Red Dead Redemption Review

[Jeremy]

Red Dead Redemption Review by Jeremy

PALGN Review: Redemption is at hand.

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[Nick]

Great review. This game looks awesome and even though I'm not a GTA fan, I really can't wait to get this ^^

[Augmentation]

This is definitely a good game - it should be played if you're a fan of open world games.

I'm not particularly fond of the GTA series so I was slightly worried about paying money on a game that has been pegged as "GTA in the wild west" but I've come to realise that is simplifying it too much.

The story and actual gameplay meld better in RDR that in any GTA game. I feel like I'm riding through the west for a reason (that reason being the story) even if I'm not doing a mission. This is helped heavily by the random events that you will see around the place while you're just riding. I'll happily place a waypoint on my map and I'll find at least one thing to do: I might pick flowers or hunt or raid a bandit area (all of which are justifiable in the story) but I also might run into strangers (which provide missions that can be completed at your own leisurely pace) or random events - such as a man being held at gunpoint.

What makes these events so effective in placing the player in the wild west is that they're open in how you approach them. A man is being held hostage? I could happily shoot down the bandits, leave the situation be or kill everyone. There are (somewhat unfortunately) definite advantages to saving the hostage (for some reason he will simply walk away after giving you some cash, leaving his chests free to loot meaning that killing everybody including the hostage is a waste of ammo) but it's still open to the player.

The missions structures are more suited to the west as well. I never could approach the missions happily in GTA games yet in RDR the missions feel so much like my exploration that I'm happy to progress through the story. This is due to the events and strangers mentioned above - if I find those minor things fun, I will find the missions fun (although they are much deeper than simple hostage situations, don't worry).

If you're a fan of open world games along the lines of, say, Fallout 3 or Oblivion - where the player's exploration is rewarded through any number of ways - then you'll love Red Dead Redemption. I bought the game specifically for the exploration aspect but walked away extremely happy with the missions and day-to-day things. I remind you, then, that I've never been a fan of the GTA games yet I'm still able to fully enjoy Red Dead Redemption.

EDIT: I should also mention that the 360 version of the game looks significantly better than the PS3 version of the game (although you will only notice if you have both versions side by side). Performance-wise the 360 is better but the PS3 doesn't have any terrible problems or anything. You can't really go wrong with either version of the game (though the PS3 has a few exclusive things such as outfits and challenges).
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[ltwo]

[sortius_nod]

So far I've been loving this game.

My main gripe is that the multiplayer seems a bit... unpolised. There's not really enough content to keep people happy really.

FYI Jeremy, a "Spaghetti Western" is actually a genre of westerns made in Italy. This is far from it. They've borrowed heavily from Deadwood more than the SW genre. Hell, even the main character has a voice like Seth Bullock's.

EDIT: I figured I'd say I love the hunting in the game. It's not tedious or anything and you always end up loaded at the end - few side missions, lots of wolf pelts and you can go gamble it all away. Truly feels like a western.
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[grim-one]

This game actually sold out in all the stores I was looking at yesterday =\
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[Jeremy]

[pom013]

^Marsden's voice sounds really familiar to me, though I havent been able to put my finger on it... lost and dammed might be it but i think it's something else as well.
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Farewell Rocketship!

[nathanas]

I'll give you a clue....."They're coming outta the walls. They're coming outta the goddamn walls. Let's book!"

[Gamesta]

[nathanas]

Aliens. Bill Paxton yo.

[GooberMan]

O RLY?

The voice actor for John Marston is basically a newbie. At least it wasn't Nolan North for a change.
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[nathanas]

Oh I should have made note that I was just referring to the "sounds familiar." I'm aware it isn't Bill Paxton.

[Jaws]

I walked into Gametraders hoping to grab an MS Points card and walked out holding Red Dead Redemption in my hands. Please not that I am not by any means a Grand Theft Auto fan.

Needless to say, I played the game for 9 hours straight without batting an eye!

All I can say is buy it, play it and love it.

[THEMAN]

couldn't find a general gaming thread but keen to pick this up. X360 better yes? Also, no pc version? Should I get now or wait for the GOTY edition?
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[Crank]

[Island_Wolf]

I'm currently playing the PS3 version (because my other half has it too) and it's playable for me. I believe the only difference is 360 has a better/sharper graphics.

The game can get glitchy here and there though.
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[THEMAN]