Have you ever just laid in bed at night and wondered what life would be like as an outlaw in the old-time American west in 1899? me neither, but with Red Dead Redemption 2 you can find out just how that particular lifestyle plays out. Set both in third and first person perspectives this wild western action adventure game is the prequel to the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption which was released in May 2010. So have Rockstar made another gem or has this latest installment in the Red Dead series been slow on the draw, well sit back cowpoke and enjoy.
The story of Red Dead Redemption 2 is centered around an outlaw by the name of Arthur Morgan a member of the notorious Dutch Van der Linde gang who’s soul purpose is to fight the newly formed civilized society forced upon them by the US Government while also dealing with the fast decline of there beloved Wild West and other rival gangs. The games open world is vast and diverse from big open plains to snowy mountains and even full cities to explore to your hearts content with many wholesome and not so wholesome folk along the way. Other activities such as hunting, playing poker, bounty hunting and so many other features make it so there is never nothing to do in this Wild West Wonderland.
Red Dead Redemption 2 comes with single player and multiplayer modes but the story is where this game really shines with a plot so riveting and intriguing you will not want to stop playing till the end credits roll. From seeing Arthur grow through trials of character, to see Dutch go from a charismatic and strong gang leader to falling into almost personal madness. The games unhurried pace lets you soak in every inch of this massive map and Rockstar has truly mastered how to make a 60-hour story mode full of small chores like cooking, grooming and even chopping wood not seem like a grind whatsoever. Strangers can be found with massive white icons on the map to give you very fun side missions completely away from the usual story and there is never a shortage of houses, stage coaches or trains to rob to collect that sweet sweet dollar for you and the gang. However, its the little things that make this game a joy to play such as the conversations over heard by Arthur in camp from other gang members, newspapers sold in the streets that document any trouble the gang has been in to and the simple pleasure of just patting a dog for 10 minutes straight and yes I really did that he was a very good puppy. There obviously is the darker side of Red Dead Redemption 2 with murder and genocide never too far away and of course, looting every dead body you gun down along the way both in story missions and just general free roaming shenanigans.
Another major part to consider for this game is the Horse bonding system which is integral throughout Red Dead Redemption 2. Horses must be well treated with food and be patted or groomed to raise your bonding which will give you handy perks such as calling your horse from further away and gaining more stamina and health which really comes in handy in the later stages of this game, so try not to run off a cliff. Also, another factor that is very important in this Wild West feast is Arthur’s personal honor which will decrease and increase based on your choices in missions and in how you treat people in the open world, this will have an impact on how some missions will end including the final mission but I am an honorable man so no spoilers, see what I did there.
Overall Red Dead Redemption 2 is, in my opinion, one of the most intriguing, captivating and graphically beautiful games I have ever had the pleasure to own on any system. I have tried in this review to give this game justice but even writing 10 reviews on this game would not be enough because of its depth and overall brilliance. From its gameplay to its unrivaled storytelling to its amazing graphics which captivate every move you make, this game is truly one of the best games to come out on this generation of consoles no questions asked and it may even be one of the best of all time.
Leave a Reply