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  • Red Dead Redemption

    Red Dead Redemption

    Release Date: May 18, 2010
    Reviewed On: Xbox 360 (Also available on PlayStation 3)
    Developer: Rockstar San Diego & Rockstar North
    Publisher: Rockstar Games
    ESRB Rating: Mature (Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs)



    Let us just start things off with one very simple summation of Red Dead Redemption: This is guaranteed to be the game of the year across multiple media outlets. Yes, Red Dead Redemption is that good. From start to finish, the single player offers up an experience unlike anything else currently out there. The package is rounded out by a number of varied and enjoyable multiplayer modes that will keep you playing months down the line. PC gamers should be seething with rage right now since they cannot presently get a piece of this spectacular console exclusive.


    Just another typical day in Red Dead Redemption


    Story:
    The story centers on main protagonist, John Marston. Marston, a former outlaw, finds himself in the American Old West in 1911, a period of great change for the country. The government has pulled Marston away from his newfound simple life, his wife, and his child and forces him to hunt down members of the Dutch van der Linde gang that he used to ride with.

    The story opens with a scene of Marston on a train on his way to accomplish this very task. However, as with most Rockstar titles, everything does not go as planned. In the opening scene, Marston is shot and left for dead by Bill Williamson, one of the former gang members he was after. Saved by Bonnie MacFarlane, Marston spends a few days on MacFarlane's ranch to recuperate and lend a hand in a number of tasks. These tasks serve to introduce the player to some of the basic gameplay mechanics and provide Marston with some of his most basic of items.

    From the Ranch, the story expands further West and South as Marston again sets out to kill Williamson. The cast of characters you come across is varied and ranges the gambit from creepy grave robber to eccentric snake oil salesman and everything in between.

    As expected, the story expands well beyond a simple case of going after person A to reach your ultimate goal. Other foes will rear their ugly heads along the way and just when you think things are finally coming to an end, another surprise throws you for a loop and the story continues on. It should come as no surprise to you, but your adventure will eventually find Marston crossing the southern border and venturing into Mexico for roughly half of the game's main story.


    The towns and outposts feel very much alive

    Everything is pieced together quite nicely. Once one mission wraps up, chances are one or two more blips on your radar will light up indicating further story progression. It's almost disappointing to know exactly who you are to talk to or where you are to go to progress the story simply by looking at the conveniently highlighted initials on the map, but for the sake of gameplay and to make up for those easily frustrated, compromises had to be made.

    The story is quite gripping even when you get side tracked by any number of side quests. And trust us when we say, there are tons of side quests to get sucked into during your adventure. Random strangers will request your help, often resulting in your having to kill someone, recover some item, or investigate an area to unlock more side quests in the future. None of these need to be completed in order to "finish" the game but are necessary to obtain a 100% completion for the game.

    Red Dead Redemption is a game that allows you to either go the evil route or the good route, but Marston's character is essentially good in nature. He is a family man and he is not shy about sharing his love for his wife and family throughout the game. While there are whores in the game, Marston, being the family man that he is, politely declines their advances. This is one of those rare titles that, while you are given the choice to be evil, you are going to go the good route more often than not. However, that's not to say you won't go on mini-rampages every once in a while. Come on, we have all been there before in sandbox titles.


    Gameplay:
    The first thing that everyone seems to say is that Redemption is merely a Grand Theft Auto title set in the Old West. I have a slight issue with that. Sure, it shares many similar aspects but Redemption expands upon them, refines them, and bests the old mechanics in almost every way.

    Gameplay primarily focuses on a few key areas. First, there are the weapon mechanics. Normal and easy targeting modes allow for auto aim that is similar to that seen in recent GTA titles. Auto targeting does not present a perpetual lock on as it does in GTA4. You really won't be able to get away with locking onto someone and stay locked onto them if they are not within your character's immediate line of sight. Even while locked on, it is possible to lose the lock and from then you either need to quickly attempt to lock back on or manually aim your shot. It's a welcome compromise between a sometimes challenging complete free aim and an easy auto targeting system that just feels right.


    What? He's just getting a really, really close shave

    For those looking for an added challenge, however, there is a hard difficulty setting on aiming. This mode features no weapon lock on and relies solely on your skills with the analog sticks to get those kills. Certainly a challenge for targets on the move, targets at a distance, and for some of the animal targets in the game.

    Fortunately, the "Dead Eye" gameplay mechanic helps to alleviate some of these targeting difficulties you may come across. Spread over three levels of effectiveness, Dead Eye slows down time and allows Marston to paint his targets for quick and efficient kills. Shots can be lined up with pinpoint accuracy while utilizing Dead Eye to the point that the player can shoot the gun out of their foes' hands, or even the hat off of their heads.

    The weapons range from starter revolvers, various rifles, knives, dynamite, a mounted machine gun and more. As you progress through the story, additional weapons are unlocked in each weapon "category" and Marston can select his arsenal with ease using a combination of the right analog stick and the d-pad to select specific weapon types.

    The two key aspects of gun battles and travel go hand in hand like a horse and carriage, no pun intended. Marston primarily makes his way across the vast expense of New Austin by way of horseback. Even in the middle of nowhere, a ride is just a whistle away. The riding mechanics can and will take some time to get used to. Horses pick up speed by tapping one button on the controller, once a desired speed is reached, simply hold in the button to maintain your current speed. A few catches arise when you realize you can use the same button for a short burst of speed, or when you find out that a horse does not travel as fast off the beaten path as they do on designated trails.

    Riding a horse isn't too much of a hassle until you have to combine riding a horse at speed, avoiding obstacles in your path, and attempting to shoot enemies that have snuck up behind you. This often leads to scenarios where the player is attempting to juggle controls for maintaining their horse's speed and heading, while also attempting to aim and fire their weapon. Toss in a button press for the Dead Eye mechanic and it can sometimes result in a few mishaps during the early game learning phase.


    Shoot first, ask questions never

    Missions in Red Dead Redemption are far more varied when compared to the Grand Theft Auto series, especially when compared to GTA IV. This is, I'm sure, something that was one of the biggest worries for gamers who felt the missions in GTA 4 were too similar. Marston will literally do most everything you could think up when you imagine any of the old Western films. He will do everything from riding alongside a speeding train to jump on board, to floating down a river on an uncontrolled raft while shooting at enemies dotting the shoreline, to simply herding some cattle spooked by a storm.

    Beyond the main missions in the game are a number of challenges that the player can compete in order to obtain a full 100% completion for the game. These typically focus on gathering plants, hunting and skinning animals, and other "survival" type challenges. Random strangers will also pop up and provide Marston with quick tasks that need completed. Random quests include those offered up by characters guaranteed to be in a particular location at particular periods of time to those that happen randomly. The AI knows where Marston is and will set up scenarios such as random stage coach robberies or a pack of wolves that have set after a helpless citizen. It's up to you if you wish to stop and help, but completion these small tasks will help to boost Marston's wallet and fame throughout the lands. Even more, just roaming around the country taking in the atmosphere can eat up a huge chunk of time.


    Graphics:
    The visuals in Red Dead Redemption are nothing short of awe inspiring at times. With a land area that many say is between 2-3 times the size of GTA: San Andreas, there is always something new to take in. For instance, the first time a storm rolls through during the game you will honestly be surprised when you realize you just spent a few minutes watching water accumulate on the ground in puddles as the lightning strikes off in the distance.

    A rather unpopular "feature" in Grand Theft Auto IV came about from the horrendous pop-in prominent throughout the game. Pop-in is still present to a degree, but nowhere near the levels it was in GTA4. This can either be attributed to significant improvements made to Rockstar's Rage engine or because most of the landscape is void of many memory consuming sky rises and other such obstacles. Plenty of foliage, trees, animals, cliff sides, rivers, and more do dot the lands though.

    Coming up on a town is always an interesting experience as no two towns ever really look the same. The same is also true for the non-key non-playable characters. Rockstar devised a system that completely randomizes NPC features to avoid the clone syndrome found in other open world titles. Of course, this has led to a few hilarious glitches where human forms would spawn with animal traits in the wilderness. I'm sure we've all seen one of those videos by now, perhaps of a flock of humans flying around in the sky or of Marston riding around on a donkey lady?

    As Marston or his foes take damage, bullet wounds appear on their models with small blood stains at the point of impact. The level of visceral violence comes from up close execution type moves. At point blank range Marston will go through a short animation of shooting his enemy. When shot to the head either through an execution move or just in normal distance aiming, you will be able to see skull blown outwards from the force of the bullet leaving the body. Necessary? No, but it doesn't take away from the game in the slightest. It may even make you think again about going on that rampage you were considering.


    Now THIS is what "Man vs. Wild" should actually be about

    Beautiful vistas are common throughout the lands in Redemption. Missions will have you travelling across trails that run alongside steep drop offs to land far below. Viewing the game through pictures is one thing, but playing through and riding through the countryside on horseback is another matter entirely.

    Animations are quite smooth with a few hiccups here and there. For instance, Marston sometimes warps to his horse to mount it if it is galloping past him at a good clip. It isn't game breaking and it is something you will quickly come to ignore given how much else the game does right.

    Walking, running, and firing a weapon are as smooth as silk. You will also be hard pressed to find better animated horses in any game quite possibly for some time to come. All of the animations are supported by terrific use of the Euphoria physics engine for humans and animals alike. Reactions are extremely appropriate for any force exerted on someone. From a small push, characters will stumble slightly as they regain their balance. Push them while they're running and they take a nasty tumble, their movement governed solely by physics and "reactionary" movements. Euphoria takes physics based ragdolls and adds a decidedly living element to the motions, giving the AI characters reactions that would be similar to what real-life reactions would be in similar situations.


    Audio:
    While Redemption doesn't allow you to blast today's hits while riding across the landscape from the speakers embedded in your horse, it does feature a very period appropriate soundtrack. No, there are no actual songs from the early 1900's making an appearance in the game but the soundtrack is what is expected for a Western title. Think back to the old Western movies you may have seen, think back to what the music was like in those movies and you have a great idea of what to expect in the game.

    Always present, the soundtrack never takes away from what's going on, but it does subtly enhance the experience with soft guitar riffs. In fact, there were times that the dead of night in Redemption can be downright creepy with the ambient music playing and Marston being all alone in the wilderness, the only light coming from a brightly shining moon in the sky. It perfectly sets the mood throughout the entire title, most notably in two key scenes. The first that you will come across is when you first step foot into Mexico and ride along to your first destination in the foreign lands. This is only one of two times where the soundtrack features vocals, this particular offering being "Far Away" by José González. It sets the scene perfectly and reflects upon Marston's own trials as you realize there are still many challenges ahead before he can return to his family. It's chilling, it's haunting, but it is absolutely perfect for the scene.


    Can't be a Western without the horses

    Beyond the soundtrack, the audio is near perfect. Rockstar has done it again with their voice acting and selections of voice actors. Lines are clearly delivered and the only time you will ever consider using subtitles is when you're riding fast through a storm and the sounds start to drown out the dialogue. Even then, you begin to appreciate just how great the sounds are in Redemption with how "real" everything comes across. Thunder rumbles over the land as your horse gallops through puddles, splashing up mud and water. It is honestly extremely difficult to put into words just how good the game sounds without experiencing it first-hand.

    Animals all sound true to their real counterparts. If the player is tasked with hunting a particular creature, it won't be long until you can recognize their particular call and know just where and when to stop to begin the hunt. NPC's carry out random conversations with one another where ever you go. Some are amusing, some are mundane, but each of them adds to the world that is Redemption. If the visuals were one half of the key to making the world feel alive, the audio is, without a doubt, the second half that pushes home the idea that this is a living, breathing world.


    Multiplayer:
    The multiplayer for Redemption is a game in and of itself. The short of it is, multiplayer features a leveled unlock system similar to games you may already be familiar with. The more you play, the more experience you earn, and the more you can unlock for your multiplayer adventure. These unlocks include new titles, new characters, and new mounts. Starting at the bottom you will have to fight your way to the top by killing NPC's, your human foes, or just completing any number of multiplayer missions within the game.

    Keep in mind, we were just talking about free roam here. Free roam is the game mode that tosses you into the full world of Redemption and lets you do whatever you please. There are co-op scenarios that can be activated at any time or you can choose to ignore them and pick flowers, the choice is up to you. Redemption also features organized games of varying skill sets that you can quickly jump into at any time. Gang Wars, for instance, start you off on one side of the law with a group shoot out against the other side. From there, the actual "War" commences as one side tries to annihilate the other in what can best be described as an organized team deathmatch scenario. Capture the bag is included as well as other modes that will surely whet your appetite for more. Each mode, including free roam, are all tied to one ranking system for your character. How you choose to rank up is entirely up to you and your personal preferences.

    It isn't always rosy in the land of multiplayer. From the start, I was put off by the fact that multiplayer initially throws you into a random free roam. A posse can be formed with other players and common goals can be accomplished through organization. However, as with every online title, there will always be those people who play by their own rules. Granted, in Redemption's free roam there are no rules it still can become annoying to a new player if he is constantly being killed by some high level player who has a plethora of high end weapons and fast mounts on hand.


    A little taste of what multiplayer looks like, very intense action

    The best advice we can give is to play with friends if you want to do free roam, at least initially. Get a feel for how the game plays and go from there. Either that, or stick to the organized modes for some quick lessons and to earn experience rather quickly.

    The lag was never really an issue during our play sessions. The Rockstar network did have some hiccups initially due to the overwhelming demand placed on their system near launch. Since then, the issues seem to have smoothed out. With Rockstar already planning on supporting multiplayer with additional DLC packs, the first of which is coming soon, it does look promising that the multiplayer will be around for a long while.


    Summary:
    Red Dead Redemption is massive in almost every way possible. From the stellar gameplay to the game's audio and visuals, it's just incredibly hard to find much fault with the game. Glitches are present but never really take away from the game except in a few rare reported cases where players fell through the game world and lost a good chunk of progress. The cast of characters Marston comes across are memorable and will urge you to keep on playing until well beyond the end of the main story.

    Without a doubt, and it was already stated once, Red Dead Redemption is easily Game of the Year material. The year isn't even half over yet but this can be said with confidence. Rockstar Games has done it again.

    Story: 9/10
    Gameplay: 9.5/10
    Graphics: 9/10
    Audio: 10/10
    Multiplayer: 9/10

    Total Gaming Network Rating: 9.5


    Additional Links
    "Far Away" by José González
    Red Dead Redemption Soundtrack
    Current Red Dead Redemption glitches (YouTube)
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