Red Dead Redemption 2 for PlayStation 4

Rockstar’s generation-defining PS4 game

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic open-world action-adventure game that marked a turning point in video games as we know them. Set in the Wild West and developed by Rockstar Games (GTA 5, L.A Noire, Bully), RDR 2 follows the life of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang trying to survive the changing times of the late 19th century. Serving as a prequel to the blockbuster hit Red Dead Redemption, this amazing journey through the American frontier pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling in a video game that captivated players all around the world. Do you want to know why this award-winning adventure is considered one of the best gaming experiences for your PlayStation 4?

Rockstar’s magnificent open-world adventure

Reviewing Red Dead Redemption 2 is not an easy task. We’re talking about one of the biggest and most complex games ever created for the PS4 and quite frankly, it’s hard to decide where to start. Boasting stunning graphics, the game is a technical and artistic achievement on its own, but one of the key features of Rockstar’s masterpiece is without a doubt its setting and world building. Playing as Arthur, we are welcomed by a wonderfully crafted map that feels like the real Wild West. 

From the bustling towns to the vast open plains, every inch and corner of this open-world is in constant movement and more importantly, feels alive. There are pPeople arguing in the streets, wild animals hunting their prey, bandits getting ready to attack some weary travelers or a random execution in the town’s square... Actions you take reflect themselves in the environment and no matter where you go, there will almost always be something happening around you. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a living and breathing world where each character and animal seems to have a mind of their own. 

One of the best examples of this is found in a curiously worried Englishman looking for someone called Gavin. You’ll meet this gentleman several times around the map and each time you see him, he’ll be more perturbed, to the point of just being a shadow of what he looked like in your first encounter. Aiding this strange man is not a quest but if you’re curious enough you can explore the map to find out what happened to his mate. To this day, people still speculate what happened to Gavin… and while investigating Gavin’s fate won't grant you a cutscene, object or money, uncovering the lore and detail of this world is its very own reward.

Story: An epic tale from the Wild West

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an emotional rollercoaster driven by a superb story that will captivate you from start to finish. Written by Dan Houser, the game puts us into the spurs of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they navigate through a tumultuous era on the brink of modernity. If you previously played Red Dead Redemption, this group of outlaws will be no newcomers to you since among them you’ll find the charismatic anti-hero John Marston,the idealistic yet chaotic Dutch and the rest of the antagonists from the first game.

RDR 2 starts as a simple tale of a gang of misfits that are forced to rob and complete all kinds of questionable jobs across the country in hopes to find a better life. While living, working and sharing a drink or two with them, you’ll get to know each and every single character from this group of bandits. You’ll discover their hopes, dreams, fears and even aspirations, ultimately creating a strong bond with these “lowlifes”. Things won’t be easy for them though, with bounty hunters and the Pinkertons following their trail, no place is safe for Arthur’s brigade.

The real story behind the game goes way beyond the misadventures of a group of roguish bank robbers. You’ll be presented with strong themes such as the breakdown of a family, the search for identity and having to choose between those that raised you and your own ideas of morality.

Gameplay: Becoming a real cowboy

Red Dead Redemption II offers a wide range of game mechanics that blend together in a unique experience. As Arthur, you’ll have absolute freedom to explore and complete the game missions however you like. Structurally, the game can feel similar to other Rockstar games such as GTA 5. You’ll find missions that require sneaking into a location, rescuing a character, stealing an object, killing someone or surviving a shootout. However, RDR 2 excels over the rest of open-world games by giving us a ridiculous amount of gameplay options that will make us feel like we’re actually living in the shoes of Morgan. 

While going on long rides across the country you’ll be able to explore, hunt, fish, do some bounty hunting, play poker or plan your own heists. Camping with the Van der Linde gang is also one of the key features of the game, letting you know the personal struggles, hopes, dreams and relationships of all their members. You’ll also be able to craft all kinds of objects, keep Arthur well groomed or even brew some tea. And while these sequences can be considered a bit of a routine, they are so well done that it’s impossible to get enough of them.

It’s no surprise that horses play a big part in RDR2’s gameplay. While they can be considered just mere means of transportation, the amount of time and interactions you share with them will make you bond with your steed . Through Arthur’s adventures you’ll have to take care of your equine companion by brushing, cleaning, petting and feeding it. This way the abilities of your steed will increase and it’ll be harder for your horse to get spooked in a battle or during a lightning storm. In a way, your horse becomes your pet and part of your in-game family. While there are hundreds of mounts to buy in the stables or tame in the wild, you’ll feel such a connection with your horse that you may find yourself sticking to one specific travel companion for the rest of the game.

Graphics and Sound: Pushing the boundaries of the PS4

Red Dead Redemption 2 is, without a doubt, a visual masterpiece. Its breathtaking graphics were the best from its generation and despite the passage of time, they haven’t aged badly at all. Even today, the game looks better than some of the current releases. From the sun-drenched plains to the snow-covered mountains, every frame of Arthur’s tale could be considered a work of art of its own. Its photo-realistic graphics and character models have such an impressive attention to detail that it’s hard to tell if a shot from the game is real or not. For that reason, the game is considered one of the best looking games ever released on any platform.

Accompanying its visuals, the game has an equally stunning soundtrack composed by Woody Jackson that ranges from beautiful melodies to thrilling action tracks. These all blend together, shaping the high points of each chapter and helping the game to become the unforgettable experience that it is. 

Multiplayer: Create your own gang of outlaws in Red Dead Online

RDR 2 includes Red Dead Online, a free multiplayer game in which you can join an online community and explore Blackwater with your friends. While the game offers several activities, such as story missions and competitive multiplayer modes, its best feature is its Frontier Pursuits system. This will let you choose from several roles such as Bounty Hunter, Trader or Collector, each of them offering unique gameplay mechanics, missions, and rewards.While not as successful as GTA Online, Red Dead Online is an interesting mode that will certainly please fans from the series.

Do I need to play RDR before RDR2?

No, you do not need to play RDR before RDR2. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption so all events lived by Arthur and the Van der Linde gang are only setting the background to Marston’s adventure in the first game. However, we really recommend that you to play them in order so RDR 2’s story and character development is more meaningful, especially its epilogue.

How long does it take to complete Red Dead Redemption 2?

The main story and objectives from RDR 2 take about 50 hours to be completed. However, if you’re striving to achieve 100% completion, it’ll take you around 180 hours. You’ll never be sure if you’ve seen all aspects of the game though, since even nowadays players are still discovering new content hidden and lore throughout the game’s humongous map.

The Old West never felt better

Red Dead Redemption 2  is, without a doubt, the game of a lifetime. Considered a landmark moment for the open-world genre and a true masterpiece by players and critics alike, RDR 2 is a must-play for any gamer. In fact, if you haven’t tried it yet… What are you waiting for? While Rockstar Games is more known for its Grand Theft Auto Series, both Red Dead Redemption games and the predecessor, Red Dead Revolver, are clear examples of what a good game should be.