At GDC 2010, I got my first chance to play the PC version of the game with some of the developers at Fatshark. The game uses engine technology licensed from GRIN, but has been modified to suit Lead & Gold. The game's four classes play very differently and each sport a unique ability and a different aura that boosts stats like damage, health, accuracy and critical hits to nearby teammates. As you level up, your characters aura effect with strengthen.

I was able to test out two game modes: Robbery and Greed. Robbery puts one team on offense and the other on defense as the attackers attempt to steal bags of gold from a safe, which must be blown open with a barrel of TNT. Carrying this barrel, by the way, is dangerous as a well placed bullet can cause an explosion. Bags of gold will slow the carrier down. Greed places a single bag of gold in the middle of the map as both teams fight to bring it back to their base.

Even though I was only able to play some quick two versus two matches, Lead & Gold has a huge amount of polish. It's fun to play and just feels right. The combat is extremely rewarding and the classes have enough depth to give the player a few options in any given situation.

Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West is a downloadable title that will be released on the PC (Steam), Xbox Live Arcade, and PlayStation Network in the first quarter of this year.