Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption developed by Rockstar- Single Player campaign only

Reviewed on an  Xbox 360 Arcade, Samsung 56” DLP 720P with Tritton 720ax Headphones

Video games are one of my hobbies and have enjoyed them since the days of text adventure from Infocom to todays epics such as Mass Effect.  My game completion speed is medium. If the game is great I will read, watch and do everything offered.

Total time played 54 hrs, according to the in game stats.

                If there is one genre in video games that has had no relevance throughout the console or pc generation, it is the old west.   While others have tried it’s Rockstars Red Dead Redemption that delivers an experience that is quite simply unforgettable and easily a must purchase for any game or entertainment fan.

                The story is a basic paint by numbers old western movie tale. You play as an ex outlaw John Marsten who is trying build a new law abiding life with his wife and son. The government however intervenes and using your family as hostages, orders you to track down and kill your former gang members.   

The good:

Story: The story maybe cliché, but if there is one thing Rockstar continues to prove is they know how to write,   create memorable characters, and present moments in games you care about and will not soon forget. The best advice I can offer is to always pay close attention to the dialogue and when traveling with NPCs to missions do not skip to destination. This game truly makes you feel like you are the star in your own epic western movie.

Graphics: As I was playing I found myself thinking this console is almost 5 years old and yet it continues to push the graphics beyond expectations. The game is absolutely gorgeous. The sunsets, horses, character models, animals, landscapes, cut scenes, etc. is totally exceptional work at the highest level.   There are instances you will find yourself just riding along a river, waterfall, or standing on top of a mountain range just to experience the vast empty, beautiful landscapes.

Game play: This is the old west so you will be in a hell of a lot of gunfights and battles with a dozen or so enemies on numerous occasions. Fortunately the game is not difficult and you will have an abundance of guns, dynamite, throwing knives and other weapons to help defeat you enemies. You will also be accompanied on a lot of missions with very capable npc characters.

 There is a ton of content for the player to explore and all is worth the time. There are roughly 57 + regular game missions, and 40+ side missions that include breaking horses, clearing gang hideouts, and accepting bounty hunting jobs to name just a few. One of the most addictive game play options is completing the hunting, treasure, and survivalist challenges. Completing these challenges will offer new items at the local store and unlock new outfits. If that isn’t enough stuff to do you can play poker, blackjack, five finger fillet, horseshoes, and liars dice to itch that gambling bug you may have.

Sound: As with the graphics the sound is excellent. The voices of all the characters fit and again make the setting and story believable. The gunfire and explosions are realistic as we have come to expect but it’s the little sounds that raises the realism and immersion for players. As an example simply the change in the sound of your horses hooves as he walks on cobblestone or is crossing a wooden bridge are impressive. Also the musical score with original songs is top notch.
 

Coolness factor #1: The horses. When all is said and done, if the horses do not look real or act real this game is not reaching that upper plateau of critical acclaim it has received.

Coolness factor #2: Bringing in a herd of cattle in a driving rain ala City Slickers.

Achievements: I achieved the 100% single player completion. All are easily attainable by just going through the game and completing missions. In order to save a few hours of game time I would recommend you review the list to avoid backtracking.

My 2 cents- Things I didn’t like, or wish were included

One of my pet peeves with Rockstar has been their save and travel system. The included save system is not bad, but after playing Fallout 3 I ‘m a little spoiled. There is also no mission checkpoints during side missions which can sometimes be annoying. 
 

I do have to point out the excessive graphical clipping you will notice as you travel. It is very bad but does not effect any game play. 

Make the general store more meaningful. I completed all the challenges and never sold 1 item for cash. I probably had about $40,000 worth of inventory at the end of the game.

How were places like a blacksmith shop for horseshoes and weapon upgrades, a barbershop, a simple hot bath, banks, and traps for hunting not included?

Though I always follow a good guy path, there really is no sense of bad choice in the game. In fact one late choice I made thought was honorable, was actually considered the opposite. The addition of bank robberies, train robberies, stage coach hold ups to offer a choice would have been fun.

The world events should be more random with their decision. As an example as you travel on occasion someone will call you over asking for a ride and they always throw you off your horse and try to get away. It becomes annoying late in the game and you just ignore, but if the npc would accept a friendly ride into town it becomes a better in game situation.  

Final Thoughts

I always have respected Rockstar and their ability but have never been able to finish one of their games. That is a distant memory as Rockstar and their game RDR has proved. An open world with endless fun game play, a more refined shooting mechanic, immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters and a setting unlike any other Red Dead Redemption is in a class all by itself and has set the new standard for others to follow. You must play this game.