2023’s Best Shooter Gets a Killer Sequel — And You Can Play Right Now
El Paso, Elsewhere 2 just got its first demo ahead of Steam Next Fest, and it signals another fierce shooter.
In 2023, the indie game "El Paso, Elsewhere" struck gold as a Max Payne-inspired vampire shooter, launching an eclectic studio into the spotlight. The success of the game caught the attention of actor LaKeith Stanfield, who was later chosen to star in its movie adaptation, set to release in 2024. This was no coincidence, as Strange Scaffold, the game's developer, is set to return to its universe next year with "El Paso, Elsewhere 2," slated for release in 2027 on Windows PC and Xbox Series X. The sequel aims to build upon the original's foundations while introducing some fresh twists.
Starting today, players can test their skills in a free PC demo, available ahead of Steam Next Fest. The sequel retains the original's low-poly art style, a homage to the PlayStation 2 era. However, it has shed a troublesome trench coat that caused technical issues in the first game. The original's claustrophobic setting has been replaced by a sprawling swamp where players can move freely and perform new acrobatic vampire moves, like a double jump.
The game has taken inspiration from classic titles like Quake, Castlevania, and Resident Evil 4, adding new elements such as zombies, witches, and an expanded arsenal of firearms.
For the sequel, the team has focused on utilizing all of James Savage's tools more effectively. He's no longer dependent on pills to heal and now has access to a glass stake that can turn monsters into "Capri Suns." The game's level design has also been streamlined, with a reduced number of levels to ensure each one offers something unique. Strange Scaffold's long-term partnership with publisher Frosty Pop has allowed them to focus on a more refined project, with the hope of avoiding any further attempts at a sequel.
The sequel will keep the satire of the original's fictional radio program, "Pill Cop," which satirized classic cop stories like Max Payne. The story will see Savage confronting a hostage situation with a Victorian orphan. With the free demo now available, players can experience these new features before the full game's release in 2027 for Windows PC and Xbox Series X.
Written by urgent.news from Polygon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
