Wild West Survival Tactics

Published June 21, 2007

Call of Juarez™ for Xbox 360™ is a no-frills, intelligently designed, classic Western shooter that requires both a quick trigger finger and a bit of forethought to achieve success. Anyone can plow through a level after endless deaths and retries, but consider the following tips, and you'll find your dusty path much easier and a lot more fun.

The rifle's a must for long distance shooting.

Step Softly
When playing as Billy, your primary choice during each level is when, where, and how you're going to engage the enemy. However, unless there's no other option, you would do well to always slink by in the dark, unnoticed. Billy simply doesn't have the all-out-assault skill of the Reverend, and is far better off being played primarily as a stealth character.

Concentration Mode
Reverend Ray's ability to slow down time for precision shooting may be the single most useful ability in Call of Juarez, but keep the following in mind to reach this power's full potential:

• Always holstered: Always keep your dual pistols holstered between gunfights. Engaging Concentration Mode requires that your guns be holstered.
• One shot each: In order to save your ammo and preserve your weapons, don't go nuts popping off rounds during Concentration Mode. The precision aim offered by the power should nearly guarantee a headshot, and you only need one to take an enemy down.

Weapon Replacement
Until you find special, upgraded weapons, be mindful of constantly replacing your guns. They wear down and break quickly. After each gunfight, there should be plenty of guns scattered about to replace your damaged weapons.

Avoid the innocents.

Nothing Like a Mid-Battle Whiskey
You may have run across a few bottles of whiskey along the way and wondered why you would ever use them since your health automatically regenerates. Their purpose isn't recreational. They're for consumption in the middle of a firefight, when your blood-tinged vision hints at your imminent death. Keep an eye out for bottle locations before engaging the enemy, and you'll be able to guarantee some health replenishment if the battle goes awry.

Achievement Check
The achievements in Call of Juarez are not of the "beat the level" variety, yet the majority of them are only unlocked during a specific level. Make sure you check the achievement list to discover your specific objective during an episode. For instance, in episode six, the Hatman achievement requires you to shoot the hats off six enemies. Do these as you go, or you'll end up having to replay levels to unlock a series of relatively easy achievements.

Stack 'em High
Scattered through Call of Juarez are block puzzles designed to break up the action and let you catch your breath for a bit as you navigate the environment. If you find yourself frustrated and unsure how to move, chances are there's a few boxes and crates nearby that you'll need to arrange and stack to reach a ledge above your location.

Some box stacking might be in order here.

Stray from the Beaten Path
In each level's out of the way corners, you might find Wanted Posters, or even new, more powerful and indestructible weaponry. Use the objective marker on your compass to find the next plot point, but don't dismiss side-paths and alleyways on your march through the game. Take time to explore and you'll be well rewarded.

Ear for Dialogue
Dialogue isn't just for context and storyline in Call of Juarez, but can play a crucial role in strategy as well. For example, if you take a listen to a group of enemies huddled together, you may realize they're about to split off into different parties. Likewise, paying attention to your lady friend at the local Brothel will tell you precisely where to go to sneak into her room unseen.

Fire Barrels Indeed
Like any good shooter, you'll find exploding barrels scattered throughout the game. Of course, you want to shoot these when enemies are nearby, but more importantly, scan the area before opening fire on the enemy. You can do a lot more damage and cause a lot more havoc if you light the exploding barrels up to start the fight.

Article by Ryan Treit