El Hijo: A Wild West Tale

Its gameplay is good, but what really sets El Hijo apart is its amazing setting and charming use of a child protagonist.

Combing through each stage in El Hijo could extend its total runtime, though it can all be reliably rinsed in under seven hours. Checkpointing is usually reasonable, and it’s a game which usually respects the player’s time. Whether most will stick with it to the end relies on how effectively the aesthetic approach grabs them, as the pacing can feel a little mismanaged; effective stealth adventures like Wildfire carefully teach each trick before quickly moving to the next and more complicated scenario, and some sequences here feel more like padding than tests of learned abilities or new features. Still, for a gentle and non-violent mini-old-west drama, El Hijo shoots straight.

A suitable title for the Nintendo switch, El Hijo introduces a lighter touch to the more familiar stealth genre. With its endearing art style and storytelling, it is plainly set for a younger audience. Although more seasoned players may find it lacklustre or too laid back for their taste, some will still find enjoyment through the challenges set by taking the mixture of diverse paths.

El Hijo is a stealth action game that acts as a good introduction for those taking their first steps in the genre, at the risk of not attracting many veterans. Despite a challenge level that many would call sub-par, El Hijo's simple and intuitive gameplay works as a great roadmap for anyone who wants to know more about stealth action, and the visual art works marvels at creating an experience that flows naturally for any beginner.

With its unique visuals, clever environmental puzzles, and non-violent gameplay, El Hijo is a welcome entry in the somewhat overlooked stealth/puzzle genre. If you don’t buy into the gameplay before the repetition sets in, however, it can become an adventure that’s easily abandoned.