Thursday, 21 September 2017

Favourite Video Games #1 - Red Dead Redemption

If you've been reading the Western Weekend posts, you could probably figure out that I'd have Red Dead Redemption - 'Grand Theft Auto in the West'. Well, not quite. Yes, it's the same publishers and a similar engine, but this game offers an epic tale of redemption in the twilight years of the American West.

Taking place in 1911, we follow John Marston - a retired gunfighter and bandit who is seeking to live a peaceful life as a farmer with his family. Unfortunately, the world he knows is changing and he finds that it isn't easy to escape his past when agents from the Bureau of Investigation come knocking. As an alternative to prison or execution, John is offered amnesty if he agrees to hunt down the old members of his gang. He agrees, but his wife and son are detained to ensure his cooperation. Thus, John sets out on his odyssey through the south-western United States and northern Mexico.

I love the game's open world, with deserts, canyons, plains, forests, swamplands, and mountains. Compared to open worlds like Just Cause or Elder Scrolls games, it's actually quite a small world but it feels big. There's plenty of activities ranging from picking flowers to chasing wanted criminals, along with a variety of random encounters as you travel around. Vehicles are simply horses, wagons, or trains, but there are some missions where you can ride in an automobile. There's a wide variety of characters, both good and bad, but as the game goes on they become more morally grey.

On top of that, there's a pretty good multiplayer mode where you can either play traditional deathmatch games or free-roam in the world with other players. There's even a co-op mission pack that's free to download.

I could rattle on for a lot longer, but I'll finish by saying that I'm really looking forward to Red Dead Redemption 2. It's such a shame that it's been delayed until next spring. Take your time, Rockstar. Make it worth the wait. Perhaps a re-release on the PS4 will help pave the way.

I'll probably disappear for a bit now. Maybe I'll post again if I can think of another top ten or franchise review. Happy writing.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Book Review - Behind the Curtain by Anita D Hunt

Warning: This post will be discussing abuse and suicide. Reader discretion is advised. There often comes a time when you explore titles in g...