I have something of an unusual relationship with this game. I tried it back when it released, didn't get into it and moved on. I finally tried the prequel/sequel and found it to be easily the best video game story I've ever seen and one of the best games I've ever played. I was shocked that Rockstar pulled something like that off given how juvenile they tend to be.
Going back to this? It was a bit on the rough side. Story wise it's fucking night and day and I don't care what anyone says. This doesn't hold a fucking candle to RDR2. The mission structure feels so Grand Theft Auto. Redundant missions, quirky/eccentric mission bosses. The first section of this game has this cycle of cartoon characters who John will threaten to murder for wasting his time before proceeding to let them waste his time with mundane shit like horse racing.
Now the story does pick up with each section and I do think the final act is quite good. Some questionable writing here and there (how many fucking times can John ask "AND WHAT IF I SAY NO?!?", we just went over this you fucking doofus) and maybe it's TOO similar to the epilogue of RDR2. Still, I was moved at times. I found the ending incredible, it was just something of an arduous journey getting to it. The repetitive mission structure wore me out. How many times can we herd cows or get on a gatling gun?
Gameplay wise, if you've played the follow up its the same thing. A little clunkier as expected. It's almost fifteen years old now. Still, once you get adjusted to it, it's like butter. You're locked in. You can easily get lost in this world if you allow yourself too. Your actions matter, people recognize, it does feel like the map exists and lives with or without you as opposed to centering around you. This is helped by random events. The strangers missions are a mixed bag. "Eva in Peril" in particular is so unbelievably fucking stupid.
All in all, I'm never gonna believe this touches Red Dead Redemption 2 but it's worth while in its own right. For me personally, if I finished the game back in the day, I doubt I would've ever been in love with it so maybe I played it at the right time.
Going back to this? It was a bit on the rough side. Story wise it's fucking night and day and I don't care what anyone says. This doesn't hold a fucking candle to RDR2. The mission structure feels so Grand Theft Auto. Redundant missions, quirky/eccentric mission bosses. The first section of this game has this cycle of cartoon characters who John will threaten to murder for wasting his time before proceeding to let them waste his time with mundane shit like horse racing.
Now the story does pick up with each section and I do think the final act is quite good. Some questionable writing here and there (how many fucking times can John ask "AND WHAT IF I SAY NO?!?", we just went over this you fucking doofus) and maybe it's TOO similar to the epilogue of RDR2. Still, I was moved at times. I found the ending incredible, it was just something of an arduous journey getting to it. The repetitive mission structure wore me out. How many times can we herd cows or get on a gatling gun?
Gameplay wise, if you've played the follow up its the same thing. A little clunkier as expected. It's almost fifteen years old now. Still, once you get adjusted to it, it's like butter. You're locked in. You can easily get lost in this world if you allow yourself too. Your actions matter, people recognize, it does feel like the map exists and lives with or without you as opposed to centering around you. This is helped by random events. The strangers missions are a mixed bag. "Eva in Peril" in particular is so unbelievably fucking stupid.
All in all, I'm never gonna believe this touches Red Dead Redemption 2 but it's worth while in its own right. For me personally, if I finished the game back in the day, I doubt I would've ever been in love with it so maybe I played it at the right time.