Red Dead Redemption 2 review: every turn feels like a Clint Eastwood classic

The prequel is finally here so get stuck in 
Joe Krishnan26 October 2018

Eight years ago, Red Dead Redemption was unleashed. Rarely had a single-player adventure game so captivated an audience thanks to the gripping story following protagonist John Marston navigating the cruelty of the Old West transforming into the new America.

The predecessor broke all sorts of records, including winning 19 awards, and was praised for its impressive visuals, gameplay and storyline.

Finally, Red Dead Redemption 2 — a prequel, unusually — is here. And the hype is at an all-time high.

Set in 1899, John Marston and the van der Linde gang have returned for this 12-year rewind. The second instalment follows the gang when they were really running the Wild West.

The entire gameplay takes around 60 hours
Rockstar Games

The work that’s gone into this game is unprecedented. Rockstar recruited more than 3,000 names working 100-hour weeks, and even used motion technology on horses to make their digital avatars seem more realistic than before.

Were these magnanimous efforts worth it?

What the prequel really does well makes loyal players question everything they knew from the first game — beginning with John Marston’s backstory.

There are 23 characters from the van der Linde gang in the game, and Red Dead Redemption 2 explores the relationships between the likes of Dutch, Javier, Abigail and Jack. Living through the central protagonist, Arthur Morgan, brings new insight into the story.

Watch that honour system though; every move in the game is judged by those around you, whether its building relationships with fellow outlaws, or even choosing a horse.

Even if it’s just a game, at every turn it feels just like a Clint Eastwood classic. It is long though: the entire gameplay takes around 60 hours. So lock yourselves in your rooms and get stuck in.

When does Red Dead Redemption 2 come out?

Don’t just take our word from it. From today, you can pick up the new game from major stores such as Amazon, Game and HMV, priced at anything between £45 - £50.

Sorry Nintendo and PC fans, Red Dead Redemption 2 is only available to play on PlayStation 4 and Xbox. Direct your outrage to Rockstar.

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