Red Dead Redemption - 360/PS3
Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption (RDR) is an open-world action game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar for the Xbox 360 and PS3.
Westerns have been around for a long time in gaming, all the way back to Gunsmoke for the NES. To me, the only one to hold enough weight and depth was Ubisoft's 2006 effort GUN, which had too many issues to be a gem.
All western-themed games step aside. RDR is the king, and will not be dethroned for some time.
Grand Theft Auto Meets the Old West, and it is a wild ride.
RDR is the spiritual successor to 2004's Red Dead Revolver. It has nothing in common with the previous game, and it's not like Revolver was some sort of masterpiece that was met with critical acclaim that deserved a sequel. I think they shouldve ditched the Red Dead moniker entirely, and just called the game 'Redemption'. Whatever.
In RDR, it's 1911. The Wild West days are almost gone. Where there was once vast plains and ranchland, there are now cities being built and modern civilization is rapidly expanding. You play the role of John Marston, a former gang outlaw and murderer. Under pressure from Government officials who have threatened your family, you are sent to bring your former partners to justice.
First things first, the game generally looks spectacular at all times. The amount of detail is amazing considering the huge scope of the land. From the lip synching all the way down to Marston's facial scars, to the way your horse gallops, the sky and the sunset, the cacti, and most characters look fantastic on either system. If you play this game on a SD set and not in HD, youre missing something special. This is one of the best looking games Ive seen to date on the HD hardware. There are no graphical hiccups, pop-in, slowdown, or long load times except the first time you start the game. The engine is rock solid.
The world of RDR is simply massive, and it may seem even more massive because your main mode of transport is your horse. Galavanting around Liberty City in GTA was easy in one of your chosen stolen road rockets, but aside from the horse and the occasional stage coach or train ride, getting around becomes a chore and takes a bit of time. It may seem more frustrating to me because I dont like the riding controls. Theyre a little clumsy, but they work.
Controlling Marston though, is pretty much a breeze. Except for one portion I had a hard time getting him up three steps and into a doorway (that cost me a mission) he's smooth. The shooting mechanics are very solid. Left trigger draws your selected gun, automatically locking on to the nearest target and the right one fires. There's a cover feature so you can crouch behind rocks and walls for the extended gunfights, and youll be involved in a LOT of gunfights.
There's a fame/infamy type of system that changes the game based on your actions, whether theyre heroic or vicious. People will react to you differently accordingly, but the benefits seem to better you when you act heroic with store discounts and such.
If you thought GTA had a lot to do, RDR seems to have just as much or more. Poker, Blackjack, playing horsehoes, drinking, optional Dead or Alive 'Wanted' missions, sharpshooting, hunting, duels, herding cattle, reigning in wild mustangs, item retrieving and collecting, treasure hunting... I didnt even cover them all. This isnt even counting the side missions or random rescue missions that pop up constantly. There are plenty of ways to make cash and find it, so if your a little low on the ducets, have no fear. You can loot every person you kill, and sell your findings at any general store.
The sound is rich with Western music, the guns sound authentic but I thought they'd be louder. The horses and cattle sound so realistic as do all the animals. The voice work is spot on in cutscenes.
I cant say it enough. RDR is a likely candidate for multi-platform title of the year. Top-notch graphics, an extremely lengthy campaign with a ton of stuff to do, a pretty good backround story and solid mechanics, RDR is a cant miss, must play experience. If youre any fan of westerns and a gamer, this is a must-buy. It'll keep you busy and addicted for weeks.
9.5/10
Rated M for Mature- Blood, intense violence, strong language, use of alcohol and tobacco, nudity, strong sexual content
Last edited by Shazam!; 05-21-2010 at 12:02 AM.
"I may not be a mathematician, but I can count to a million." - Shannon Sharpe