A Solid PC Port Shows How Red Dead Still Holds Up in 2024

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that revisiting Red Dead Redemption on PC has been akin to riding a fine horse through the plains of West Elizabeth – smooth, breathtaking, and nostalgic all at once. The visual improvements are as striking as a freshly-polished Colt revolver, making this open-world Western an even more immersive experience than it was a decade ago.

After being released 14 years ago, the highly-acclaimed game Red Dead Redemption is now available on PC, offering the optimal experience for playing Rockstar’s open-world Western. Developed in collaboration between Rockstar and Double Eleven, this version boasts a number of graphical enhancements and improvements that make it the smoothest and most visually stunning edition of Red Dead Redemption yet. These visual upgrades further highlight an already exceptional storyline that has proven to be timeless.

I’ve spent approximately 20 hours delving into each of the game’s main regions, running on top settings with an ultrawide screen, and it’s simply stunning. Back in 2010, Red Dead Redemption was lauded for its exceptional ambiance, and that timeless quality still holds true today. The rhythmic sound of hooves pounding across the plains, accentuated by the sun’s early morning rays breaking through the clouds, is just as captivating now as it was then. Such moments are common in Red Dead Redemption, and the upgraded visuals and performance only serve to amplify these memorable high points.

The significant improvement in Red Dead Redemption’s PC port lies primarily in its extended draw distances. In comparison to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, objects beyond the main character John Marston’s immediate surroundings appear blurry. However, the PC version, as well as the PS5 version released in 2023, uses additional power to sharpen those details, resulting in a much clearer image. When viewed at native 4K resolution, Red Dead Redemption appears almost brand new despite its age. Some players with keen eyesight may spot a few objects and textures that still seem slightly grainy, such as certain characters or the herbs scattered across the frontier, but these details are quickly overlooked while traversing the golden plains of West Elizabeth.

A Solid PC Port Shows How Red Dead Still Holds Up in 2024

Red Dead Redemption’s ultrawide support truly shines as the main attraction. Watching this game world unfold in a 21:9 perspective perfectly complements its themes and cinematic influences. As you gradually approach Fort Mercer during the opening hour, it seems as if you’ve stepped right into scenes from Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch or Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. The expanded aspect ratio lends an air of emptiness and desolation that harmoniously mirrors the game’s overall ambiance.

In the wider screen display version, there’s one significant drawback: The game’s cutscenes are still produced in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Although a 21:9 aspect ratio might disrupt some scene compositions, it’s disappointing that Rockstar and Double Eleven haven’t provided an option for players to adjust this, given that modders have already tackled this issue. It would have been great if we could enjoy some of the game’s memorable cutscenes in a cinematic ultrawide format without needing to install mods.

Despite the strength of this port, it appears quite minimalistic. The PC version, similar to the 2023 editions for Switch and PS5, strikingly omits the game’s initial multiplayer and cooperative aspects. While I comprehend the reasons why Rockstar Games and Double Eleven might choose not to revive multiplayer due to server expenses, it’s regrettable that this essential feature is absent, given its open-world design served as a foundation for the globally acclaimed GTA Online. Originally, Red Dead’s multiplayer components aimed to redefine what social multiplayer could be, and it’s unfortunate that this vision isn’t reflected in this release. Moreover, the absence of a photo mode, particularly, is a wasted chance. Given the significant effort invested in enhancing the visuals, a photo mode could have showcased these graphical advancements brilliantly.

What’s truly captivated me upon revisiting Red Dead Redemption is not its graphics or smooth gameplay, but its exceptional storytelling. Red Dead Redemption skillfully tackles multiple intricate themes in a way that feels genuine. The characters may be briefly introduced and depart, but they are vibrant, humorous, and full of life. Many embody the vices, virtues, and myths of the American Dream and the Wild West; Nigel West Dickens, for instance, is a con artist masquerading as an aristocrat, while Landon Ricketts is a faded gunslinger seeking to satisfy his messianic complex. Despite John’s extensive list of tasks leading to redemption being essentially errands, the engaging characters and sharp dialogue prevent the adventure from becoming monotonous.

A Solid PC Port Shows How Red Dead Still Holds Up in 2024

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reflect on John Marston’s journey in Mexico as one of my most memorable gaming experiences. The political landscape, leaders, and alliances there are a tangled web, and John finds himself navigating this complex mess to track down his former associate, Bill Williamson. This pursuit, while it seems single-minded compared to the revolution brewing around him, embodies the concept of American interventionism in an unsettling way.

Red Dead Redemption boasts an expansive story that rivals some of the finest Western movies ever made. If you haven’t experienced it yet, the PC version offers a great opportunity to delve into its world. But if you’re already familiar with Red Dead Redemption or have played the 2023 port for PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch, the only real difference you’ll notice is enhanced graphics.

2024-11-08 21:39

A Solid PC Port Shows How Red Dead Still Holds Up in 2024

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