From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (February 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Fast Draw Showdown is a live-action laserdisc video game, released by American Laser Games in 1994 (see 1994 in video gaming) for a limited number of platforms. As one of the last live-action rail shooters released by the company, which began the series with Mad Dog McCree, it is also arguably the shortest. The game was filmed entirely in at the Old Tucson Studios near Tucson, Arizona, with sets used for several notable films belonging to the Western genre. It was also re-released for PC only by Digital Leisure in 2004 (see 2004 in video gaming), with mouse and light gun support.

[edit] Plot

The player, as is the standard in American Laser Games releases, assumes the role of an anonymous individual who takes part in a series of showdowns with several different gunfighters. It is suggested that the protagonist is a lawman. This is confirmed by the three available difficulty levels: deputy, sheriff and marshal. The Old West setting is the scene of up to five showdowns, during which the player must draw his revolver as quickly as possible and shoot the enemies before they manage to shoot the player.

The aim of the game is to defeat all the foes the player is up against; if this is achieved flawlessly, the lawman takes part in a final showdown in which he faces Wes Flowers, "one of the world's fastest quick-drawers", who is not a fictional character, but a real-life Fast Draw champion. If Flowers is also defeated, the player receives the title of Best Deputy, Super Sheriff or Master Marshal, depending on the difficulty level.

[edit] Gameplay

In each of the gunfights, the player must attempt to out-draw the villains, first by holstering the available light gun, and proceeding to wait until a signal is given that lets him know he must draw, aim and fire at the enemy or enemies, as quickly as possible. A foul occurs if one draws the gun too soon, with a maximum of three allowed, and a chance to face Wes Flowers is only given if all four of the previous gunfights are victorious for the player.

At times, the player faces two opponents instead of one, but, invariably, only one will draw his or her gun and thus pose a threat. The game ends successfully when the player has defeated all of the villains, including Wes Flowers.

[edit] Characters

Several unique characters appear in this game and usually do/say something humorous before each showdown.

Lifetaker Larry- the first showdown. He offers you like insurance right before he shows a pistol.

Pat Yukon- An overweight,drunk who takes the longest time to shoot during the Sheriff level. When he dies he claims that it was the whiskey that got him.

The Good and the Bad- Two men who taunt the player by calling them "The ugly".

Cha cha Chico- a man who dances before the showdown. During his dance he draws his pistol.

???- during the Marshall level there is a hidden showdown that occurs after the player beats evry showdown under 1 second. This character has the fastest time (0.53) and does not state their name or do/say anything humorous which makes it harder to know when they will draw their gun. If the player kills him(?) He acts wounded then runs away.

The Reverend Brothers- Over the course of the game the player will fight a reverend in each of the 3 levels. These men act seriously and have fast shooting times.

Loraine- A prostitute who taunts you in between showdowns. She only appears if the player lost the previous round.

Jack- A man who congratulates or scls the player. When he praises you its because you broke your record. When he scolds you its because you took your gun out of the holster during the HOLSTER sign.