Hard West 2 Reviews
Hard West 2 takes the familiar tactical strategy genre and gives it just enough twists to keep things interesting. It also boasts some great artwork and a better story than many of its genre compatriots. Unfortunately, several technical issues take off the shine of what could be a phenomenal game.
Although Hard West 2 delivers on some awesome visuals and sound design, its gameplay didn’t hook me and its characters never grew on me. For those looking to scratch the itch of a turn-based tactics game until a wave of games releases in the fall of 2022, then this could be right up your alley.
Overall, Hard West 2 has some interesting ideas but is ultimately held back in part because of a reliance on RNG mechanics that frustrates more than anything else. But a memorable cast of characters does save the game from being too one-dimensional… if you are willing to take the time to get to know your crewmates a little bit more. It’ll depend on your mileage but Hard West 2 does delivery where it counts, even if it has some additional luggage.
Hard West 2 has some refreshing ideas to consider, such as perks based on your deck of cards, and consistently refreshing action points by way of kills. Unfortunately, its over-reliance on a puzzle-like, kill-all-in-one-round concept also leads to a repetitive and tedious romp as time wears on.
Hard West 2 takes a fluid and action-focused approach to turn-based strategy that isn't as complex as its inspirations but is still plenty of fun.
Hard West 2 comes with an enjoyably aggressive twist on XCOM-like turn-based combat, and with a fun way of upgrading your characters alongside, but it's wrapped up in world exploration and characterisation that just leaves me wanting to get back in the fight. There's a lot of fun to be had in Hard West 2, even if it's not blowing minds as a complete package.
Hard West 2 has plenty of little annoyances, but it's a supernatural western tactics game with a lot of style and the substance to back it.
While I technically enjoyed Hard West 2, the onerous difficulty makes it hard to recommend.
The Wild West, spiced not only with gunslingers, but also with demons, has started its dangerous train and, even if with embarrassment, it is worth getting on it.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Hard West 2? More like 1.5 or perhaps an expansion with a new campaign and some improvements. It’s not a typical sequel or even a sequel at all. But maybe, if it works, there’s no point making changes?
Review in Polish | Read full review
With its interesting setting that combines the Old West with supernatural and occult elements and solid tactical turn-based combat with excellent pacing, Hard West 2 is a worthy purchase for fans of the genre. However, balancing issues, limited character customization, which force players to play in specific ways, and a general streamlining of the tactical combat experience make the game more shallow than expected, inevitably turning off some veterans of the genre.
I found it compelling. Even if you don’t like tactical combat, you have to admire something so completely insane and very much its own thing when the world is busy making roguelike soulslikes platformers. It’s also an excuse to buy a cowboy hat of your very own.
Hard West 2 is incredibly different from its predecessor and feels target towards the casual crowd, however even for turn-based strategy masters it's still an enjoyable experience for a fair price. You might want to wait for a few patches, though.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
The exploration is great, characters and interactions feel special, and left to your own detective skills in some cases to track down the next lead or find a wanted criminal. It’s a game that’s mission-based, but is a cohesive and streamlined to be really enjoyable and kinetic. While it puts the “hard” in hard west, it is a wholly satisfying combat experience. Bravado is going to be a mechanic we see with a different name but used the same across future turn-based RPGs. while not totally new, just remember that Hard West 2 is out here reminding everyone how great it is. Ice Code Games nailed this, and Hard West 2 is a paramount purchase for anyone who enjoys the wild west, supernatural, or turn-based strategy games.
Hard West II, just like the predecessor, is the living proof that there’s life after XCOM too. Although the game could do with a bit more weapons, in between the multiple abilities and poker cards system, it offers enough variation to warrant a full playthrough.
Held back by a few shortcomings, Hard West 2 is still one of the best tactics games in the genre.
Hard West 2 is a joyful tactical ride with a strong story and compelling characters.
Review in Russian | Read full review
A supernatural western turn-based RPG with solid narrative, combat, and some technical bumps.
Hard West 2 is a great game for skilled strategy fans. It has a mixture of familiar western elements and supernatural accents, an energetic narrative, and fun characters. While it’s a challenging game, Hard West 2 usually gives you the tools you need to succeed. You’ll need patience and determination, but then, life in the old west was hard.
Hard West 2 is a hardy, accomplished turn-based tactics game with several flashes of genius.