Medieval GTA: Open-world action game on Steam for $5 instead of $25
Rustler (Grand Theft Horse) is a top-down open-world action game that playfully pays tribute to the classic Grand Theft Auto series, with a unique twist. Instead of tearing through modern cities, players find themselves in a wildly inaccurate medieval world where horses replace cars and absurdity reigns. You take on the role of Guy, a roguish outlaw navigating the chaos of medieval life with underhanded tactics, brawls, thefts and strange jobs. Missions vary from simple deliveries to all-out clashes with the law, all served with a healthy dose of humor.
Much like in GTA, Rustler offers a fully open world where you're free to follow the main story or just cause some mayhem – from horse races to arena brawls. The game leans into dark, often absurd humor, filled with pop culture references that intentionally clash with the medieval setting – think rap battles in chainmail or joke-filled posters straight out of modern times. Gameplay echoes the early GTA titles, with chaotic action, a wanted system featuring furious guards instead of police and a strong sense of freedom in a lawless, unpredictable world.
Reviews: Varied tasks and a lively game world, held back by imprecise controls
In its review, the German website GamersGlobal highlights Rustler for its imaginative quest design and lively, detailed world. The pacing is fast and fluid, with new quests, brawls and surprises constantly emerging, keeping the experience engaging. The humor, while always present, is described as well-balanced and not overdone. That said, the game isn't without issues. GamersGlobal notes occasionally awkward controls, some minor bugs and the absence of voice acting – replaced instead by stylized gibberish.
Rustler has earned a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam, based on over 1,000 user reviews – 79% of which are positive. However, the reception on Metacritic paints a less enthusiastic picture. Critics gave the game a Metascore of 59, while users rated it 5.3 – mainly due to technical issues and the aforementioned control problems. Another common criticism is the frequent comparison to GTA, with some feeling that Rustler doesn’t bring enough fresh ideas to truly stand out from its inspiration.
80% discount on Steam
Rustler typically sells for around $25 on Steam, but until April 7, it's available at an 80% discount for about $5. If you're unsure whether this medieval take on GTA is your thing, you can try out the free demo first to get a feel for the game.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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