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Bang per (no) buck(s)
by Craig Grannell (November 20th, 2010 at 2:58 pm)
Often, the best games are those that strip a genre back to basics, leaving it in its purist form. In this modern age of hugely complex 3D shooting games, Westbang has long been a breeze of fresh air, battling against the stench of shit that emanates from the bulk of iOS shooters.
Westbang cunningly eschews mid-1990s (and on) fare, instead drawing influence from Sega classic Bank Panic (or, as Suv points out on the comments, Gremlin’s blatant 1986 rip-off Westbank). You’re in a sheriff in a suspiciously busy bank. Doors randomly open. If it’s a customer, don’t shoot; if it’s a bandit, shoot—but only after they draw (because you’re one of the good guys).
An accurate representation of what happens when Western governments allow the banking sector to be destroyed by idiots. OHO! SATIRE! (Sort of.)
Over the game’s 25 levels, things speed up and 21 different characters are introduced. The basic tap controls are first-rate and the game looks, sounds and plays great. For 59p/€0,79/99¢, it was a massive bargain, but it’s currently free, do download it now.
I think the name suggests that this game might be more influenced by Speccy classic ‘West Bank’ than by ‘Bank Panic’, although the former rips off the latter anyway:
http://zxspectrumgames.blogspot.com/2009/06/zx-spectrum-game-west-bank-zx-spectrum.html
Jesus, I’m old.
West Bang also fared well in Touchin’ Roulette, so buy it for free twice, or something.