WHAT WORKS: Embracing Style and Substance in El Paso, Elsewhere

Screenshot from steam game page

El Paso, Elsewhere, one of the latest titles from Strange Scaffold, is a game that has caught the attention of many with its unapologetically stylish approach to third person shooting. At its core, the game is a love letter to the classic shooters of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, reminiscent of titles like Max Payne with its bullet-time mechanics, noir-inspired narrative, and dark, atmospheric settings. However, it’s not just nostalgia that makes El Paso, Elsewhere stand out; it’s the way the game balances style with substance, creating a unique experience that is both familiar and refreshingly different.

One of the standout mechanics that makes El Paso, Elsewhere shine is its use of slow-motion gunplay. While bullet-time has become a staple in the shooter genre, El Paso, Elsewhere takes it a step further by integrating it into every aspect of combat. The mechanic is used not just as a flashy effect but as a tool that rewards skill and strategy. Players are encouraged to think creatively about their positioning, timing, and weapon choice, making every encounter feel dynamic and engaging. The fluidity of movement combined with the freedom to slow down time creates a rhythm to combat that feels incredibly satisfying, transforming every firefight into a deadly dance.

What sets the narrative apart is its emotional weight

screenshot of bullet time dive

Another key element that works well in El Paso, Elsewhere is its narrative approach. The game tells the story of James Savage, a former monster hunter pulled back into the life he left behind to save his ex-girlfriend from an army of werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. What sets the narrative apart is its emotional weight, which is conveyed through a mix of noir-style monologues, surreal cutscenes, and cleverly designed environmental storytelling. The game’s writing is sharp and poignant, capturing a sense of melancholy and reflection while still delivering over-the-top action. This combination of character-driven storytelling with intense, fast-paced gameplay adds depth and nuance to the experience, giving players a reason to care beyond just pulling the trigger.

Finally, the level design in El Paso, Elsewhere deserves praise for its creativity and variety. Each level is crafted with attention to detail, mixing familiar urban environments with twisted, otherworldly dimensions that reflect the protagonist's fractured psyche. The environments are filled with hidden paths, and destructible objects. The game's distinct art style, with its bold use of color and shadow, enhances this atmosphere, creating a sense of unease and tension that keeps players on their toes. By leveraging these elements, El Paso, Elsewhere succeeds in creating a world that feels both grounded and fantastical, drawing players deeper into its strange and unpredictable narrative.

In a landscape filled with high-budget shooters, El Paso, Elsewhere stands out by leaning into its unique strengths. Its focus on refined mechanics, emotional storytelling, and creative level design proves that smaller titles can deliver impactful experiences without sacrificing their identity. Through its thoughtful blend of style and substance, El Paso, Elsewhere demonstrates that there is still plenty of room for innovation in the genre and reminds players why they fell in love with third-person shooters in the first place.

El Paso, Elsewhere is currently available on Steam and Xbox!