Wild Times is a 2D Vertically scrolling western shooter that presents the action from above. It was released Mar 26, 2021 on Steam and has never been given away before on GOTD. Controls are arrow keys to move, X shoots straight up while pressing Z and C individually shoots vertically at a 45 degree angle. This should be in some form of instructions included with the game but is an improvement over some others we've seen on GOTD such as Return Alive and Two Guns (still on falcoware) that used only Z+X keys and had to be held down together at the same time in those games to shoot straight up.

This game mainly relies on the ability to shoot while moving around at the same time to avoid the enemies around you. At times you can have several enemies firing at you from all angles, but is moderate for its difficulty and easy to pick up and play. While the controls are an improvement, it lacks the display of the number of enemies to pass the first level at the top left (need 100) which should have been easily added, and when you get hit once this likely restarts the counter like the other games which some may or may not like. A boss at the end to kill to end the game, as well as weapon upgrade and a few pick ups as you progress which are a bit more in line with the theme of the game here although overly futuristic for the timeframe.

The enemies are a bit repetitive, one looks like a westerned version of an M+M's candy character or Mr Potato Head :) This game is apparently made from a gamemaker studio template so keep that in mind and nothing wrong with that here as its fully playable, however there is no typical options like full screen mode or other options within the game such as turning off sound, and most glaring, a pause is missing as usual.

To improve this games playability begin by adding a full set of instructions and enable users to pause and play in full screen with other options if the template allows it. Perhaps an easy mode allowing continuing where you left off rather than starting over when you die (number of enemies killed etc). Also, controlling the gun aiming would be much better if the mouse was used potentially. The instructions should also tell what the powerups are and their functions as many of the indie titles its not always clear which are the good ones. This one has an ending so feel free to play if you enjoy these type of shooters, but the game did not create the same enjoyment as a top level game which might get someone to both buy and/or return to play again after the first time. Its not bad and would fit in quite nicely back in the NES age, but these days there are just so many titles released daily its the type of game that is typically lost due to its basic nature overall.

Rating: C-