As the prequel to 2010’s mega hit, Red Dead Redemption 2 had big shoes to fill. Development began not long after the original’s launch. And after eight years it finally arrived in October 2018 to universal acclaim from critics and gamers alike.
Set in 1899 during the decline of the old west, the game told the story of Dutch van der Linde’s gang of criminals, their quest for an outlaw utopia and how it all went so, so wrong. I’ve been thinking about Red Dead Redemption 2 and its tragic tale a lot recently. Especially since I wrapped up my playthrough of The Last of Us Part II. Just as the latter hasn’t escaped my thoughts because of its impactful, heartbreaking narrative, the former lingers in my head for the same reason. But there’s so much to this title that it would be a disservice to pin its success on that alone.
So I’ve picked out four reasons why I loved the game at launch, and why I continue to love it almost three years later…
Red Dead Redemption 2: A living, breathing open world
Red Dead Redeption 2 features a fictionalised version of late 19th century America. It covers the states of New Hanover, Ambarino, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth and New Austin. Its in-game map is huge by anyone’s standards. And a good chunk of playtime is taken up by merely traversing it. On the surface, that might sound rather dull – but there’s always something to do, see and be surprised by.
Random encounters are varied and all-encompassing – whether action-packed, hillarious, spooky or intimidating, these events feel organic and immersive. There’s something especially exhilarating about the game’s ambush sequences. Trotting down a dusty road on horseback when a gang of bounty hunters emerge to gun you down gets the adrenaline pumping every time.
Much of Red Dead 2‘s downtime is spent in its towns and cities. These are lively settlements full of ordinary people going about their daily lives. From the farmhands to local drunks to lawmen, you’ll slowly start to notice seemingly irrelevant NPCs live complete routines unique to them. Additionally, you might visit a town early on and see a building in-progress. Upon your repeated returns, it’ll develop as labourers work on it day-by-day. The same principles can be applied to so many aspects of this world, it’s truly staggering.
Memorable supporting characters
Red Dead Redemption 2 focuses primarily on Arthur Morgan (and John Marston later on). However, its supporting characters – particularly the members of Dutch’s gang – were thoroughly well-written and given ample attention. Everyone has a purpose in this story. And few are left behind or forgotten (whether dead or alive) as it progresses.
Earlier adversaries such as Colm O’Driscoll and Leviticus Cornwall leave their mark. And the bonds and conflicts that develop between gang members are evident throughout and feed into the climactic finale. Keeping an eye on certain characters (looking at you, Micah) feels almost essential as you play. It’s interesting to see how returning characters like Bill Williamson and Javier Escuella morph into their Red Dead Redemption counterparts, too. And Charles Smith and Sadie Adler were definite favourites of mine by the time the game drew to a close.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Impeccably recreated historical setting
Taking place at the turn of the century, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a near-perfect reimagining of America from that period. As noted, the locations are fictional (although inspiration was clearly taken from the real world). But that doesn’t get in the way of the historical immersion.
As you explore this world, it does everything it can to convice you that you’re experiencing something authenic. Whether it’s the architecture, weapons, political whisperings or cultural attitudes of the characters, it’s impossible to forget where and when you are. This is a brutal and punishing time, particularly for those operating outside the law – things are changing, and fast. And while shadows of the old world loom, you can see the future just on the horizon.
Arthur Morgan and Dutch van der Linde
Perhaps above all, it’s the relationship between lead protagonist Arthur Morgan and (eventual) antagonist Dutch van der Linde that stands out. Arthur joined Dutch’s gang prior to the events of the game. He considered Dutch a father figure and they shared similar ideals of liberty and freedom.
Cracks are apparent from the outset of Red Dead 2 – Arthur’s long-held beliefs are faltering after a life mired by personal pain, recurrent disappointment and never-ending crime. It’s obvious Dutch is at least partly responsible for Arthur’s problems – and the gang’s disaster in Blackwater appears to be the catalyst for the division that follows. Despite this, Arthur remains loyal to Dutch for much of the story and continues to support his oft-spoken of ‘plans’.
Things slowly disintegrate as the gang’s situation worsens and Micah Bell becomes more disruptive. Ultimately, Dutch and Arthur’s father/son connection ends in chaos and dissent. It’s a tale of a bond based on one-sided allegiance and misplaced loyalty scarcely seen in other video games, and one that left a lasting impression on me.
Do you feel the same way about Red Dead Redemption 2? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
