Red Dead Redemption 

Of course no list of games where you can be a gunslinger would be complete without Rockstar’s western epic, Red Dead Redemption. The tale of John Marston takes the best elements of the open worlds that Rockstar is so good at making, and gave it one of the classic Clint Eastwood style stories of revenge and well…redemption, and that glorious combination is what makes the game so beloved. It’s only here on the list because of just how obvious it is.

Star Citizen

Star Citizen is going to be amazing…when it’s finally done. Imagine a huge open universe to explore with large space ships (which you can captain), first person shooter levels with zero gravity, unique planets with their own culture and laws and of course, the freedom to do whatever. That’s not even taking the single-player component Squadron 42 into account which boasts hours of story and features high profile actors like Mark Hamill and Gillian Anderson.

Remember that Western MMO inspired by Red Dead Redemption that was seemingly in closed alpha? The developer has confirmed that Wild West Online is now available in Early Access as a beta. Keep in mind that all the content that should be in the final product isn’t currently there.

What’s there is the first iteration of the progression system and some character customization. Players will also be able to partake in some quests and missions along with player vs. player combat. If you want to hop into the Early Access build, then you can purchase any of the three different packs which cost $35, $59 and $94. Along with instant access, you’ll also receive a Steam key for the full game.

Wild West Online is meant to release later this year for PC. Though the lack of a PC version for Red Dead Redemption 2 motivated its development, the actual game also takes inspiration from HBO TV series Westworld as per developer Stefan Bugaj.

612 Games’ Wild West Online, which many have considered to be the Red Dead PC game we never got, will be going into closed alpha on September 15th. The action MMO has three different editions available for purchase but only the Pioneer and Collector Editions will offer access to both the closed alpha and closed beta. Discounts are on offer and while there will be discounts during the actual closed alpha, they won’t be as significant.

The closed alpha will include a large map for players to run around with PvE missions and combat against other players as well. There’s not much more we know about it at this point but if you want to team up with friends on PC and run around in the Wild West, battling outlaws and riding horses, then it may be worth checking out.

612 Games chief creative officer Stephan Bugaj noted that,  “It’s been a whirlwind since we revealed Wild West Online and everyday our fans are asking when they can jump into the game. We’re thrilled to soon give PC gamers an initial taste of the western game that both they and ourselves have been waiting for.”

Check out details on all three editions below.

Townie Edition – £19.99

• Pre-release Access
  • Steam Key upon Steam Release
  • Access to Closed Beta
• In-game Content
  • Storage space slots

Pioneer Edition – £39.99

• Pre-release Access
  • Steam Key upon Steam Release
  • Access to Closed Beta
  • Access to Closed Alpha
• In-game Content
  • In-Game Account Badge – Pioneer
  • Treasury Notes – 250
  • Storage space slots – 250
  • Garment Bags – 10
  • Gun Engraving Stencils – 5
  • Small Land Plot Deed – 1

Collector Edition – £59.99

• Pre-release Access
  • Steam Key upon Steam Release
  • Access to Closed Beta
  • Access to Closed Alpha
  • Early Access to Closed Beta
  • Early Access prior Game Release
• In-game Content
  • In-Game Account Badge – Trailblazer
  • Treasury Notes – 1,250
  • Storage space slots – 500
  • Garment Bags – 25
  • Gun Engraving Stencils – 10
  • Small Land Plot Deed – 2
  • Large Land Plot Deed – 1

Wild West Online definitely looks interesting. A lot of people are on the fence about it, while still others are eagerly looking forward to playing it, but there’s no denying that the idea of having an MMO set in an open world wild west is an interesting one. Whether or not it can be properly executed is an entirely different question. Obviously, given its setting, a great deal of people having been comparing the game to Red Dead Redemption, and Wild West Online’s own developer seems to have confirmed that the game was indeed an influence on them.

Stefan Bugaj recently spoke with IGN and confirmed that the idea for the game was influenced by HBO’s newest wild west TV show, Westworld, as well as by the lack of a PC version for Red Dead Redemption 2. “We were inspired by Westworld and the impending not-coming-to-PC Red Dead Redemption 2,” Bugaj said. “Westerns started coming back. So we thought [the game] would fill a fun unfulfilled gaming desire in the community.”

There’s no denying that there is indeed a market for well-made western games on all platforms, PC included. However, it seems unlikely that a PC version of Red Dead Redemption 2 will never be released. We recently wrote a report about this. You can read about it here.

612 Games caused a stir several months ago with Wild West Online when a “leaked” screenshot led many to believe it actually being Red Dead Redemption 2. However, we finally get a look at how the actual gameplay for the MMO looks. At least, the pre-alpha gameplay. Check it out below.

The footage showcases the combat, activities and environments and there’s a real Red Dead vibe behind it all. At this point, it looks pretty good but we’ll have to wait to see how Wild West Online actually runs before drawing any conclusions.

Wild West Online can actually be pre-ordered to gain access to the closed alpha and beta. Pre-order bonuses will include saddle, weapon and horse skins, with the offer ending on July 20th. What are your thoughts on the pre-alpha footage and how the game is shaping up? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more information on the game in the coming months.