Xboxist

What Makes Red Dead Redemption So Brilliant?

Many reviewers have argued that Red Dead Redemption is Rockstar's best sandbox game to date. What is it about this gunslinging epic that has the press gushing? Our own writer Coty Biggs takes a stab at what makes the recipe so successful.

With the art of the romanticized western long left outdated by expert special effects, heightened drama and terrible story-lines, Red Dead Redemption brings a culturally relevant yet visually stunning rendition of a wild west during a time of transformation by the long arm of Federal law. Expansionist regimes of new America didn't end with territorial conquests or the gold rush; Manifest Destiny was also idealistic satisfaction of government control that would ultimately change the face of America.

Our story takes place in 1911 on the heels of rich trade brought by the transcontinental railroad, new landscapes acquired following the Spanish American war, and vigorous pursuit of technological advancement. It therefore remains a prime period in the history of our nation that makes for an immersive gameplay experience.

You take on the role of our protagonist John Marston, a gangster gone straight after being left for dead by the people he trusted most. Even though he hung up his bandolier and turned his back on his old ways, it wasn't enough to escape his treacherous past, a past whose consequences will hit closer to home than he ever thought possible. His wife and child held captive, John is blackmailed with a potent incentive to risk his own life to take down the very people he used to run with. Oh yes there will be bloodshed, and only a little of it is yours.

The Redemption now sought isn't quite as satisfactory if it weren't achieved with an arsenal of weaponry that leave behind memorable pellet tattoos and torso perforations in their wake. On this front Red Dead doesn't disappoint, having no shortage of wicked heavy metal. With war afoot its good to know that the gunplay is where this game really shines.

Everything you put your hands on that goes 'bang,' actually existed during this time period and is reproduced with surprising accuracy. Not only that, the sound, reload speed, range, power, accuracy, and clip size are specifically integrated into each and every gun. If that doesn't make for a satisfying brain splattering experience then you may just need to stick to playing with rattlesnakes in the back yard.

Although a Quick Draw Mc'Graw fantasy may not suit everyone, this title faithfully gathers elements together in order to provide ample wild plunders. Don't want to go on that mission at McFarlane Ranch? Well go play poker instead. While you're at it, there are plenty of banks that need some cash taken off their hands, hookers to be hogtied, bandits to strap on the railroad, and bears in need of a high caliber dissection. From the back of your faithful steed you can assume the role of your own definition of a cowboy as wily as your old gangster ways.

Its obvious that Red Dead Redemption has made a reputation for itself as being the baddest bandit west of Toledo. What has already made this title a candidate for game of the year is its presentation of a historical tale along with its capability of serving up a kickass, gun shootin,' tobaccy spittin' feel of "The Quick and the Dead," but none of the muted visuals or worn out audio.

If you haven't yet played this western spectacle and you don't happen to be in solitary at Arizona's super-max, company to regular Arctic Circle expeditions, or living in a remote nudist colony, then...well...that ain't right pilgrim. The time has come to crawl out of hiding and get your hands on a copy your very own, just make sure not to enlist the help of local natives when blazing your trails.

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Post author: Coty Biggs