Game review: Red Dead Redemption 2

In my opinion, Red Dead Redemption 2 is the best game of all time. Even though it was released in 2018, I’ve yet to find a more enjoyable game to play. Among the best story games, including GTA V, Elden Ring, God of War 2018, God of War Ragnarok, Red Dead Redemption 1, Cyberpunk 2077, and more, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out because of its masterful storywriting and storytelling. 

The game is set in the United States in 1899. It is comparable to GTA V, except it is set in the past and is much more expansive and detailed: every area of the map can be interacted with, and in-game actions are as close to reality as possible. You play as the main character, Arthur Morgan, a man in his mid-30’s and a crucial member of the Van Der Linde gang.

Like every other video game by Rockstar Games, missions are a central part of the gameplay. As Arthur Morgan, you travel around the map and complete missions, which tell the main story in chronological order. It is an incredibly detailed open-world game, and there are plenty of things you can do outside the story. Decisions you make in missions affect the main story, and there are 4 possible endings to the story.

To enjoy the game to the fullest extent possible, you must never ever, ever skip cutscenes. Cutscenes are what tell the story, and skipping them only makes you miss out, like when you have to use the toilet in a cinema. Secondly, you must make sure the story isn’t spoiled. Spoilers take away the emotional immersion in the story, and it just isn’t worth it. Thirdly, you must have a capable console or a PC. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a large, triple-A game with one of the best graphics in the world; it isn’t easy to run the game. 

The ratings and comments above are for the first playthrough of the game. Like any other story game, the enjoyment drops significantly in the second playthrough. Although there are 4 endings, I recommend playing it only once. The best ending, in my opinion, is to help John with high honor.

Although it takes roughly 50 hours to complete the game’s main story missions, I believe everyone must play it at least once in their lifetime.