For some reason deserts have pretty much one use in games, to serve as the setting for a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a strange difference from films, where they seem to be used largely for the more traditional Western setting. Fortunately we do have a few Western games to break things up, and king amongst them is probably Red Dead Redemption from Rockstar. I mean of course it’s by Rockstar, it’s an open world game. Sure, there are some developers that aren’t Rockstar who can build an open world game but every time I hear someone’s working on an open world game my mind still jumps to the Houser brothers.
Anyway, on to the adventures of John Marston in the American West. Sadly I missed the game, but it’s one that I certainly want to go back and have a look at when I’m not swamped trying to get through this year’s backlog. It looks like giving it a chance is probably a good idea, with the game scoring 10/10 back when we reviewed it. Beyond the raw numbers we had this to say about it:
Rockstar San Diego’s latest title is an unmissable game for any fan of the genre or great action adventures in general. We don’t often get masterpieces around here, but this is certainly one of those moments in time when gamers will look back more fondly on a dusty old six shooter than anything that involves jacking cars. The Wild West, then, is the new New York, and Rockstar have got their work cut out for them if they want Grand Theft Auto V to come anywhere near close to the majesty of Red Dead Redemption. A job we don’t envy.
So our view is pretty positive, but what about yours? Did you enjoy fighting your way through the Old West, or could you not stand skinning animals? If you feel like taking part in this week’s WeView just drop your thoughts on Mr. Marston’s tale into the comments below.
Once you’ve given us your opinion on the game make sure you remember to rate it on the Buy It, Bargain Bin It, Rent It, Avoid It scale. In Monday’s verdict we’ll count up all of your votes and work out the community’s verdict on the game. If you want your verdict to count make sure you have it in by Sunday afternoon, otherwise the post will have been written.
Rad4Life
This is the best game Rockstar have released this console cycle. I never played Red Dead Revolver but always heard fairly good things. This game was a quantum leap beyond the first one. Really beyond anything. One of the greatest games this console cycle no matter where you look.
I suggest you BUY IT.
Even if you are able to BARGAIN BIN IT.
If money is really tight, at least RENT IT.
Whatever you do, just don’t AVOID IT>
The Lone Steven
It’s been a while since i’ve played it so forgive me if i miss some of the details out.
Red Dead Redemption. What can i say about it? It’s fecking excellent. It follows the GTA format but adds a wild west twist on it. You won’t be hijacking cars, you will be hijacking horses. The gameplay is very simular to GTA’s but has enough differences to make it stand out. You can hunt animals, skin them alive, gamble, etc… The dueling system is very tricky to use.
Graphically, it looks amazing and the setting is beautiful. From the wild west style of Armdillo to the modern town of blackwater and even Mexico is included. Each location is noticeably different. But it can be a bit boring traveling from place to place at times. I know there is a fast travel option but i really don’t like using it. Also there are random encounters which you can interact with.
Now, the story is excellent, It follows a former member of a gang, John Maston, quest to arrest his former friends in order to save his wife and child. It is very well done, and feels like a classic western film. It does slow down a lot in the final act though.
The online is full of cheaters,campers etc.. thus, i refuse to touch it as i don’t like getting sniped from very far away every time i spawn.
overall it’s a wild west BUY IT! *shoots his guns in the air and dons a cowboy hat* YEEEEEEEHHHAAAAAA!
wukido
Without wanting to spoil it for anybody, the moment you cross the river into Mexico was one, if not the most memorable gaming experiences I’ve had. The story drags a little for me, but I poured hours into all the side missions and when it ended, I was emotionally exhausted.
elpablo79
My confession…. I have never completed a Grand Theft Auto game, or even completed 50%. It’s not that I hate the franchise, in fact I have bought most that have been released. It’s just the style for whatever reason doesn’t grab me. However, sprinkle it with a western theme taking influence from both spaghetti and gritty films and all of a sudden I’m hooked. The story is very good, filled with great characters, dialogue and a memorable ending. The downside is the middle third. Once you cross the river, it seems like a chore, even the story here drops a little as it feels like you are repeating what you have already covered and you go around in circles. At times I really had to motivate myself to move on despite the story not wanting to. However, once you hit the final third, things pick up once more and it all builds to the finale. I found the little side quests quite good and add variety, altough I did struggle with some of the games you cantake part in. The Undead Nightmare, for what I have played so far, is a good addition, although I have mainly been on the online mode of that.
It is worth mentioning the online mode has never caused me a problem with lag or joining games. The modes are varied with plenty to do. Overall, and if you really haven’t figured out my verdict….BUY IT
Alternatively, rob the next stagecoach which goes through your town in the hope it has some copies aboard