Oh thank goodness… Finals are over and I’m headed home! My flight is tomorrow back to Jersey. I hear they are getting some serious snow back east. I hope it doesn’t mess with my flight, because there is no way I’m spending the holidays here by myself. Most everyone has already gone home for the holidays, so the dorms are pretty quiet.
It’s kind of creepy, although I did think about running around the hallways yelling at the top of my lungs just to fill the silence and annoy whoever is left. But instead I decided to put my extra time to good use and try out the new Westward IV game.
Now, I’m a fan of the other Westward games. The last Westward game was a particular favorite of mine so it didn’t take much convincing to try this new one. Of course, I picked the ever so perky and slightly annoying Anne Turner as my character.
True to the game’s predecessors, the character sayings and enthusiastic quips can begin to get a little repetitive, but once you get into the story and have fun with it a little it’s not so bad. Plus, the game is fun enough to forgive a little western drawl now and then.
I would consider adopting one or two of the sayings, but I’m afraid my Italian grandmother might not understand and think I’m making fun, and I do not want a smack on the back of my head this holiday. That woman has good aim.
Anyhow, back to the game. As Anne Turner, you are the daughter of a great railroad owner. However, your pa has gone missing and the railway has gone to ruins. Tracks are destroyed, towns are in upheaval, and the world needs a strong hand like Anne’s to make things right.
Travel from one town to sections of rail that needs fixing, start a town, and fight off good for nothing bandits. It’s really a great game if you like to build up a prosperous town bit by bit. Building new shops and farms, giving your citizens luxuries like roads and lamps. It’s a brave new world in the west and Anne Turner (or Henry) is there ready to lend a hand.
Just like the old games, you can fight off bandits, get knocked out, but never actually die. All you have to do is wait till Anne recovers, and then fight some more. It’s great!
I’m definitely looking forward to some free time playing this game during the holidays. There’s nothing better than relaxing, in a warm house by the fire, my cup of hot cider, food everywhere I look, and my laptop with my favorite game. Happy Holidays everyone!
