Red Dead Redemption
RED DEAD
REDEMPTION
[9/10]
"Grand Theft Auto, set in the Wild West."
[Story][9/10]
You take the role of John Marston.
A hardy, well-mannered gunslinger in the West seeking out an old "friend" to settle a score of the past.
You form many alliances from different group to help in assisting you in your pursuit of taking down your enemies, and theirs.
[Gameplay][9/10]
While it took me a while to get acquainted to the control-schemes, I eventually managed after a few hours and some trial-and-error. The cover system works as good as it does in GTA IV. They are many weapons in the game, and some are collected at later levels. Horseback-riding; while it took me a while getting used to the mechanics, I eventually figured it out, and started using it to my advantage.
Walking, sprinting and climbing were as good as it is in GTA IV.
Using the lasso was very fun, and I performed some hilarious, if not "sick" acts, all for the sake of enjoyment and a real good laugh. Animals can be skinned for their meat and fur, which can be sold at a decent price at any general store -- and depending on the type of animal skinned will determine how much you'll get for that specific animal.
There is also a Fame meter. Good deeds will grant you perks and good fame. Bad Fame will grant you infamy.
You also have an Honor meter. However, acts of aggression will reduce your Honor, and acts of good behaviour and helpfulness will grant you increased Honor.
You also have a Dead-Eye meter. Using this will give you a small window of slow motion in which you can select individually using an
x to mark specific parts of a target, and do a fast-firing execution on each x marked.
Camp sites can be set up for resting and quick travel for various places on the map.
Different costumes can also be unlocked! Some are unlocked as the game progresses.
[Side-missions and mini-games][7.5/10]
Fun things you can do throughout the game:
Horse-shoes:
A game where you have 2 sand pits roughly 5-7m apart with a short pole in the centre of the pit - and it is your goal to try and throw the horse-shoe as close to the pole as possible. Pressing the Left [if I remember correctly] button will place you in an over-the-shoulder view in order to line up the shoe with the pole. Then, pressing R2 while moving your analog stick back and forth [right stick, if remembered correctly], you swing Marston's arm, (using the guide on the left side of the screen), until you reach the optimal swing distance, then letting go of R2, the horse shoe will be thrown. This is tricky and can take some practice, as it did me. Too short a swing, and it will land right in front of you, too hard a swing and the shoe will be flung, possibly over the sand pit.
Bounties are also collectible. Riding out to specific locations and eliminating all the enemies [bounty target included] will result in a cash amount your way. Capturing your target alive will result in a greater cash layout.
On your travels you may stumble across events that can help you to earn Fame and a possible cash payout.
[Sound][8.5/10]
Gun shots, horses, people and atmospheric sounds are easily distinguishable and sound very good.
[Graphics][7/10]
Graphically, the game isn't ultra-realistically-looking, but, it serves its purpose, and does so... well enough.
[Voice acting][9/10]
Voicing in this game is very good. I feel it plays a VERY important role in a game, as it drives the story and creates a greater sense of believability to the player. Conversations and cutscene voice acting really have you believing what you see on screen.
A brilliant cast of characters really adds life and fun to the game.
Overall:
Red Dead Redemption is a must-play to anyone who is a fan of Westerns and of recent GTAs.
I do highly recommend this game! Want a very good, and well-told action-adventure journey...? Red Dead Redemption is for you!
