The days of Xbox Live Arcade, Microsoft’s revolutionary approach to digital distribution marked an important time in Techland’s history thanks to the digital-only debut of our Western first-person shooter, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. Today, we’re going to honor our game’s 10th Anniversary by taking a look back at what made it so memorable and share details about a special crossover event in Dying Light 2 Stay Human.
The Legacy of Gunslinger
Released on May 22, 2013, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger was touted by fans and critics as the best in the series, thanks to its unique arcade-inspired gameplay, comic book visuals, impulsive humor, and historical inspirations. The story opens with the renowned Silas Greaves entering the Bull’s Head Saloon in Abilene, Kansas. The bar patrons quickly recognize the bounty hunter protagonist and urge him to recollect the glory days of his prime.
After this moment, the player gets to reenact the main character’s past in the form of a playable retelling of the story that blurs the line between fact and fiction. Throughout the adventure, the protagonist constantly finds himself in the middle of shootouts, turret fire, dynamite debacles and face-to-face duels. He was the definition of a one-man army.
Gunplay was the linchpin that brought the mechanics to work in unison. The player would have three weapon types to choose from: revolvers, shotguns and rifles. Each would come in handy during firefights against all those who wronged the one and only Silas Greaves. We coupled that with on-the-move gameplay replicated from arcade games, where every kill is rewarded with points. The trickier the shot, the better the overall performance. Style counts for something! Things would especially go awry when various historical figures and Wild West legends like Billy the Kid, Pat Garret, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and others would enter the frame.
But the real twist to all of this was that Silas’ story and, hence, the gameplay could change at any minute. Every interruption made by Silas’ unreliable narrator persona or the captivated listeners at the saloon could lead to an entirely new scene. It had all the grit a Western should have and more, but it never took itself too seriously. Maybe this was the secret sauce that made it such an unforgettable experience.
Crossing Over With Dying Light
Ten years later, our team at Techland has gone on to shift focus to Dying Light — but this doesn’t mean the memory of our Wild West tales will fade to dust. Far from it! To commemorate the legacy of the Call of Juarez franchise, we are launching a new event in Dying Light 2 Stay Human called Undead Or Alive Event.
This crossover event is going to have you take on the responsibilities of a vengeful protector. It is up to the player to find Mean-Ass Guns to put some holes in foul enemies — aim for the heads and send them straight back to hell. By pursuing event objectives, you can earn dynamite throwables, Ray McCall’s Charm, Bowie Knife, a weapon blueprint, and 25 Pilgrim Tokens.
Our team at Techland is also releasing the Gunslinger Bundle for $6.99 on May 31. The bundle lets you take on the identity of Silas Greaves in Dying Light 2 Stay Human. His recreated outfit comes complete with the iconic cowboy hat and blood-red poncho. The pack also contains The Gunslinger paraglider, Bowie Knife, weapon blueprint, and Dynamite blueprint.
Be sure not to miss the Undead Or Alive Event (running from May 31 − June 7). As for those who have yet to experience Techland’s two biggest fictional universes for the first time, fret not. New players can pick up the Infected Cowboys Bundle available on Xbox, which includes both Dying Light 2 Stay Human and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. To learn more about the event, bundles, big sales, other 10th Anniversary insights, and all things Dying Light, go to pilgrimoutpost.com/events.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human is available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
Infected Cowboys Bundle
Techland
$69.99
Original Xbox and Xbox 360 games in this bundle are playable only on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles.
Call of Juarez® Gunslinger
From the dust of a gold mine to the dirt of a saloon, Call of Juarez® Gunslinger is a real homage to the Wild West tales. Live the epic and violent journey of a ruthless bounty hunter on the trail of the West’s most notorious outlaws. Blurring the lines between man and myth, this adventure made of memorable encounters unveils the untold truth behind some of the greatest legends of the Old West.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Get ready for an adventure filled with open world activities, the electrifying colors of the modern dark ages where your actions will affect the future of The City. Determine the balance of power with your choices amid the growing conflict and forge your own experience! Use 200+ weapons, 20+ weapon mods, and dozens of power moves to learn, practice, and master. Show no mercy, for it will not be shown to you.
