Ray McCall uses his own cover system which can get annoying at times, having to clamber behind boxes, it's easier just to duck and cover while you wait for your health to regenerate. Thankfully, the combat in the game isn't actually that bad. Using your western era arsenal to take down your enemies can become quite fun, with Thomas' rifle and Ray's dual pistols, the combat is satisfying enough to make it last the game and keep you entertained, even spurring you on to play it again with the other character.
The games computer controlled enemies make for some decent foes. But with overpowered snipers who camp on the rooftops, it's pretty difficult to make it through even if you use Thomas and his rifle. Another problem with your AI brother can be his stupidity often causing his own death. You have to baby sit him watching your own health and keeping tabs on him, because if he dies, you're in for a reload which can get quite tedious when you're playing like a pro and you're brother thinks he's playing Duck Hunt. The overzealous snipers and your Duck Hunting brother shouldn't pose much of a problem on the easy and medium difficulties, but for anyone who really fancies a challenge will up the difficulty, but for first time players and the first person shooter veterans we wouldn't suggest you start on this because it can really take the enjoyment out of the game, after getting frustrated from either you getting killed, or your brother doing it for you.
What is a huge letdown however is that any sort of co-op was removed from Bound in Blood, since the two brothers share near enough the same storyline, it could have been a great addition playing with a friend, similar to how Army of Two works, but for some reason the developers either didn't think of implementing it, or never had the budget, co-op could of been a huge boost for this game. The game does come shipped with a competitive multiplayer mode for 12 players though, both online and locally. The multiplayer aspect of Bound in Blood is a little more in depth with your chosen character over the single player game, mainly due to the different classes you can choose and each having its own perk, however, you can switch classes during matches which keeps things fresh and entertaining. Bound in Blood comes with eight maps and five different game modes from the usual Deathmatch to VIP Team Deathmatch so there is plenty to keep you going online. One of the main attributes to playing online is the ability to unlock the extra classes which you can play against your opponents. Earning money from participating in ranked matches will net you the extra classes which have their own gear and abilities for you to use.
Graphics and sound in Bound in Blood are of particular interest. The game boasts some strong visuals which give a sense of depth to this western style game. From a variety of dusty Mexican villages, to ghost towns, deserts and forests, it's a nice variety from staring at sand constantly which is common among the Wild West - (if you didn't already know), with a great art style between loading screens it certainly makes up for not having full on CG or in-game cut scenes. The characters voices have some top notch voice acting to boot, adding to the depth and feel to the Wild West, though sometimes it does come across like some of the actors are trying a little too hard but this can be forgiven since the two brothers voices are believable and add scope to the good story and backdrop plus with great sound effects which really provide a sense of realism for the Wild West period, any western fan shouldn't find themselves disappointed with Bound in Blood.
Call of Juarez Bound in Blood is leaps and wonders over its original, providing some cinematic Hollywood like experiences, exciting gameplay and Cowboy showdowns. Although the game is slightly let down by some weak AI in places, the game is fun and different from the usual, providing a good multiplayer experience though lacking in co-op, don't let this put you off purchasing it at all. So if you're thinking of picking it up, you shouldn't need to hesitate before laying down your hard earned cash on this great Wild West shooter.
