Red Dead Redemption 2 manages to mix the sandbox genre that they’re known for, and create an immersive world that tells a heartfelt story, making it sense with content and full of distractions. Luckily for those who haven’t played the first game, this game can be experienced on its own. Since this game is a prequel, it contains new content for both new players, and nods to the first game for returning players. I think. I’ve never played the first one so I can only assume that is the case LOL.
Red Dead Redemption 2 follows the original character, absolute unit, cowboy, solid bearded, horse riding, alcoholic STUD that is Arthur Morgan. Him and the gang he’s apart of (lead by my man Dutch) travel around the land escaping dangers and other gangs to try to find peace for them once and for all. Along the way there are plenty and plenty of twists, turns, and surprises that really keep you interested in the plot. Although that is my first complaint with the game: the slow start. It takes a WHILE for the game to start picking up the pace. The intro does a great job easing the player into the world, controls, gimmick, and all that. But it doesn’t feel like it takes off until a long time afterwards. Thankfully when it does pick it up, it doesn’t feel like you’re almost done with the game.
Speaking of its slow start, this just feels like a slow game in general, and that’s not a bad thing. Take GTA for example, where literally so much happens all at once so fast, it’s hard to process what you even did five seconds ago. Here in Red Dead 2, it’s a very open space for a lot to happen. The pacing of the story takes its time, exploring is spaced out to where they want you to really take it all in, even fast traveling isn’t very accessible. It’s deliberately making sure that those who click with Red Dead’s vibe stay with it, while seeing if those who want a change of pace can really jive with it too. I think that’s smart, for those who had different expectations. It hit me as I played, realizing how engrossed I was, really just taking my time riding my horse from point A to point B, stopping to see what NPCs had to offer on the side of the trails, pay for hair tonic to get my beard to its max length. Next thing I know I’ve spent three hours playing the game already.
The world is just absolutely beautiful too. I think this is the perfect example of art direction over graphics too. Sure, the game may not “look” as good as if it were on a PC or if there were next gen ports of the game on PS5/ Xbox, but taking a step back, this game holds up extremely well, and the developers know so too. Red Dead 2 adds a cinematic feature to the game, similar to GTA’s camera angles while driving. This time they add in the letterboxing aspect ratio, with the black bars sliding in too, which adds a TON to the immersion. They did not need to feature a cinematic mode, but they go above and beyond with the added camera. It’s not just in game too, cutscenes have the same treatment in its quality, acting like a whole movie sometimes, and it’s always a treat to see.
If I had to summarize this game in one word, it would be immersive. I don’t think it’s a fair assumption to say this is “GTA but with cowboys”. It’s a much different beast that has its own identity, while following Rockstar’s typical development formula. Rockstar Games has gone above and beyond not just with a sequel to Red Dead Redemption, but to the industry standard as a whole. Red Dead Redemption 2 is such a wonderful experience that is a must play for any type of gamer out there. Best of all, this game sells being a cowboy SO well. Like, after some time, you’ll want to be a cowboy as a career or something, it’s so cool.