Even after all this time, Red Dead Redemption still feels like Rockstar's first (successful) attempt at making a sincere story with something to say. Not that the narratives of their previous titles weren't compelling; don't get me wrong. In fact, they certainly struck gold with GTA IV's Niko Bellic as a complicated protagonist with a dark past navigating the wacky, unruly world of Grand Theft Auto. That being said, the GTA games still all have a very deliberate air of high-concept action movie mayhem and set pieces that keep them from being taken too seriously.
Red Dead Redemption, however, is built different. Yes, it's an obvious homage and loving amalgamation of Western tropes and archetypes, but it's still also a worthy and honest entry into the genre as a whole. I realize this comes across as gatekeeping a bit, but it's just a testament to how John Marston's story is still so effective and captivating after several playthroughs of it.
It's funny, since taking this story in again with the full context of Red Dead Redemption 2 as a lengthy prequel doesn't ruin it or cheapen it with retcons (or reverse retcons, I guess??), which I suppose is a testament to the second game more than anything, but I can't help but imagine they had more of Marston's backstory with the gang planned out ahead of time than they were letting on. Or perhaps not, and they're just really good at weaving a satisfying story.
I realize I haven't yet mentioned anything about gameplay, but really, that's because I have sparingly few complaints about it, and the ones that I do have are largely thanks to the PS4 port (even though the framerate has thankfully been fixed). Really, my biggest qualm with Red Dead's gameplay has to be anytime you're on horseback and you're forced to shoot at other enemies on horseback while keeping up with your companion. Even with lock-on aim, it's still a chore, and there are a fair number of these encounters throughout the game.
It's crystal clear that my summary of Red Dead Redemption is that it's a truly fantastic game, and I love it. I wouldn't quite go as far as to call it Rockstar's magnum opus (at least until I've played the sequel/prequel again), but it's undeniably in their top 3. Despite the issues with this port, it's still probably the best way to experience Red Dead Redemption if you haven't yet. Given the lack of multiplayer here, you're still treated to a true classic of the medium and a loving tribute to Westerns as a whole.
9.5/10
Red Dead Redemption, however, is built different. Yes, it's an obvious homage and loving amalgamation of Western tropes and archetypes, but it's still also a worthy and honest entry into the genre as a whole. I realize this comes across as gatekeeping a bit, but it's just a testament to how John Marston's story is still so effective and captivating after several playthroughs of it.
It's funny, since taking this story in again with the full context of Red Dead Redemption 2 as a lengthy prequel doesn't ruin it or cheapen it with retcons (or reverse retcons, I guess??), which I suppose is a testament to the second game more than anything, but I can't help but imagine they had more of Marston's backstory with the gang planned out ahead of time than they were letting on. Or perhaps not, and they're just really good at weaving a satisfying story.
I realize I haven't yet mentioned anything about gameplay, but really, that's because I have sparingly few complaints about it, and the ones that I do have are largely thanks to the PS4 port (even though the framerate has thankfully been fixed). Really, my biggest qualm with Red Dead's gameplay has to be anytime you're on horseback and you're forced to shoot at other enemies on horseback while keeping up with your companion. Even with lock-on aim, it's still a chore, and there are a fair number of these encounters throughout the game.
It's crystal clear that my summary of Red Dead Redemption is that it's a truly fantastic game, and I love it. I wouldn't quite go as far as to call it Rockstar's magnum opus (at least until I've played the sequel/prequel again), but it's undeniably in their top 3. Despite the issues with this port, it's still probably the best way to experience Red Dead Redemption if you haven't yet. Given the lack of multiplayer here, you're still treated to a true classic of the medium and a loving tribute to Westerns as a whole.
9.5/10
cowboyjosh
6 months ago