Rustler Is The Medieval GTA 2 Clone We Didn't Know We Needed
What if you swapped the souped-up motors of Grand Theft Auto for horses? Well, that's exactly what Jutsu Games has tried to do with Rustler. While we've long since moved past the old top-down days of GTA, there's still plenty of love for the time our lives weren't dominated by Trevor, CJ, and Claude.
Way back when, GTA 2 continued the success of the first game in 1999, however, middling reviews led to a whole redesign in 2001 and a move into the 3D era with GTA III. Although everyone is looking out for the remastered GTA trilogy of GTA III, San Andreas, and Vice City, Rustler find a way to reinvent the OGs.
What is Rustler?
The official Rustler site describes itself as Grand Theft Horse, but the comparisons don't end there. Taking control of a generic man called Guy, you explore this open-world realm of pestilence and famine. The description explains, "Experience feudal injustice, witch-hunting, and join big tournaments. Meet valiant, yet incredibly stupid knights. Complete a wide variety of twisted missions and quests, or don’t give a damn about the plot and bring mayhem in the villages and cities."
There's plenty of adult humour as the authorities pursue you around this lawless land. A fart/burp button echoes the older days of GTA, while there's even an automatic crossbow to replace your shotgun. There are corrupt Royal Guards, yellow and black horses can be stolen for you to complete cabbie missions, and you'll hire a bard to serenade you - then beat the living snot out of them.
When is Rustler available?
Rustler is out now on console and PC, meaning you put Guy through his paces. First reactions are online, with critics and players alike loving this Medieval modernisation of GTA 2. Our personal favourite feature is the Pimp-a-Horse drive-thrus that change the colour of your trusty steed and clear your heat level.
As Rockstar seems destined to resign the early GTA games to the PlayStation graveyard, Rustler is a well-timed release to try and recapture the magic of a bygone era. The question is, with Take-Two Interactive on the assault against GTA mods and knock-offs, will Rustler's blatant homage to GTA 2 get it in trouble? We hope not, but as the game continues to become a viral hit, Jutsu could have just put a "WANTED" alert above its own head.
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