The Fascinating Frontier- Red Dead Redemption Review

Many gamers will rightfully assume that ‘Redemption’ refers to the narrative trajectory of John Marston in Rockstar San Diego’s most recent release. Yet, the moniker also slyly references the salvation of the interactive Western. Although Gun, Red Dead Revolver and the Call of Juarez series have all valiantly attempted to capture the mystique of a Sergio Leone film, none of those releases have as been successful at delivering a cinematic experience as deep and polished as Red Dead Redemption. The title’s strength is forged by achieving the goal set forth by every Grand Theft Auto title – creating a living, complex world that begs for exploration. 

However, Redemption is far more than an historical recontextualization of the popular series; the Housers are much too shrewd for that. While the series still contains a handful of holdovers from the admired franchise, it also brings a slew of changes that radically change the feel of the title. Taking a cue from the moral intricacy presented in Fable 2, Redemption presents players with the Honor system. Killing innocent townsfolk or performing altruistic acts slides a knob along an ethical barometer, altering the manner in which people treat the protagonist. My character was carefully cultivated to be morally upstanding; soon shopkeepers rewarded me with a generous discount, while lawman assisted me when malicious posse’s attacked. Sadly, a player’s mortality is determined solely by their actions – for better or worse, the game forgoes Bioware-esque dialog trees.

Sharing the spotlight with protagonist Marston is the games expansive multi-territory environment which spans across desolate plains, border towns, and forest provinces. Each region contains its own ecosystem with animals that defy players to give chase, travelers in need of assistance, as well as trains and stage coaches that run on resolute schedules, each offering players with a multitude of side-quests. These tasks, as well as the game’s robust main storyline, often involves a healthy amount of gunplay using a gratifying arsenal of pistols, rifles, cannons, and even Gatling guns. Typically, the inaccuracy and sluggish reload times of antiquated weaponry pales in comparison to contemporary firearms. Redemption wisely conquers this quandary by offering gamers the Dead Eye targeting system, allowing slow motion precision and the designation of multiple targets. Players can even shoot a pistol out of a rival’s hand.

Although Redemption habitually follows its own trail, a few Grand Theft remnants remain. While the game forgoes a visable starred lawlessness rating, at times the concept seems to linger. Once players kill a bounty target, they’ll be plagued by successions of bandits which inexplicably locate gamers. Attempts to lose the posse is even more futile that ditching the Liberty City PD; requiring players to eliminate every dogged pursuer.

With a promising free-roam variation where players can form posses and take on antagonists and a competitive multiplayer component, Red Dead online options are wonderfully varied. The free-roaming element allows groups to explore the landscape, as the level up with Modern Warfare 2-like system. The title’s also contains all the archetypal modes- from Deathmatch, team Deathmatch and capture the flag varients, adding a delightful shootout at the commencement of every round.

Redemption perpetually astounds with a brilliant amount of graphical variety and textural polish. The title’s evocative desert sundowns, ominous thunderstorms, and moonlit evenings often seem more like a CG cinematic rather than the product of an in-game engine. Details like rolling tumbleweeds, faint hoof prints (which increase in frequency around hitching posts), and meticulously animated wildlife, deliver a vivid interpretation of the wild West which will stay with players long after consoles are powered down. With the exception of the occasionally awkward animation when characters ascend inclines and some minor pop-in, Red Dead’s presentation allows for a consistently immersive experience. The title’s extensive and expertly delivered voice work is nearly flawless, as is the spaghetti-western influenced soundtrack.

More than a must-play experience, Red Dead Redemption achieves what most filmmakers have been unable to accomplish in the last two decades – the title makes the western resplendently relevant once more. Rockstar San Diego has succeeded in creating a work of interaction fiction which allows gamers to explore nearly every nuance of the filmic frontier. From Mexican standoffs, stoic heroes, vile enemies, and one of the most gratifying conclusions in gaming history, Redemption is one the most salient homages of the American West.