Rollin', rollin', rollin', though the streams are
swollen, keep them dogies rollin', Rawhide!
Thats right folks if you haven't already guessed
we are heading to the wild west in Rockstar Games latest offering, Red
Dead Redemption.
Assuming the role of John Marston, a former outlaw
turn good guy, wanders into town seeking revenge on one of his former
gang members. After a rather unsuccessful first encounter, in which
sees you on the wrong end of a rifle, you set about performing about a
bunch of quests and jobs for people all over the wild west.
There are numerous jobs scattered about the place
that reward you with money, breaking horses, tracking down outlaws for
bounty (dead or alive) - alive pays more, but it's always satisfying
putting a bullet in a no good scoundrel.
There are even little side quests and challenges
to complete like, sharpshooting, hunting, survivalist and treasure
challenges.
Little mini games are also cool and with a bit of
luck you can even make some money. Things like, poker, black jack,
liars dice and horse shoe. My personal favorite was five finger fillet.
This game involves you stabbing a knife in between your fingers as fast
as possible without stabbing your hand, because that hurts. Pressing
the corresponding button in rhythm is the key to success.
Along your travels you will also come across gang
hideouts. Coming across these hideouts will trigger a big shoot out
between you and the bandits. Things can get pretty tense, just remember
to get cover when you can.
The main story offers over 20 hours of game play
from start to finish, but there is so much to do that it is difficult
to focus on one thing. While traveling from mission to mission you'll
encounter strangers who offer up side quests that side track you from
main missions, in addition there are also random events that take
place, such as people being held up by bandits or drunk men attacking
women.
So there's no shortage of things to do.
In true Rockstar form, Red Dead Redemption is a
sandbox game in every sense. But unlike GTAIV, things in the west run
at a slower pace, the story is slow but really engaging. There is a
high standard of voice acting, designs and motion capture. You rarely
get the urge to skip a cutscene. Even if you are tiring of the dialog,
the sheer beauty of the landscapes at different times of the day are
enough to keep you watching.
The landscape is a large and wide place to
explore, especially by foot. That's why there are a few modes of
transport in the world of Red Dead Redemption. You can "fast travel"
via stagecoaches that are located in most major towns or pitch your
camp site and select a designation from there. But the best way of
exploring is by horse, it may take a bit longer to get to places, but
it sure beats walking.
The attention to detail is brilliant. Shadows and
beams of sunlight shining through tree branches look amazing and are
forever changing through the cycle of a day. Lets just say there is a
lot to see.
One aspect of the game I throughly enjoyed was the
reward system, after completing certain missions you get rewarded with
new weapons, gear or upgrades that really makes you want to keep
playing.
Another really cool aspect - and probably one of
the most important - is your dead eye ability (bullet time).
As you progress in the game, you upgrade your dead eye allowing you to
slow down time and get the jump on your enemies – it really helps you
out when the odds are against you.
Weapon wise, all the classic western weapons are
there: six-shooter pistols, shotguns, lever action rifles and sniper
rifles for good measure. There are also some projectile weapons such as
throwing knifes, dynamite and molotov cocktails.
The targeting system or "autoaim" is pretty much
the same as GTAIV, pressing the L2 trigger will lock-on to the nearest
enemy. The character physics are much the same also, shooting foes in
the leg as they run away will seen them hit the dirt like a sack of
potatoes, while shooting them in the hand will disarm them. Enemies
will grab their legs and arms where you shoot them and try to hobble
away.
Red Dead Redemption also stands out online. Make
your way up the ranks gaining XP from gang matches, capture the bags
and free for all that will let you unlock weapons, titles and
characters to use in free roam.
Rockstar has taken its knowledge from GTAIV and
used it to its advantage. Red Dead Redemption is one polished game.
From the attention to detail in the wide and vast landscapes to its
reward system and character physics.
With over 20 hours of game play and a sweet online
mode, Red Dead Redemption will have you lassoing your cat just to keep
playing it.
