Red Dead Redemption 2

Graphics – 5/5

Most of the time it can be confused to a real motion picture. Detail level is stunning. Realistic as a digital world can be, America at the end of the XIX century is picturesque, and its inhabitants, both human and animals, quite alive. Voicing and acting (real acting, yes, due to motion capture) would fit some movie directed by Clint Eastwood. So select the highest definition and connect your best speakers.

Gameplay – 5/5

It’s a role-playing game, following the adventures of Arthur Morgan, a member of a gang we’ve seen in the first installment, leading an outlaw life now. The story is directed with separate missions you have to complete, and between them, you can just roam around and explore the open world.

The western setting defines details of life. Arthur needs to eat, to sleep, to wash his clothes and himself, and to do enough training to stay in good shape. The equipment he’ll need includes clothes, weapons and ammo, all the stuff one needs when travelling. And, of course, horses get all the attention they deserve. There are various breeds, colors, and individual traces to select from (prices differ as well). But what matters the most is your emotional bonding to your horse; the stronger you’re bound, the more efficient the horse gets.

Another important question is morals. Being an outlaw doesn’t necessarily make you a villain. You can become one, of course, or prefer the path of a noble criminal. Each action you take raises or lowers your moral, and be sure, that both good and evil deeds are recorded to be repaid.

Along with the basic storyline, the game has a multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online (luckily, not Red Dear Battle Royale). It’s still an RPG with cooperative missions and Posse vs. Posse mode.

Controls – 5/5

Any situation gives you lots of freedom to act, so all the buttons, gestures and their combinations are used. It may seem hard to memorize all of those, but the controls are made quite intuitive for those used to Dualshock. Of course, it depends on the situation: the same button or combination may change its meaning when you mount or dismount, hide or select the weapon. So prepare to give it some time, and it will surely pay.

Replay Value – 5/5

Open world, that’s the word. Even when you’re through all the plot twists, you still can find something new around you, or just wander about and enjoy the beauty of the nature. And when you enter Red Dead Online, the replayability starts up like a firework. Looking back at all the DLC Rockstar released for GTA V, we can expect the same policy here, so Red Dead Redemption 2 review will need updating after each DLC release.

The Bottom Line

It’s the game that defined 2018, and it will remain actual for long. Not only RDR2 is king when it comes to western aesthetics, but first of all, it’s a great open world RGG, with stunning visuals, realistic gameplay and cinematic plot.