WEBVTT

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(suspenseful music)

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- [Narrator] "El Paso, Elsewhere,"
might not have the budget

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or the photorealistic
visuals of "Max Payne 3,"

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but what it does better
than that AAA sequel

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is recapture the vibes and gameplay

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of the first "Max Payne," in
a way no other game ever has.

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Developed by indie
studio Strange Scaffold,

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"El Paso, Elsewhere," puts you
into the shoot dodging boots

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of folklore expert, monster killer,

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and recovering drug addict, James Savage.

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He's here in a dilapidated old hotel

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to kill a vampire, who is
trying to end the world

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using a powerful ritual.

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That's tough stuff.

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But this blood sucker is also
his abusive ex-girlfriend.

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Needless to say, it's
a rough day for James.

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- [James] Why do I feel so fucking good?

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- [Narrator] While "El Paso, Elsewhere,"

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boasts a fantastically written story

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with wonderful performances,

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it never lets that part
of the game get in the way

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of the badass "Max Payne," like action

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that makes up the bulk

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of this retro-looking
third person shooter.

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You'll be hopping and sliding around

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practically every square inch
of the game's trippy levels,

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killing vampire mummies, werewolves,

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biblically accurate angels,
and other odd beasts.

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It can get a bit tricky at times,

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but as long as you don't stop running,

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shooting, and collecting ammo,

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you should be able to
reach the final boss fight

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in about eight hours.

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But while blasting away baddies

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with the game's satisfying
collection of firearms,

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including one of 2023's
best feeling shotguns,

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don't forget to look around
and save helpless victims

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caught in your vampire
ex-girlfriend's nightmare dimension.

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And try not to kill them.

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Not that I ever did that, of course not.

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In a year filled with amazing games,

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"El Paso, Elsewhere," manages to stand out

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thanks the tight, precise combat
and an engrossing narrative

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that kept me engaged and
wondering what would happen next.

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The "Silent Hill," like PS1 graphics

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and banging music helped a lot too.

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If you're looking for an action game

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with some spooky vibes and a solid story,

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check out "El Paso, Elsewhere."

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Out now on Xbox and PC.