; I know this title isn’t as epic as Rockstar’s series, but it really is a fun game that lets you be a cowboy. Pick this up if you like the Wild West and shooting your old revolver at bandits and Indians, you won’t regret it.
Gun: Showdown
Pros
- Western Americana fun on the go
- Great voice acting
- The story is a great Western tale
Cons
- Controls are hard to master
- The portable "additions" aren't amazing
- Graphics get a bit choppy now and then during cut-scenes
