Alright, 12 Is Better Than 6 is done and dusted. It’s hard to know for sure because of IM, but I’d say my total play time was around 6 or 7 hours. Initially, I died a lot, but as you go on, get upgrades, and especially as you get dual wield pistols (the 12 in the title), you pretty much become an unstoppable force.
Story
The story was pretty silly overall, and yet you still want to see it through to the end. Basically, you are a Mexican ex gang leader seeking revenge and trying to find your lost memories. In fact, you are known simply as “The Mexican.” You have no love for the white man, Indians, or even other Mexicans! Basically, you are just angry at the world. However, you do have a sense of humor still (and that comes out nicely in the dialogue), and despite basically having no good intent, you still manage to do some good as you wander around Texas.
I feel the story merits an 8 out of 10 overall. Although a bit sparse and heavy handed, it is also compelling and effective.
Graphics
The art style was awesome: nice black and white world with red highlights (basically, any blood spilled). It was very cool looking, especially for a top down game. I will mention this a few times, but 12 Is Better Than 6 pulls from the obvious blend of Hotline Miami and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly influences to craft a stunning world
The graphics get a solid 10 out of 10.They could not be more perfect for this one.
Gameplay
So, it is similar to Hotline Miami in a lot of ways, but far more forgiving. You can hide from aggro’d enemies with more certainty of success and, as long as you keep moving, enemies will miss with their weapons more often. It’s still twin stick shooter goodness though. You can use the environment to your advantage in both the applications of stealth and of violence.
The gameplay itself was seamless. I encountered zero issues throughout; no clipping, no weird physics, no stuttering or freezes or crashes. In every way, it performed immaculately.
I give the gameplay 9 out of 10. It is fluid and nearly perfect.
Sounds
The music was awesome. So much so that I bought the OST today. Really was perfect for the game, and generally awesome anyway. You could jam to this with no regrets while driving or running or whatever you choose to do. Not to keep bringing up Hotline Miami, but the soundtrack for this game is to Westerns what HM’s soundtrack was to…well…Miami (Vice era).
The soundtrack is an easy 10 out of 10. Some good stuff there.
Verdict
I think overall, I would give this game 9.3 bullets whizzing by your head as you drink tequila and plot your revenge out of 10 possible.
By the way, there is an endless mode after you finish 12 Is Better Than 6 (you can probably play this before, but I didn’t) called Purgatorium Mode, where you have been condemned to a hellish undead existence and must kill all the other sinners. Check it out if you can.
