It's taken six long years for Rockstar San Diego to deliver the follow-up to Red Dead Revolver, a game that began life as a Capcom title and eventually materialised as a somewhat awkward fit for the publisher better known as the name behind GTA. For the sequel, Rockstar's decided to throw away virtually everything from the original, the only link remaining is a 'Red Dead' in the title and the sharpshooting technique granted to the protagonist.
Despite originally making a brief appearance back in 2005 as a PS3 tech demo, Red Dead Redemption has seen its fair share of delays and development strife. The result, however, has been more than worth it: a game that may not quite reach the lofty standards of GTA IV in terms of defining this generation of consoles, but a video game that finally captures the boundless potential of the Wild West setting.
Immediately, Red Dead Redemption ticks the criteria expected from a Rockstar title: razor sharp dialogue and faultless presentation greet you from the start. It's a reassuring touch of quality that tends to follow the synonymous logo. Although the game won't reach the controversy of its GTA sibling, Rockstar San Diego has approached the game in a manner befitting the publisher; so you'll find references to bestiality, come across an insane character who's got an unhealthy obsession with the dead, and plenty of further subjects that cut close to the bone.
The story of Red Dead Redemption revolves around John Marston, a man who like Niko Belic before him, has travelled to a strange location in order to track down a man. Exactly who and why are questions left unanswered during the early stages of the game. Any early exposition is provided effectively on the train journey into town, as Marston eavesdrops on his fellow passenger's conversations. It's an effective way to provide a little background, but once you step off the train the world of freedom awaits...
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