Dark Souls meets Weird West in Guns of Eschaton, and it's a refreshing FPS shake-up for the well-worn formula - even if it's a bit bloody hard

Guns of Eschaton is a unique and challenging first-person shooter that blends the Dark Souls formula with Weird West inspiration. The game, developed by Eschatology Entertainment, is the creation of Viktor Antonov, who is known for his work on games like Half-Life 2's City17 and Dishonored's Dunwall. Players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist who awakens in a ravine, starting their journey in the Old South, a desolate and eerie landscape filled with occult horrors.

The game's combat system is slower and more deliberate than other FPS games, focusing on the player's ability to manage their six-shooter, dash, and parry. This slower combat style requires players to think carefully about each move and strike, rather than simply firing off bullets recklessly. Additionally, each enemy in Guns of Eschaton has specific weaknesses, requiring players to aim for specific limbs in a particular order to maximize damage.

The game's inventory system is complex, with various items, ammo types, and upgrades that players will need to manage throughout their journey. These include gunpowder reserves, stamina, and the ability to parry and counter enemy attacks. The game also features campfires, where players can rest and recover, but upon death, enemies will respawn, forcing players to retry.

As players progress through the game, they will face increasingly challenging enemies and boss battles, each requiring careful planning and execution. The game's unique mechanics, like pinging bullets off environmental objects to auto-target enemies, will take some time for players to master. Despite the steep learning curve, Guns of Eschaton offers a fresh and engaging FPS experience that rewards patience and strategic thinking.