In a recent tweet, an indie game developer referred to Baldur's Gate 3 as a gaming anomaly. While I absolutely adore BG3, especially for the fact that it brought the rather niche genre of CRPGs to a broader audience, the true anomaly in the world of video games is Red Dead Redemption 2 for me.
What truly set this game apart from others, is the remarkable level of attention to detail evident in every facet of its design. Every individual you encounter follows their own daily routine, from constructing houses to initiating a bar brawl on their own, or simply basking in the sun after a hunting expedition - and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout my numerous playthroughs, there were countless moments where I found myself engrossed in my surroundings, and at times, the game even rewarded my careful observation with small stories. For instance, while I was on my way to procure some food for our camp, I spotted a distant plume of smoke on the horizon. I cautiously rode towards it, took cover behind a tree, and watched to discern the situation. There, I found several veterans of the Civil War who had been defeated by the Northern states and were now engaged in some form of guerrilla warfare against their "oppressors." From my concealed vantage point, I overheard them discussing fallen comrades and lamenting the sorry state of the world after the war. In another example I found myself fishing by a picturesque pond in a valley encircled by mountains, where I could keenly observe the wildlife going about their activities. The sight of a bald eagle snatching a fish from the water right in front of me was incredibly captivating to witness. These are merely a few minor examples within a world teeming with intricacies for players to explore, many of which may go unnoticed by the majority of players.
Another significant aspect that I genuinely appreciate is the deliberate slow pacing. Everything you undertake carries weight and feels quite realistic. Whether it's working in the camp, chopping wood, cooking meat, or crafting arrows, it all takes its time. I can't commend Rockstar enough for adopting this approach because it tremendously enhances your immersion in this world and your role as Arthur. You can truly role-play as Arthur, even though he's a well-defined character with his own mind and thoughts. He even maintains his own journal where you can delve into his innermost desires and anxieties. With each experience you share with him, you develop a deeper sense of empathy, especially in the last two chapters.
It's not only the main protagonist who is exceptionally well-written, all the side characters, especially your gang members, possess unique and non-cliché personalities. The gang's leader, Dutch van der Linde, is particularly intriguing because his true identity and intentions aren't immediately apparent. As you get to know him better, you can perceive the complexities behind the facade of a charismatic leader figure who grapples with profound self-doubt and regrets. To be honest, if I were in Arthur's situation, living in that era and with his history, I'd likely follow this man to the ends of the earth as well.
From a technical perspective, the game looks incredibly impressive. Each frame could be a painting crafted by a 19th-century landscape artist. The atmospheric lighting, particularly in Saint Denis at night, is awe-inspiring. One time, I ventured to the highest mountain and observed a complete day and night cycle, and it looked remarkably realistic and sharp. When you simply explore the open world, nearly all your senses are engaged, from the chirping of birds to the sound of horses' hooves or the howling of a pack of wolves.
The soundtrack consistently strikes the perfect notes for every situation. Some key story moments excel primarily because the right song accompanies them. There were numerous instances where I experienced goosebumps solely from the soundtrack. Certain tracks also feature a significant instrumental post-rock influence, which happens to be one of my favorite genres, and I truly appreciate that. For instance, the moment when you return from Guarma and ride back to camp ranks among my favorite moments in video game history because it masterfully conveys Arthur's current state without relying on words – it's a prime example of "show don't tell."
Now, concerning the main plot, I believe the developers were avid enthusiasts of anti-Western literature, such as "Butcher's Crossing," or films like "There Will Be Blood." They skillfully toy with the romantic clichés of the American West and turn them on their heads. The central theme of a world you're familiar with gradually descending into chaos is depicted with great attention to subtle details and expertly crafted, realistic dialogue. Rockstar has so much to tell, and you can't help but become fully engaged, even in smaller side narratives. For instance, there's the story of a circus troupe that lost its main attraction, a large tiger that escaped and is now causing turmoil on a small farm, or the tale of a despondent gunslinger who can't find solace after the "heroic" deeds he performed in the past.
If I were to be critical and nitpick certain aspects I didn't like, it would be that Rockstar could have pushed the boundaries of realism further in game design. For instance, they could have implemented a more extended day and night cycle or a heightened level of realism in a survival mode where you'd need to eat and sleep daily. Additionally, there are moments when the wildlife doesn't behave naturally. For example, it's hard to imagine that a healthy, well-fed pack of wolves would casually attack a human on horseback just passing through their territory. There are also instances where deer seemingly appear out of nowhere, making it feel like they are conveniently placed for the player to hunt on their way to the next objective. Also Arthur can take way too much bullets before he dies, especially with a full health core, again i would've liked a more realistic approach, but taken that rockstar has it's roots in more arcady game series like GTA i can understand this aspect to not fully loose a majority of their playerbase.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is possibly the greatest game ever, a contemporary masterpiece of art that may well remain relevant even a decade or two from now.
What truly set this game apart from others, is the remarkable level of attention to detail evident in every facet of its design. Every individual you encounter follows their own daily routine, from constructing houses to initiating a bar brawl on their own, or simply basking in the sun after a hunting expedition - and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout my numerous playthroughs, there were countless moments where I found myself engrossed in my surroundings, and at times, the game even rewarded my careful observation with small stories. For instance, while I was on my way to procure some food for our camp, I spotted a distant plume of smoke on the horizon. I cautiously rode towards it, took cover behind a tree, and watched to discern the situation. There, I found several veterans of the Civil War who had been defeated by the Northern states and were now engaged in some form of guerrilla warfare against their "oppressors." From my concealed vantage point, I overheard them discussing fallen comrades and lamenting the sorry state of the world after the war. In another example I found myself fishing by a picturesque pond in a valley encircled by mountains, where I could keenly observe the wildlife going about their activities. The sight of a bald eagle snatching a fish from the water right in front of me was incredibly captivating to witness. These are merely a few minor examples within a world teeming with intricacies for players to explore, many of which may go unnoticed by the majority of players.
Another significant aspect that I genuinely appreciate is the deliberate slow pacing. Everything you undertake carries weight and feels quite realistic. Whether it's working in the camp, chopping wood, cooking meat, or crafting arrows, it all takes its time. I can't commend Rockstar enough for adopting this approach because it tremendously enhances your immersion in this world and your role as Arthur. You can truly role-play as Arthur, even though he's a well-defined character with his own mind and thoughts. He even maintains his own journal where you can delve into his innermost desires and anxieties. With each experience you share with him, you develop a deeper sense of empathy, especially in the last two chapters.
It's not only the main protagonist who is exceptionally well-written, all the side characters, especially your gang members, possess unique and non-cliché personalities. The gang's leader, Dutch van der Linde, is particularly intriguing because his true identity and intentions aren't immediately apparent. As you get to know him better, you can perceive the complexities behind the facade of a charismatic leader figure who grapples with profound self-doubt and regrets. To be honest, if I were in Arthur's situation, living in that era and with his history, I'd likely follow this man to the ends of the earth as well.
From a technical perspective, the game looks incredibly impressive. Each frame could be a painting crafted by a 19th-century landscape artist. The atmospheric lighting, particularly in Saint Denis at night, is awe-inspiring. One time, I ventured to the highest mountain and observed a complete day and night cycle, and it looked remarkably realistic and sharp. When you simply explore the open world, nearly all your senses are engaged, from the chirping of birds to the sound of horses' hooves or the howling of a pack of wolves.
The soundtrack consistently strikes the perfect notes for every situation. Some key story moments excel primarily because the right song accompanies them. There were numerous instances where I experienced goosebumps solely from the soundtrack. Certain tracks also feature a significant instrumental post-rock influence, which happens to be one of my favorite genres, and I truly appreciate that. For instance, the moment when you return from Guarma and ride back to camp ranks among my favorite moments in video game history because it masterfully conveys Arthur's current state without relying on words – it's a prime example of "show don't tell."
Now, concerning the main plot, I believe the developers were avid enthusiasts of anti-Western literature, such as "Butcher's Crossing," or films like "There Will Be Blood." They skillfully toy with the romantic clichés of the American West and turn them on their heads. The central theme of a world you're familiar with gradually descending into chaos is depicted with great attention to subtle details and expertly crafted, realistic dialogue. Rockstar has so much to tell, and you can't help but become fully engaged, even in smaller side narratives. For instance, there's the story of a circus troupe that lost its main attraction, a large tiger that escaped and is now causing turmoil on a small farm, or the tale of a despondent gunslinger who can't find solace after the "heroic" deeds he performed in the past.
If I were to be critical and nitpick certain aspects I didn't like, it would be that Rockstar could have pushed the boundaries of realism further in game design. For instance, they could have implemented a more extended day and night cycle or a heightened level of realism in a survival mode where you'd need to eat and sleep daily. Additionally, there are moments when the wildlife doesn't behave naturally. For example, it's hard to imagine that a healthy, well-fed pack of wolves would casually attack a human on horseback just passing through their territory. There are also instances where deer seemingly appear out of nowhere, making it feel like they are conveniently placed for the player to hunt on their way to the next objective. Also Arthur can take way too much bullets before he dies, especially with a full health core, again i would've liked a more realistic approach, but taken that rockstar has it's roots in more arcady game series like GTA i can understand this aspect to not fully loose a majority of their playerbase.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is possibly the greatest game ever, a contemporary masterpiece of art that may well remain relevant even a decade or two from now.