Step into the boots of a frontier sheriff in Law of the West, a unique adventure game released for the NES in 1987. Designed by Accolade co-founder Alan Miller and ported to the Japanese Famicom by Pony Canyon, the game blends interactive dialogue with quick-draw action. Instead of relying purely on shooting, you must talk your way through encounters with townspeople, outlaws, and deputies, making choices that directly impact the story and your survival.
How to Play
Your goal is to survive a day in a dangerous western town while maintaining order. Each encounter presents multiple-choice dialogue options where you can be polite, aggressive, or strictly by-the-book. Tensions can escalate quickly, forcing you into a shootout if negotiations break down. You can also choose to draw your weapon at any time. Use the D-pad (arrow keys) to select dialogue options or aim, A and B (Z and X) to interact and fire, and Start (Enter) to pause.
Tips
- Watch their hands: During conversations, keep an eye on the other character’s movements. If they reach for their weapon, you need to draw yours quickly.
- Actions have consequences: Shooting an innocent townsperson like the Doctor or the Saloon Girl will severely penalize your final score, so avoid triggering unnecessary gunfights.
- Different characters, different approaches: Some outlaws respect a tough stance, while others might be provoked by it. Experiment with different dialogue paths to uncover all the outcomes.
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