Red Dead Redemption

Rockstar have created the best open world game ever, with Red Dead Redemption. 

This game takes a formula that was mastered with the GTA series and takes it too a whole new level.
Setting the game in the wild west was a master stroke, giving access to a dark and brutal world which has been rarely seen in gaming. Only Rockstar could have done such a world justice showing both its beauty and harsh reality.

Graphically the game is the best of its kind, by far overshadowing anything before it (GTA4, Fallout 3). The world is massive in scale, but doesnt lack any detail. You can see far into the distance, and all the land is covered with dense foilage (grass, trees etc). Character models are great and look realistic, with the addition once again of the Euphoria physics characters take on life like reactions to every action.

The main story is dark and gritty, with plenty of action to be had. But the characters you will meet can be very funny to, from slimey salesmen to irish drunks. All have their own charm, brought to life by some of the best voice acting in any game. Your character is a real cowboy, with a dark past who is trying to get on the right path. A tale of revenge not to be missed.
But outside the main story there is land packed with things to do, and its this which makes RDR the best of its kind. From mini-games (poker, dice, five finger fillet to name a few) to herding cattle and breaking horses or how about taking on the wild life with hunting (wolves, deer, bears and even cougars) then sell their meat and skins for money. You can collect herbs and flowers, or complete challenges in your journal.
A great feature which brings the wild west to life is the random events, you could be just travelling suddenly you see a robbery taking place or a man about to hanged and you can choose to get invloved or just pass on by. Im still being suprised by what I see in RDR, from saving kidnapped women to having duels in the middle of town. All outside the main story. No review could cover the immense world of RDR, there is just so much to do but most of all its all damn fun!

Multiplayer is a whole diffrent beast, allowing freeroam which sees up to 16 players do whatever they like in the world. Want to take on a pack of wolves with your friends? or take on rival players? its all possible. Outside freeroam is the competive multiplayer which pits teams against each other in shoot-outs and diffrent game modes. All start off with a mexican stand off (plenty of fun!) adding a wild west flare to the MP.
Keeping up with the best games its MP comes with a ranking system and various unlockables (guns, horses, characters etc). R* have added intergrated with its online social club giving players access to the a dedicated website offering new challenges and unique cheats.

Overall RDR is the best gaming experience to be had this year (so far), offering more for your money than any game on the market. Do not miss this game!