We’re big fans of Max Payne here at Cultured Vultures, so naturally when indie gaming’s resident madlads Strange Scaffold announced they’d be making a Max Payne inspired shooter called El Paso, Elsewhere, our excitement levels went into overdrive. After finally getting hands-on with a demo of the game, we were right to be excited, as there’s every chance that El Paso, Elsewhere could become 2023’s sleeper hit.
You play as James Savage, a pill-popping bullet slinger with the same penchant for self-narration as the NYC detective he’s based upon. Inside a remote motel outside of El Paso, Texas, Draculae has started a ritual that’ll flood the world with way too many supernatural nasties, so Savage has armed himself with weapons and a heavy pharmaceutical cocktail that’ll give him the strength he needs to save the world from his vampire ex-girlfriend. This’ll probably be a one way trip, but if you’re going down, you’re going down swinging.
Well, shoot-dodging, more accurately.
El Paso, Elsewhere takes a lot of cues from those earlier Max Payne titles, with its intentionally low-poly aesthetic and level design that feels like those nightmare levels from MP1 turned up to 11. In the demo we played, sometimes it can be a bit hard to tell where you’re meant to be going, especially during one moment where the lights go out and all the monsters come out to play, but for the most part, the aesthetic choice works in the game’s favour. The soundtrack is also incredible, ranging widely from doom-infused synth to hip hop without skipping a beat.
It’s the gameplay though where El Paso, Elsewhere really managed to shine, at least during the demo. The game operates like you’d expect from something trying to emulate the feel of classic Max Payne, with plenty of slow motion shoot-dodging against the creatures of the night. Adding this supernatural element to the mix actually elevates the slow motion shoot-dodging too, as you can create some incredibly cinematic moments of you blowing a werewolf’s head off as you’re both in mid-air. It also helps that the weapons themselves feel powerful, with the Cavalry shotgun being a huge highlight. Sending enemies flying across the room won’t get old.
Strange Scaffold have also attempted to add their own spin on the Max Payne formula, which adds to El Paso, Elsewhere’s charm. Along with shoot dodge, there’s a roll ability that lets you avoid attacks or find secret areas in the levels, giving the game some added depth. Meanwhile, you can one hit kill enemies with stakes if you’re in melee range, though the melee felt a bit unresponsive during play. It feels like you’re in the enemy’s damage range before your own melee range, meaning you take damage for no reason. Either way, the fact that you replenish stakes by breaking wooden objects is a lovely touch.
While there might be a few minor flaws here and there, the demo for El Paso, Elsewhere still points to an incredibly enjoyable shooter from one of the most unpredictable studios in gaming right now. All eyes are on the end of the year now to see if the game can stick the landing, or if it’ll be crumpled up in the corner after a shoot dodge gone wrong.
READ MORE: Max Payne 3 | Games To Play Before You Die
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.
