20 Years Ago, The Weirdest Open World Shooter Convinced a Lot of Fans Why Gameplay Always Trumps Visuals

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20 Years Ago, The Weirdest Open World Shooter Convinced a Lot of Fans Why Gameplay Always Trumps Visuals

Released in September 2005, Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico is one of the most iconic open world games ever made. The game itself isn’t something noteworthy in terms of ratings and critic scores, but the fun we had playing it is undeniable.

Critics at the time gave it middling reviews, calling out its low-budget visuals, janky open world, and sometimes incoherent narrative. But for a generation of players (including us), Total Overdose left a lasting impression. Not because it was polished, but because it was pure, chaotic fun. Join us in celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Total Overdose is one of the craziest open world games

When it launched in September 2005, Total Overdose didn’t exactly light the world on fire. Reviews were mixed at best. Developed by Danish studio Deadline Games and clearly inspired by the cinematic sensibilities of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, the game felt more like an interactive action flick than a game.

I want to talk about more games I love

The PS2 and the PS3 alot of the games back then were just focused on giving us a fun time with the game

There’s still games like that in PS4 and PS5 just not as much

Total Overdose

This game is funny and FUN, a really great time

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— GamesLover (@lofi_lover0930)

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The game took inspiration from the bullet-time action of Max Payne, the open-world structure of Grand Theft Auto, and the chaotic spirit of what might be a cartoon fueled by tequila and dynamite. Set in a hyper-stylized version of Mexico, the game invited players to dive guns-blazing into drug cartel turf wars with explosive piñatas, golden pistols, and slow-motion dives straight out of your favorite action flicks.

The game’s story wasn’t even noteworthy, but that was part of its charm. We played as Ramiro Cruz, a wise-cracking ex-**** turned vigilante, who takes over a DEA investigation from his injured brother to bring down the elusive drug lord Papa Muerte. But none of that mattered once you started playing. From the moment you do your first Loco Move, it becomes clear that this was a game designed for fun, not for graphics or story.

Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico is $1.49 on GOG

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— Wario64 (@Wario64)

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Despite its ambitions, Total Overdose was never truly an open world game in the modern sense. Its world was split into small, disconnected districts, and exploration outside missions felt shallow. Driving between points of interest grew dull quickly, and fast travel made much of the map unnecessary.

It’s a part of so many childhoods at this point

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Vice City. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games

What stood out most was how Total Overdose didn’t take itself seriously. This was a game where cultural stereotypes were played up to the next level. Mariachi bands with flamethrowers, exploding sombreros, and slow-mo bull charges were all part of the experience. It wasn’t trying to be culturally sensitive or the next big technical marvel.

It was trying to be fun. And for many, it succeeded. That’s ultimately why Total Overdose has stayed in our memories for two decades. It didn’t try to be everything. It didn’t try to compete with Rockstar Games or anyone else. It was a game that encouraged players to dive into chaos headfirst, guns blazing, and to rack up style points while doing so.

The game is nearing 20 years old now, but Total Overdose hasn’t seen a remaster, remake, or sequel. Its developer, Deadline Games, shuttered in 2009. But still, it remains a cult favorite. For all of us who stumbled upon it on dusty PlayStation 2s or family PCs, it will never be forgotten.

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#Years #Weirdest #Open #World #Shooter #Convinced #Lot #Fans #Gameplay #Trumps #Visuals

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