If you’re tired of World War II settings and looking for a fresh alternative to Commandos, Desperados 3 could be just what you’re looking for. Its Wild West backdrop brings a unique twist to the genre and has earned widespread praise from both players and critics. The story serves as a prequel to the earlier games, following John Cooper on his hunt for the bandit Frank, who killed his father. According to German gaming magazine GameStar, the plot gets the job done but largely remains in the background.
At the heart of Desperados 3 lies its gameplay. Across 16 expansive missions, players command up to five distinct characters, each bringing unique abilities to the table. From Doc McCoy’s pinpoint shooting to Hector’s lethal bear traps and Isabelle’s mysterious voodoo powers, every character adds a new layer of strategy. According to GameStar, this variety keeps the experience fresh and engaging. A highlight is the Showdown Mode, which pauses time so you can plan each character’s actions in advance. Once executed, the moves unfold simultaneously, enabling impressive and highly satisfying tactical maneuvers.
GameStar also praised the game’s lively, responsive world. Enemies react to suspicious noises, civilians can raise the alarm and the environment often provides clever opportunities for distraction. All of this is wrapped in an authentic Western atmosphere, complete with detailed maps and a fitting soundtrack. With roughly 40 hours of playtime, four difficulty levels and multiple approaches to each mission, Desperados 3 delivers strong replay value.
Of course, Desperados 3 isn’t without flaws. Some cutscenes feel a bit stiff, enemy AI can act illogically at times and the absence of co-op or multiplayer may disappoint certain players. Even so, it stands out as a strong tactical experience, full of atmosphere and smart design choices that stealth strategy fans will appreciate. GameStar awarded it a solid 88 out of 100. On Metacritic, it holds a Metascore of 86 and a User Score of 8.2, while on Steam it fares even better with 96% positive reviews from nearly 15,000 players.
90% off on Steam for the first time
Desperados 3, developed by Mimimi Games and published by THQ Nordic in 2020, typically sells for around $40. While it has been discounted before, the discounts never exceeded 75% – until now. According to SteamDB, this is the first time players can pick up the tactical stealth game for just $4, with a 90% discount available until September 29. Desperados 3 is listed as “Playable” on the Steam Deck (currently about $440 on Amazon), making it a solid choice for gaming on the go.
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