Gamer’s Review: Red Dead Redemption

After “Grand Theft Auto V” became a critical and commercial success, Rockstar Games worked on their next big project. An open-world western video game inspired by the works of Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood westerns. About an outlaw who comes out of retirement to hunt down members of his old gang in order to reunite with his family. The premise I’m referring to is none other than “Red Dead Redemption.”

Red Dead Redemption was officially released in 2010 (same year Mass Effect 2 came out) on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It received critical acclaim from critics and gamers alike. Plus, it sold enough copies worldwide. Eight Years Later, “Red Dead Redemption 2” also earned praise. Recently, Rockstar re-released the game on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. In response to one of my favorite games on the aforementioned consoles, I wanna share my thoughts on Red Dead Redemption.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to play this masterpiece.

Good & Bad/Ugly Qualities

Good: Voice Actors all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Graphics still hold up for game released in 2010.

Presented as a third-person open-world western, you play as John Marston. A former outlaw who’s forced by the government to come out of retirement by hunting down his old gang if he wants to reunite with his family. During his journey, John makes new friends on the way helping a each one’s predicament.

Gameplay/Mechanics

• You traverse on foot and horseback going from Point A to Point B.
• Once you discover a new area, the map will allow you to Fast Travel.
• Combat plays a big part. You equip with revolvers/pistols, shotguns, rifles. Engage in shootouts taking out enemies one by one. To stay alive, cover’s the best option.
• The best mechanic is without a doubt, “Dead Eye.” Filling up the Dead Eye meter enables you to slow down time, tag your targets before time runs out and watch ’em getting mowed down. Dead Eye earns Bonus Points for letting me unleash my inner gunslinger. Especially, Gene Wilder as The Waco Kid from “Blazing Saddles.”
• Besides guns, melee combat is included.
• Additional equipment including a lasso, dynamite, Molotov cocktails and bait.
• If you get bored, there’s’ a ton of stuff to do. Gamble playing poker, blackjack, liar’s dice, arm wrestle, horseshoe and five finger fillet. Hunt animals, skin their meat and sell it to a store for cash. Drink at a bar. Herd cattle for a quick buck. Watch a silent movie. Hunt a bounty dead or alive. Participate in a horse race. Raid a gang hideout. Tame a horse. Gather herbs. Rob a store. Safe crack a bank vault. Engage in a one-on-one Mexican stand-off. Rob a train.
• Side Quests are labeled, “Strangers.” You can talk to a specific character. Complete a favor, you’ll be given an award.
• If you finish certain tasks, you get an outfit.
• Taking cues from “Grand Theft Auto,” a wanted system keeps track on your criminal record. If you do some illegal stuff, you’ll get a bounty on your head. The Law and bounty hunters will try and hunt you down. In order to clear your name, you must head to the nearest telegraph station. Either pay up with cash or give a pardon.
• If you wanna go incognito, wear a bandana.
• Depending on your actions a morality system keeps track on your behavior. If you do good things, stores will earn you a discount. If you do some bad things, townsfolk will loathe you. Some stores won’t let you in. Hence the meaning of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

John’s interactions with his allies serve as the main highlight. As the game progresses, they earn his trust. After John aides them, his new friends help him in return to search for his old gang.

The game’s influenced by notable westerns. Most notably Clint Eastwood films like “The Dollars Trilogy,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales” & “Unforgiven.”

Soundtrack’s heavily inspired by Ennio Morricone. Known for The Dollars Trilogy & “Once Upon a Time in the West.” As if Sergio Leone made a video game for Rockstar.

Primary Themes are Atonement, Revenge, Sacrifice & Morality. Each one’s handled carefully.

I can’t tell you how the game ends. All I can say is in fact, the ending made me cry.

Don’t forget to install the DLC story, “Undead Nightmare.”

Bad/Ugly: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Rockstar an Extra Point for making a flawless game as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Red Dead Redemption is one of the best (if not the best) video games Rockstar Games created. If you own a PS4/PS5 or Nintendo Switch, buy it immediately.