While I don't always click with Rockstar games, I think this one is pretty special. I love how it isn't afraid to create a world of open plains and clear skies. It's not always clamoring at you to do something, and my favourite aspect of it was exploring these plains on my horse, with its spare soundtrack and ambient sounds.

The story is well done too, and grabbed me from the start with the arrival at McFarlane ranch. Bonnie and John have a great relationship and set you up for future encounters. I loved how it moves you forward to new areas, and sets up some great encounters with your former gang. The end is excellent too, an unflinching reminder that you are not special or different from anyone else in this world just because you're the protagonist.

This still has a lot of issues that I have with Rockstart - meaningless busywork, mediocre combat. It works best because the fantasy and world are just more appealing to me than being a criminal in a city full of assholes.