How the West was Won
The Spaghetti Western genre of video games isn't exactly brimming over with titles at the moment, which makes RDR all the more a polarizing title. But even stepping back from that thematic truth to look at the game as its own creature this game is so beyond everything else in its genre.
RDR has everything you could need in an open world game. It has graphics that don't slow the gameplay or bog down the system but don't reduce portions of the visuals to a mess of basic geometric shapes. This is a beautiful game. The atmosphere is vast and baron yet somehow impeding and insistent. The color schemes, the plant life, the dirt roads, the piercing light of the sun; all really paint the picture of desolation and struggle that perfectly captures the feel of the era.
The story is incredible. It's about revenge, growth, a bit of desperation and yes of course redemption. Our main man John Marsten is a no-nonsense, hardcore, down to business, no holds barred, yet relaxed, respectful, decent murderous empathic man...which would make absolutely no sense at all, except for the fact that it does. He is Us in this situation. Were we in that time period, with our livelihood at stake, and faced with these impossible decision beset on all sides of us; we'd be the same person. We would be torn, set adrift in our own minds struggling with the dichotomy of right versus wrong. Marsten is a relatable and understandable character, and therefore we are invested in him and root for him through every messed up decision that comes his way.
The gameplay and learning curb are smooth as silk. You grasp the concepts quickly and it's a good thing too, because once the ball gets rolling it picks up speed quickly. The mechanics of the game are simple enough not to discourage amateur gamers looking to have fun wild west style, and complex enough not to insult the sensibilities of serious gamers looking for an original engaging gaming experience. This game hits that sweet spot of perfect for newcomers and old faithful's alike. The multiplayer is fun and varied with the most genius idea ever for a loading screen. While waiting for the game to begin, players are treated to a lobby room containing a free-for-all brawl. You can run around and pound the cakes of whomever is closet. If they run, you can chase, if they dive off a ledge to their death you can follow only to respawn right next to them and keep the beatin' a goin'. Then once the level starts, alls forgiven as you work towards a common goal, or you can seek retribution in a standoff versus mode. Feeling lazy? There are saloons and flop houses where you can drink and gamble all your cash away. Wanna go a few rounds? Walk into the street and start boxing the first person you see. Are ya running low on funds? Posters for bounty heads crop up all the time, find one, accept the bounty and go get you a payday. RDR is truly all inclusive.
There is so much to do here. The story keeps you interested enough in the game to continue your involvement on a linear standard, but also allows for adequate distractions by offering up missions for curious side stories. The sheer scope of this game is huge…perhaps at times, too huge. That, if I had to levy a criticism, would probably be the biggest. This game is massive. The developers wanted you to feel how imposing and grand the world around you is. And they succeeded in spades. The world will continue to attack you by sending wild animals, as you fight off bandits, defend families, assist lawmen, get betrayed by associates, and help out new friends. There is always something happening and a lot of places to go. Travel takes up a lot of time, random attacks and events can suck up a lot of health and ammo, and almost none of those are integral to the overall plot.
The replay value of this game is insanely high, with the side missions, the choices of good or bad throughout the game, the multiplayer campaigns and the many expansion packs. Such as: Liars and Cheats, Legends and Killers, Outlaws to the End and Undead Nightmare. There seriously is something here for everyone in massive amounts, and that universality, more than any other game has sold me and many other's on it being one of the best titles ever released. I await a proper send up to this game, if one exists, with widely open arms. Definitely Definitely DEFINITELY give this title a shot (pun!) You will not be disappointed.
Bull's-eye Rockstar.