Gamer’s Review: Red Dead Redemption 2

After “Grand Theft Auto V” became a huge success, Rockstar Games worked on their next big project, a sequel (actually a prequel) to “Red Dead Redemption.” Released in 2018 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, “Red Dead Redemption 2” earned universal acclaim from critics and gamers alike. Plus, it sold enough copies worldwide. Recently, Rockstar re-released the first game on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo. In response, I wanna share my thoughts on the best (if not the best) western themed game ever made. By the way, Red Dead Redemption 2 is my second favorite video game.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS.

Good & Bad/Ugly Qualities

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

Graphics are gorgeous as they bring an immersive world to life alongside character models, lighting, fluid animation and environmental locations.

The prequel primarily focuses on Arthur Morgan. An outlaw of Dutch van der Linde’s gang. Set in final years of The Old West, he’s conflicted regarding Dutch’s mentality leading up to his dissolution of his posse. Most notably Arthur’s close friend, John Marston. The main protagonist of the first game.

The prequel’s bigger than the original. Here’s a list of stuff.

• Melee Combat expands allowing Arthur to grapple and block.
• Dead Eye my favorite mechanic from the last game is modified with five levels. It never gets old slowing down time, picking your targets and witness the fun. Dead Eye earns Bonus Points for unleashing my inner gunslinger. In the words of Spike Spiegel off of “Cowboy Bebop,” BANG!”
• Passage of time will grow Arthur’s hair. You can customize his appearance. Whether you want him to have a badass mustache like Wyatt Earp or grow longer hair and a scruffy beard like Clint Eastwood in “The Outlaw Josey Wales.”
• Dress up Arthur in a variety of outfits either a a complete set or custom made clothing. I based my custom clothing on The Man with no Name from “The Dollars Trilogy,” Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp in “Tombstone” & Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit.”
• New weapons such as a bows, tomahawks, cleavers and hatchets. I went with the latter.
• Customize your favorite weapons increasing various stats, give each one a paint job, engrave markings and leather wraps for the grip.
• Buy and purchase horses. A ton options let you customize your horse’s appearance.
• Taking care of your horse is important. Feed it apples and brush.
• Craft ammo variety like my favorite, explosive shotgun shells. You can also make Molotov cocktails.
• Eating food restores your health. You need to feed Arthur periodically. If he hasn’t ate in days, he’ll become skinny and die from starvation. If he eats too much, his stamina meter will drain faster. Always eat a balanced meal.
• A few characters from Dutch’s gang are interesting.
• Drinking coffee fills up your meter, drinking alcohol fills your Dead Eye meter and smoking will drain a portion of your health and gain a bit of Dead Eye.
• If your guns get rusty, you can always clean ’em up. Plan accordingly before you go on an adventure.
• You can switch between first-person and third-person.
• Donate money and valuables to your camp allowing Dutch’s gang perks. Don’t be shy to hang out with your pals.
• Unlike John, Arthur can swim.
• Photo Mode’s present. Take a cool snapshot. I love it when games add Photo Mode.
• Main Missions are bigger than last time. They’re told in six chapters and a two-part epilogue.
• Side Missions aren’t repetitive. Each one’s unique in their own way.
• Deepening on your actions, Arthur’s actions will affect the outcome of his story and the people around him. If you make good decisions, stores will earn you a discount. If you do bad things, you’ll be shunned and stores won’t let you in. A reason why it’s called, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”
• After completing Chapter 6, you can visit the first game’s map.

The game’s influenced by The Dollars Trilogy” “Once Upon a Time in the West,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Wild Bunch” The Outlaw Josey Wales, “Unforgiven,” Tombstone & “Django Unchained.”

It’ll take 100+ hours to beat the Main Story. If you’re a completionist, it’ll take you weeks. Good Luck.

Character Development involving Arthur. Throughout his journey, he atones for his misdeeds.

Opening Scene with Dutch’s gang seeking shelter during a blizzard reminds me of “The Hateful Eight.”

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

Primary Themes are Atonement, Friendship, Family, Betrayal & Morality. Each one is handled carefully.

The prequel is filled with twists and turns. I can’t give anything away. You’re gonna have to play the game.

Willie Nelson’s song “Cruel World” plays during one mission. It was unexpected in a good way.

Chapter 6’s last mission made me cry. For those who played the entire game, you probably know how it goes.

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 2 is the quintessential video game Western which manages to top the first game. I consider the prequel as my second favorite video game of all time. “The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim” remains as my all-time favorite. If you curious to play Red Dead Redemption and the prequel or a fan of Westerns. Buy ‘em right now. Trust me, you’re gonna have a blast.