Boot Hill

About

Boot Hill is a one or two-player arcade shooter where you play a cowboy trying to outdraw your opponent. You control your character with a small joystick, moving up and down a desert stage while a larger joystick handles aiming and firing. The playfield is split by wagons and cacti, which offer brief protection but crumble as bullets hit them. Every round is a race to fire first, with the goal of emptying your pistol before your rival does. The game's physical controls set it apart, using a dedicated trigger button on the aiming stick adds real-time tension. Released in 1977, it's a direct sequel to Western Gun and one of the earliest examples of competitive arcade gameplay. Despite simple mechanics, it's still remembered for its fast pace and hardware innovation. Players often cite it as a foundational title in the genre, with a Metacritic score of 7.2 showing lasting appeal among retro gaming fans.