One of 2018’s most highly anticipated games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is the second visit to Rockstar’s vividly imagined American Old West, the lawless frontier in which you must exact your own justice in order to survive and prosper. This highly detailed sequel takes place twelve years before the events of Rockstar’s original Western open-world epic, from a perspective separate to that of previous protagonist John Marsten.
Now set in 1899, as the lawlessness of the frontier is drawing to a close, you play as Arthur Morgan, part of a gang of outlaws trying to stay afloat during the twilight of the cowboy era. Making a return is the honour system, which gauges how honourably you act during the game and adjusts how characters react to you accordingly. Whether you want to be an upstanding citizen or make the most of the freedom of the West before civilization closes in.
“Dead Eye” is the series’ highly satisfying shooting mechanic from the original Red Dead Redemption that also makes a return. This is what allows Arthur to slow down time and paint specific areas of victims, maintaining a combat advantage during shootouts. The length of time you’re given is fully upgradable as are many of Arthur’s attributes. All of which add up to make Arthur a more effective and legendary outlaw.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available on both PS4 and Xbox One, offering higher fidelity graphics when played on either of the console’s upgraded systems: the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. Both of which serve to bring players closer to the dusted openness that comes from visiting the American Frontier.
While no internet connection is needed to take up the reigns as Arthur Morgan in the single-player campaign, you’d be missing out on Read Dead Redemption 2’s extremely in-depth multiplayer. In it, players can create their own customised character, exploring the map amongst other real-life players to compete for bounties and rob banks.
An open world adventure, Red Dead Redemption 2 runs on a modified version of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto engine, offering a creative sandbox that dwarfs the map of the first game, and promises even more levels of freedom. If you can imagine it, you can do it in Red Dead Redemption 2.