Westward is a series of tycoon/real-time strategy video games developed and published by Sandlot Games, the same studio behind the Tradewinds series. The series is set primarily in the Old West and focuses on building and managing settlements, gathering resources, and defending against bandits and natural disasters.
Overview
The Westward series was first released in 2006 and consists of four main titles set in the American frontier, plus one spin-off with a medieval theme. The games were released for Windows, with some titles also ported to Macintosh, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and iPhone. The gameplay is similar to the Settlers series and Virtual Villagers, employing a point-and-click interface where players drag lines from characters to objects or locations to issue commands.
Main Titles
Westward (2006)
The first game in the series. The story follows settlers making a name for themselves in towns such as Hope River, Lightning Bluff, and Paradise Falls. The main antagonist is Doc Vostrikov, a Russian prospector who, along with his henchmen the Copperhead Gang, swindles settlers. Players build settlements, defend against bandits, and unlock new buildings. The tutorial begins at Camp Chippewa.
Westward II: Heroes of the Frontier (2008)
Set after the first game, the town of Hope River is destroyed by Doc Vostrikov and the Copperhead Gang. Three pioneers help refugees find new homes and establish new settlements in Oxbow Bend and Gunslinger Gulch. Players choose one of three characters—Marion Morrison (farmer), Maureen Fitzsimmons (banker's daughter), or Terrance Stevens (trapper)—each providing a unique starting bonus. The game introduced 3D graphics and a sandbox mode with "Open Range" and "Disaster Challenge" options.
Westward III: Gold Rush (2008)
When gold is discovered in Northern California, speculators head west. The game follows the Baron family (Jake, Emily, and their son Redd) as they help weary travelers, while a greedy land speculator named Silas McAllister plots to gain control of valuable land. Resources include wood, gold, food, and water. The sandbox mode adds a "Bandit Showdown" option.
Westward IV: All Aboard (2009)
The owner of the Turner Railroad Company goes missing, and his children Anne and Henry must uncover the truth. This installment introduces coal as a resource for powering trains, worker skill progression, and building upgrades. It features a single main town connected to others via railroad. Gunslingers are replaced by bounty hunters who randomly appear at the train station.
Westward Kingdoms (2011)
A medieval-themed spin-off. Two young heirs to the throne—Prince Fenwick and Princess Catherine—are banished from their royal realm and tasked with restoring three neighboring kingdoms to prove they are the rightful heirs.
Compilation
Westward Collection (2009)
A compilation containing the first three games: Westward, Westward II: Heroes of the Frontier, and Westward III: Gold Rush. It was released on Windows and is available on Steam.
Gameplay Features
- Resource management: Wood, gold, food, and water (coal added in Westward IV)
- Building construction: Over 20–50 buildings depending on the title, including houses, saloons, sheriff's offices, mines, lumber camps, farms, and wells
- Combat: Hiring gunslingers, sheriffs, and deputies to defend against bandits
- Disasters: Tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, droughts, famine, and plague
- Character control: Click-and-drag interface to direct citizens to tasks
- Experience system: Unlock new buildings by gaining experience points
Reception
The series received mixed to positive reviews. The original Westward holds a critic average of 65% on MobyGames, while Westward II: Heroes of the Frontier scored 72%. The Westward Collection on Steam has a 95% positive rating from 22 user reviews.
