Red Dead Redemption Review: The Definitive and Hopefully Last Version

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In 2011, on Cyber Monday, I purchased Red Dead Redemption for the Xbox 360 at Best Buy for $19.99. This was a year after its release, and since it had already won multiple awards, I felt fortunate to find the Game of the Year edition, which included additional content and DLC. As anticipated, the game was an enjoyable experience, transporting me to the old west with that distinctive Rockstar style that I had grown fond of.

More than a decade has passed since its release, and there’s now a sequel for Red Dead, but that doesn’t diminish the brilliance of the original game. In fact, its latest version is available on PC, giving players an opportunity to revisit it with improved graphics. It might be the same game you played years ago, but it has been enhanced and polished to look even more stunning. If you haven’t played the original yet, there’s really no reason not to do so now.

Improved Performance and Visuals

Indeed, while it’s tempting to simply praise the stunning visuals of the PC version of Red Dead, which outshines its predecessors and effortlessly runs smoothly even with high-end settings on a computer from the last decade, there are other aspects that make this port worth considering. In essence, let’s delve a bit deeper into what sets this PC adaptation apart.

Initially, this version of Red Dead stands out as one of the most visually appealing iterations of the game that’s been released so far. It isn’t a remake or on par with Red Dead Redemption 2 in terms of visual detail, but it offers a smooth and seamless gaming experience with minimal frame rate issues or delays. The graphics are sharper and more vibrant as well, which makes the game look impressive given its age. On my ultra-wide monitor, the game looks stunning.

In addition to the PC version, this game offers an unexpected feature: keyboard controls. However, for an optimal gaming experience, using a controller is highly recommended. While pressing keys works fine, performing multiple commands simultaneously on a horse such as accelerating, changing direction, and attempting to lasso a wild animal becomes more intuitive and immediate with a controller. This is because the game was initially released on consoles about 14 years ago.

Among the advantages of playing Red Dead on PC is that it becomes portable if you own a Steam Deck. However, it’s worth noting that the game was released for Switch a few years back as well. The Switch version might not be as visually impressive as this one, so if you prioritize portability, power, and smooth performance, opting for PC would seem more suitable due to its superior visual quality and faster speed compared to previous versions. Interestingly, both PC and Switch versions are approximately priced the same, meaning you won’t be saving money by choosing either option. If you happen to own a Steam Deck, you’re in an ideal position to enjoy this game on-the-go!

Classic Gameplay Still Delivers

Regardless of the numerous adaptations it’s gone through, the core narrative and gameplay of Red Dead Redemption stay consistent. The story revolves around John Marston, an ex-outlaw who is coerced into helping the authorities track down his former gang members in order to reunite with his family. Along the way, John forms relationships with sheriffs, corrupt thugs, and new associates who may require him to perform various tasks in a diverse range of missions for you to accomplish.

In a nutshell, Red Dead is Rockstar’s interpretation of the Wild West era, richly embellished with classic western movie motifs and storylines that set the stage for John Marston’s adventures and the challenges you’ll face throughout the game. The tale unfolds in a fictional American West during 1911, where John embarks on a path of atonement. The gameplay is mature and gritty, adhering to Rockstar’s signature style but avoiding excessive comedy or exaggeration. Expect emotional moments along with intense gunfights. You’ll occasionally engage in amusing banter with strangers and may need to subdue people by tying them up, either to silence them or transport them to safety.

In this game, the story unfolds through primary missions where John might engage in shootouts, manage livestock, or protect and safeguard trains from attackers. The decisions you make during these missions, as well as optional tasks provided by the game, influence how others perceive you within the game’s moral system. Acts of kindness, such as sparing someone or using non-lethal force in combat, can earn you honor points that may lead to discounts at shops or altered interactions with NPCs. Keep in mind that John is a former criminal, but his good deeds often pay off in the long run.

Globetrotting between assignments on your trusty steed and sidearm brings a unique sense of freedom. Just like various vehicles in “Grand Theft Auto,” each horse breed has its own riding style, allowing you to seek out faster, more agile mounts or stronger, sturdier ones that suit your taste. You can summon your horse whenever needed. However, the game’s fast travel feature feels somewhat dated, as it requires setting up a campfire before choosing your destination, rather than just opening a map and selecting your desired location, which is common in many modern games.

Even though you might find yourself spending extended periods exploring the vast world on horseback, you’ll encounter unforeseen encounters with strangers and creatures that can offer in-game tasks or provide materials for challenges or selling later on. This gives the world a sense of liveliness and spontaneity, making your journey through it exciting and unpredictable. In essence, the seemingly empty world is teeming with activity.

Final Thoughts

In addition to the primary gameplay, this version is similar to my 2011 Game of the Year edition and includes the “Undead Nightmare” expansion pack. This expansion puts you in the role of John Marston in a world overrun by zombies. It operates independently from the main story, so you can explore it without interfering with the original game’s narrative. However, please note that this version does not include the multiplayer mode from the original game. Since most players have likely already mastered this game extensively, they may find the absence of the multiplayer mode less impactful.

Apart from enhanced graphics and superior performance, the PC version of Red Dead seems remarkably similar to the Game of the Year edition I bought back in 2011, which I got for just $20. Interestingly, this new version that has been released more than a decade after the original game was first launched will set you back by $50.

Red Dead Redemption is a remarkable game that significantly influenced the genre of open-world titles. Its captivating narrative, akin to a movie, seamlessly blends with the action you get to play. Although it’s starting to show its age with each new release, it offers a second chance for those who missed out on its original launch to delve into its world. If you’ve already played it, there’s nothing new to experience, but if you’re curious about the buzz, wait for a price drop before diving in.

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2024-11-13 12:02