Darkwatch: Curse of the West (2005 Video Game) User Reviews

Darkwatch : A Vampiric Cowboy Adventure

[matthewbowles · 8/10 · 29 May 2006]

OK, this game HAS to be a movie. It caught my attention first at the Games Convention 2005 in Leipzig Germany. There was a wicked preview for about 2 min. Afterwards my head was filled with a wonderfully rich gunslinging-zombified world...vampire horses with red eyes and girls wrapped in extremely tight leather, wielding over-sized steampunk style sawed-off shotguns....

So the graphics aren't super rad (btw. I'm playing the XBOX-version) - but the gameplay is - and it keeps you playing with lovely little cutscenes and interesting story lines. I don't know if you could REALLY enjoy playing the game again - but the multiplayer options should give you some more FUN for your money.

Jericho should be played by Vincent Cassel and Tala could be played by Monica Bellucci. Though the voice acting is good and rich, dang, just talking about this game makes me want to play it again!

Cowboy and vampires? Interestin' concept

[Wolfdemon · 22 August 2005]

FPS (First Person Shooter) have been one of the pinnacles of video game success since Castle Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. But over the years, FPS games would sometimes re-use the same themes like WW2 and SciFi. FPS fans have been wanting something very new and if you're one of those fans then you're in for a rare treat. High Moon Studios' new FPS game, Darkwatch, blends spaghetti western and vampire horror into one interesting package. Here's my review on Darkwatch.

Plot: The game stars Jericho Cross, an outlaw/drifter looking for one last score. The train that our anti-hero is about to rob is really the property of an elite secret society known as the Darkwatch. Jericho unknowingly frees a sinister vampire king known as Lazarus Malkoth. Lazarus attacks Jericho and bites him, thus transforming him into a dhampir. Now Jericho must join the Darkwatch to save the Wild West and his own soul from the vampire curse, not to mention seek vengeance on Lazarus with his new vampire abilities. 5/5

Graphics: The graphics are breath-taking in this game. everything from weapons to the stitches on Jericho's gloves. The characters are very well detailed and high-res except for Jericho of course. Don't get me wrong, Jericho looks very awesome but he looks like a character straight out of a Frank Miller graphic novel. Other than that, Darkwatch is a graphical achievement. 4.5/5

Sound: the sound is very well done. The western theme music is very good and atmospheric in nature. The voice-actors did a very good job on their roles although Jericho doesn't speak but the old saying goes, "actions speak louder than words." Sounds of enemies losing body parts, explosions, and guns firing are worth hearing. 5/5

Gameplay: Darkwatch draws its inspiration from the Halo games such as carrying two weapons and the vampire shield but that doesn't detract the originality of the game. Jericho has a nice array of vampire powers like the vampire jump, the vampire shield, and the blood vision while most of the abilities are based on moral choices. Choosing which path Jericho will take will affect the outcome of the game. The controls of the game are slick and responsive and the AI exhibits a good amount of intelligence. 5/5

Capcom and High Moon Studios really crafted a truly unique game here. I know High Moon Studios will become the next id Software and continue to come up with more interesting ideas in the years to come.

Final Review: 5/5

Perfect Coming Together!

[lycanthropic_nerev · 10/10 · 13 October 2006]

Darkwatch is a perfect union between the Action, Horror, and Western genres. Aside from taking the best elements from all 3 (vampires, massive combat, and a good old-fashioned Mexican standoff) the unique plot and characters make this worth the money. Jehrico Cross, the ex-outlaw turned monster hunter after he is made a vampire. Cassidy Sharp, his helper (if he's "good"), Tala, an ambitious and cruel Darkwatch officer. Lazarus Malkoth, the vampire ancient who sired Jehrico, and the character who gives the game its subtitle, "Curse of the West." Replayability is good, as there are two ways Jehrico can lean. He can attempt to redeem himself and save his soul, or embrace the gift Lazarus forced on him. 10/10.

Best Shooting game of 2005 and all the time

[jakeplace-68368 · 10/10 · 25 March 2022]

It has great controlls and the best graphics.you play is jericho and then you kill the evil,I really enjoyed it forever. Best Original Xbox game ever.and Jennifer hale was in this game.

This is an awesome game.

[jacobjohntaylor1 · 10/10 · 3 January 2019]

This is one of the best video games ever. It is a great game. It is very scary. It has fast past action. It is of the best video game of all time. Play this game it is awesome.

The Curse Has Been Unleashed

[TEAQUIEMORO · 6/10 · 14 July 2006]

Wow, I mean wow this was actual good because the way I saw it was going to be similar to Resedent Evil 4 the game only worse but I got it. It was a story about a criminal who goes to the wrong train and unleashes Lazarus- king of hell with his army of the undead. And he has to kill them all with some help from Cassidy Sharp. Later on you will see some creepy ghouls and find Tala who works for Cartwright. Jarico soon meets him and helps him to kill Lazarus with back-up soldiers. And then when you kill him it doesn't stop because Tala becomes a Vampire after Jerico bites her and steals Lazarus powers and becomes the new leader. Plus in the game you get cool weapons, explosives, and a riding horse.

And the ending is sad and happy, sad by she dies in a sad way that I didn't want her to die. And happy because they lived in peace again, this was one cool horror western V.G. that I'd played and I will always play it.