Why Ubisoft's Next FPS is Set to Impress

We reveal all from a private showing of FPS western prequel Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood.

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But more striking is the very fast, COD4-like gameplay. Although we didn't get hands on at this stage, it looked like there was a reassuring firmness when it comes to aiming, with the crosshair jostling around convincingly through the fast-paced demo. The guys have also included a "new take" on the cover system, which looks a lot less fiddly than in some other shooters and can be used in pretty much any situation (although we're told that players will never be 'forced' to use it - though the harder difficulty settings will obviously reward the skill).

We really got the impression Techland has comprehensively done its homework on all the hottest FPSes of late, which bodes well for the gameplay here. The formula introduces Concentration mode - basically the ability to slow time down as you 'paint' through a sequence of enemies to lock on and rapidly fire upon in quick succession - it may be nothing new, but looked pretty satisfying, and broke up the pace of gameplay.

Gameplay is also specific to the two brothers you can play in the game - Ray is the oldest and the strongest - the 'brawn' who's skilled at close range shooting, whereas Thomas is more accustomed to tackling obstacles and perhaps using a lasso to get on top of roofs. The gameplay also offers co-operative instances between the two characters.

You've also got your dual wielding and some interesting control schemes where in certain situations the game auto-aims for you and the player 'hits' the analogue stick as if they were cocking the gun. But more importantly, they've aimed to include variety - typical western stuff in game form, including a fight on a stagecoach, steamboats, destroying bridges, riding on horseback, and tonnes of different (but always historically authentic) weapons including grenades, dynamite and cannons.

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