Red Dead Redemption
Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption is finally here and it has been well worth the wait. Read on to find out what we think of John Marston's adventures.
There is a time and a place for everything and the American government has just decided the time is up for the wild west. The south is about to get civilised, taxes are due and there will be law and order. But there is fierce resistance, and the ranch owners seem to prefer cattle thieves over bureaucrats and the gun men refuse to give up their trade. This is where you, John Marston, enter the picture. A veteran of the west, with a solid background in crime that you have tried to put behind you, but as is often the case your past catches up with you and you are forced to hunt down your former gang.
Red Dead Redemption has been described as a GTA in a western setting, and while that description is accurate to some extent, the game is much more than that. Rockstar have truly made a giant effort to create a believable world, and filled it with colourful individuals and tons of memorable moments.
From the moment you get up on the horseback, jam your spurs into the sides, and ride off into an orange sunset in a dusty desert filled with cacti and unique rock formations, you know this is an experience out of the ordinary. I come to think of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion as I stumble on to something to do every time I turn a corner.
It almost overwhelms me. Where do I start? Should I come to aid of the fellow who is about to get hanged, or help the one who claims to have been robbed of his horse, or perhaps assist the lovely lady by the carriage who seems to be in some kind of predicament. Add to this a map that is littered with icons, wanted criminals to catch, spots where a friendly game of poker can be enjoyed, night shifts at the farms, or hidden treasures. Oh, and on top of that there is a well written main story to get into.
It should come as no surprise that your guns will do a lot of the talking in Red Dead Redemption. And instead of the rather stiff action in GTA, the gun fights in Red Dead Redemption are more reminiscent of Gears of War, as you duck in and out of cover and take out bad guys by the dozen. This makes for action that is more enjoyable than in any other Rockstar game to date. One memorable battle was when I stormed an enormous fort equipped with a gatling gun and mowed down armies of tobacco chewing slobs. The second after I had hunted down the last stragglers I was forced to defend myself ferociously as reinforcements arrived.
I'm a huge western fan, and John Marston really comes across as classic and likeable John Wayne hero. By rescuing people your popularity grows, and the residents will greet you in the streets. Growing fame will also lead to gun men challenging you to duels, where you need to draw quickly and aim well - tense moments where the adrenaline is pumping and the sweat is pouring.
Rockstar have delivered a world that lives and breaths populated with incredibly carved out characters. Many of the characters become immediate favourites, such as tough as nails farmer's daughter Bonnie, quack Nigel West Dickens, and then there is Seth. He's a Gollum-esque body snatcher who digs up rotting corpses, speaks to them and takes care of them. A man with a seriously broken spirit, and an exterior that is equally tarnished, who will be of invaluable help to you.
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- System:PS3, Xbox 360
- Genre:Action
- Developer:Rockstar San Diego
- Publisher:Take-Two Interactive
- Offline players:1
- Online players:1-16
- Age limit:From 18 years
- Release date:21 May 2010
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