As someone who routinely calls out "Rock and Stone" at random points during the day, it probably won't surprise you to learn that I'm a fan of Deep Rock Galactic. Admittedly, it took multiple attempts and some friends to get me into this co-op game's groove, but I eventually fell in love with it. So much so that Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor was an instant purchase on iPhone. While Far Far West shares some similar gameplay mechanics, it also carves out its own identity, earning a place alongside Deep Rock Galactic as one of my favorite co-op games of all time.

Blending Deep Rock Galactic's co-op gameplay with a supernatural take on the Wild West, Far Far West sees you and your companions complete bounty-hunting expeditions across a variety of maps. Armed with everything from an old-fashioned revolver to a bolt-action rifle, you'll complete sub-missions, earn gold and souls, and strengthen your character through a build of Jokers. Gold lets you buy weapons and cosmetics, while souls fuel the game's meta progression, allowing you to tackle harder difficulties and earn even greater rewards.

The gunplay remains excellent even after tens of hours, and the ability to combo your spells (yes, there's magic) keeps every run feeling fresh. There's nothing quite like creating a giant fire tornado before detonating it with toxic magic. It almost reminds me of the underrated, and sadly now-defunct, Spellbreak. If you know, you know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af-eJ3Aj97M

It's hard to put into words, but Far Far West captures the spirit of Deep Rock Galactic without copying it. The two experiences feel completely different. Far Far West leans much more heavily into action, asking you to survive waves of monsters while completing objectives and puzzles, yet its humor and presentation put it alongside Ghost Ship Games' co-op hit.

I spent 24 hours - an entire day - chasing bounties over launch weekend, and I'm already looking forward to jumping back in as it receives more content updates. Even in early access, there's plenty to enjoy, especially now that it includes the essential ability to shout "YEEHAW" at the press of a button. Trust me, it really is essential, and it's a feature that is missing from Red Dead Redemption. So, technically, Far Far West wins there.

If you're looking for one of the year's best indie games, Far Far West is available for just $15.29 at Fanatical. That's its lowest price yet, and with a 24% discount, making now a great time to jump in.

Hopefully I'll see you out there, riding your stallion and pumping lead into those pesky skeletons. Just remember to tip your hat and shout "YEEHAW" if you spot me. Although I should warn you, I'm a socially anxious cowboy.

Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom. This story was created in collaboration with Fanatical's deals team.