Undead West

A small rougelike that's fun to play for a bit. Can be challenging to get used to, plus a little buggy, but it has that small indie game flair that's nice to play every once in a while.

Fun game with real potential, but could definitely use some improvements here and there. One of which being a feedback option in-game to report issues.

Undead West, developed by Deathless Games and published by Retrovibe, is a top-down roguelite shooter that fuses supernatural Western aesthetics with fast, bullet-heavy combat. The premise is immediately evocative: a lone gunslinger, slain in a duel, is dragged back from the afterlife by Death itself and tasked with harvesting souls to repay the debt of resurrection. This framing sets a bleak, stylish tone and gives purpose to the endless cycle of death and rebirth that defines the game’s structure, even as the focus remains firmly on action rather than elaborate storytelling.
Moment to moment, Undead West is all about movement, positioning, and survival under constant pressure. Levels are procedurally arranged, throwing players into compact arenas filled with enemies that spew projectiles in dense, overlapping patterns. Combat demands sharp reflexes and spatial awareness, as standing still for even a second can quickly lead to being overwhelmed. The gunplay feels punchy and deliberate, with a wide selection of weapons that meaningfully change how encounters unfold. Revolvers favor precision and timing, shotguns excel at close-range crowd control, rifles reward careful positioning, and more exotic tools like bows or heavy weapons add variety and risk-reward tradeoffs. Choosing the right weapon for your playstyle becomes crucial as difficulty escalates.
The roguelite loop is reinforced by a steady drip of progression between runs. Souls collected during each attempt serve as currency to unlock new weapons, buffs, and passive upgrades back at the hub. This meta-progression helps soften the game’s harsh difficulty curve, ensuring that even failed runs contribute to long-term growth. Temporary power-ups, often delivered through themed items like whiskey infusions, add bursts of momentum during combat, granting short-lived bonuses that can save a run in dire moments. These systems encourage experimentation, pushing players to try different builds rather than relying on a single optimal strategy.
Boss encounters are a defining feature of the experience, punctuating each region with intense, pattern-driven fights that demand mastery of dodging and timing. These battles shift the focus away from crowd management and toward learning attack sequences, reading telegraphs, and maintaining composure under pressure. While some encounters can feel punishing—especially early on when upgrade options are limited—they reinforce the game’s core identity as a skill-centric shooter where improvement comes through repetition and familiarity rather than brute force alone.
Visually, Undead West stands out through its moody pixel art and high-contrast presentation. The environments are drenched in shadow, punctuated by bright enemy attacks and muzzle flashes that keep action readable even during chaotic firefights. This noir-inspired look suits the supernatural Western theme well, giving the world a grim, otherworldly feel without sacrificing clarity. Animation is crisp and functional, prioritizing responsiveness over spectacle, while the sound design complements the visuals with sharp gunfire, ominous effects, and a soundtrack that underscores the tension without overwhelming the senses.
That said, the game is not without rough edges. Balance can occasionally feel uneven, with certain enemy combinations or projectile patterns creating spikes of difficulty that verge on unfair. Early runs, in particular, may feel restrictive before a meaningful selection of weapons and upgrades has been unlocked, which can test patience for players new to the genre. The narrative, while thematically strong, remains largely in the background, offering atmosphere rather than deep character development or plot progression.
Ultimately, Undead West succeeds by committing fully to its identity as a relentless, skill-driven roguelite shooter. Its blend of Western imagery, supernatural flair, and bullet-hell intensity creates a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from more conventional entries in the genre. While it may not appeal to players seeking story-heavy experiences or forgiving difficulty, it offers a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy mastering tight combat systems through repetition and adaptation. For fans of roguelites and top-down shooters who appreciate style, tension, and the thrill of narrowly surviving overwhelming odds, Undead West delivers a grim and satisfying ride through a haunted frontier.
Rating: 6/10

Genuinely amazing work, I haven't had this much fun with a game in a while.
The Endless New Game+ is also incredibly thrilling.
I posted my screenshots on the Community Hub and posted a discussion with some (questionable quality) videos.

Good

this game is really fun and i love it