The Fascinating Frontier- Red Dead Redemption Review

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenMay 21, 2010
415 6,872 3 minutes read

Many gamers will rightfully assume that ‘Redemption’ refers to the narrative trajectory of John Marston in Rockstar San Diego’s most recent release. Yet, the moniker also slyly references the salvation of the interactive Western. Although Gun, Red Dead Revolver and the Call of Juarez series have all valiantly attempted to capture the mystique of a Sergio Leone film, none of those releases have as been successful at delivering a cinematic experience as deep and polished as Red Dead Redemption. The title’s strength is forged by achieving the goal set forth by every Grand Theft Auto title – creating a living, complex world that begs for exploration. 

However, Redemption is far more than an historical recontextualization of the popular series; the Housers are much too shrewd for that. While the series still contains a handful of holdovers from the admired franchise, it also brings a slew of changes that radically change the feel of the title. Taking a cue from the moral intricacy presented in Fable 2, Redemption presents players with the Honor system. Killing innocent townsfolk or performing altruistic acts slides a knob along an ethical barometer, altering the manner in which people treat the protagonist. My character was carefully cultivated to be morally upstanding; soon shopkeepers rewarded me with a generous discount, while lawman assisted me when malicious posse’s attacked. Sadly, a player’s mortality is determined solely by their actions – for better or worse, the game forgoes Bioware-esque dialog trees.

Sharing the spotlight with protagonist Marston is the games expansive multi-territory environment which spans across desolate plains, border towns, and forest provinces. Each region contains its own ecosystem with animals that defy players to give chase, travelers in need of assistance, as well as trains and stage coaches that run on resolute schedules, each offering players with a multitude of side-quests. These tasks, as well as the game’s robust main storyline, often involves a healthy amount of gunplay using a gratifying arsenal of pistols, rifles, cannons, and even Gatling guns. Typically, the inaccuracy and sluggish reload times of antiquated weaponry pales in comparison to contemporary firearms. Redemption wisely conquers this quandary by offering gamers the Dead Eye targeting system, allowing slow motion precision and the designation of multiple targets. Players can even shoot a pistol out of a rival’s hand.

Although Redemption habitually follows its own trail, a few Grand Theft remnants remain. While the game forgoes a visable starred lawlessness rating, at times the concept seems to linger. Once players kill a bounty target, they’ll be plagued by successions of bandits which inexplicably locate gamers. Attempts to lose the posse is even more futile that ditching the Liberty City PD; requiring players to eliminate every dogged pursuer.

 

With a promising free-roam variation where players can form posses and take on antagonists and a competitive multiplayer component, Red Dead online options are wonderfully varied. The free-roaming element allows groups to explore the landscape, as the level up with Modern Warfare 2-like system. The title’s also contains all the archetypal modes- from Deathmatch, team Deathmatch and capture the flag varients, adding a delightful shootout at the commencement of every round.

Redemption perpetually astounds with a brilliant amount of graphical variety and textural polish. The title’s evocative desert sundowns, ominous thunderstorms, and moonlit evenings often seem more like a CG cinematic rather than the product of an in-game engine. Details like rolling tumbleweeds, faint hoof prints (which increase in frequency around hitching posts), and meticulously animated wildlife, deliver a vivid interpretation of the wild West which will stay with players long after consoles are powered down. With the exception of the occasionally awkward animation when characters ascend inclines and some minor pop-in, Red Dead’s presentation allows for a consistently immersive experience. The title’s extensive and expertly delivered voice work is nearly flawless, as is the spaghetti-western influenced soundtrack.

More than a must-play experience, Red Dead Redemption achieves what most filmmakers have been unable to accomplish in the last two decades – the title makes the western resplendently relevant once more. Rockstar San Diego has succeeded in creating a work of interaction fiction which allows gamers to explore nearly every nuance of the filmic frontier. From Mexican standoffs, stoic heroes, vile enemies, and one of the most gratifying conclusions in gaming history, Redemption is one the most salient homages of the American West.  

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenMay 21, 2010
415 6,872 3 minutes read
Photo of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

415 Comments

  1. I’m glad you made the comment about being chased. That is pretty weak and I haven’t seen anyone mention it yet.

  3. Ive played the game for at least 15 hours have haven’t really found the need to upgrade my weapons yet. That is amazing.

  4. So did you play both versions. I want to get your take on the graphical differences.

  7. I honestly thought this would suck for sure.

    I guess I was “dead” wrong.

  10. So riding a horse isn’t a hassle? I just thought going from cars to horses, it wouldn’t be fun.

  11. Not really surprised Desert would like this. I’m curious as to what TideGear would say about it.

  17. So many review have been hyping this to the moon, I cant help but feel I might be disappointed.

    Still, I’m looking forward to getting a copy.

  18. totally agree with the star meter remark. It doesn’t make sense that they’d know where you are.

  20. The PS3 version has a lower resolution and shorter draw distance. Otherwise, it’s nearly the same.

  23. I meant to say “GOTY Contender for sure” but got all excited and hit the enter button.

  25. I think this review hit the nail on the head. Great review of the game! I enjoyed it quite a bit! I am lovin’ the game right now.

    If anyone has it for the 360 my GT is ThisCuddlyBear.

  26. I’m really looking forward to playing this. Wasn’t the first game originally developed by Capcom before Rockstar became involved?

  30. Good review. Not thrilled about the Liberty City PD-esque chasing, but I can’t wait to play it.

  31. Amazing review.I’m happy RDR is getting alot of good reviews and people are loving the game.You can tell Rockstar San Diego put alot of time and effort(aswell as 100 million) into the game.Kudos to them!.

  32. This game really wasn’t on my radar until I started seeing the reviews come in.

    I’ll have to pick this one up. It certainly sounds and looks good.

  33. Great review, RDR definitely deserves an A! The best western game since Sunset Riders (arcade), er, Red Dead Revolver was pretty wicked too. The addition of co-op really excites me – now to convince my brother to pick up a copy so we can posse-up…

  35. The first time I killed a bounty and that posse came for me I was caught by surprise. It was a real challenge and I was swearing up a storm, but after was all said and done I had fun blasting those suckers. My second bounty…nothing. Kind of a letdown as it was too easy!

  37. Great review I can’t wait to play it. It seems like it is getting great reviews from a lot of magazines and websites.

  38. It’s good to know that this game isn’t just a GTA game reskinned for the Old West. One of the biggest things holding me back from picking this up was that I didn’t really enjoy GTAIV that much and honestly just bought it from all the hype around it. I almost did the same with this but wanted to hold off and not fall prey again. But your review makes it sound like a decent game on its own, and I hope to one day pick it up.
    Thanks guys!

  39. Oh my goodness, this game sounds SO cool. I don’t have the funds for it right now, but I’m going to play this as ASAP. Nice review guys.

  40. Fantastic review! I especially enjoyed the fact that you went out of your way to point out that the game is NOT just GTAIV in the Old West, but so much more. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

  41. I have this for PS3 and I’ve smiled on more than a few occasions, whether breaking a horse with the lasso or not stopping a stampeding herd of cattle and watching them spill over the side a cliff. LOVE THIS GAME!….oh, and spot on review.

    Also, does kinda suck you can’t swim, but not a huge dealbreaker.

  43. Really no one came after you? I seem to set off an APB when I kill a bounty. Too bad you can see the big red dot coming toward you. It would be better if you just heard shooting and saw the bullets fly.

  44. the graphics look good.it would be nice if you could customize appearance in mp

  47. Nice review. It’s nice to know a great western game has finally been released.

  48. Yeah, I was chasing a guy on horseback and he went over a cliff. I rode down a few minutes later. he and his horse where there. Very cool.

    Another time a hooker was killed. I tried to save her but I wasn’t fast enough. A few minutes later, people where surrounding her body, talking about the crime.

  52. Almost every posse has your horse lowjacked and a nice + shiny GPS system built onto their saddle.

  58. Good review. The game looks great. I’m very interested in playing this game.

  59. Other than this being from Rockstar, I had no clue why everyone was so interested in this game, but I think you summed it up nicely. There really aren’t any polished western games worth playing anymore.

  61. I love the graphics in this game, I am really looking forward to picking this game up as soon as i get some money 😀

  63. Been looking forward to this game, my friend keeps making fun of me whenever I mention the game in any way.

  65. Wow not only have I been waiting for this game to come out for so long, but its getting the best reviews 🙂
    Can’t wait to be able to get this in my hands.

  66. The graphics in the game are WAY better than I originally believed. The trailers and previews showed a lot of slow down, but I’m happy to say that isn’t the case.

  67. lol. good one. They need a western voice saying “Turn right ahead, partner. Easy left down the next trail”

  69. Is there any slowdown or lag when you are in shootouts? This always kills an action/sandbox game for me.

  70. Nice review and it’s nice to see some alternate settings for open-world games.

  72. Great review. If I don’t win this game I’ll probably go out and buy it. Hopefully I won’t have too lol.

  75. While I enjoy good dialog (KOTOR was epic), I also dislike it being attached to a moral scale. Usually you can tell how each response will affect your moral standing, but sometimes you can’t. And it’s more fun to say things in between “good” and “bad”, because I can’t stand stupid/rude NPCs. But there is rarely an advantage to being in the middle, usually you get bonuses for being really good or really bad.

    The chases sound like they could be annoying.

    P.S. Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath is another good “Western” game, for anyone hungry for more of the genre, or that can’t afford the latest and greatest.

  76. Thanks. I’ve been waiting for this game, and Rockstar have been doing a good job hyping it up in their previews.

  84. What I like about this is that its GTA with flavor. GTAIV looks great but we had all been to NYC before many times. Never have we been to the old west in a sandbox title and I must say I am extremely excited for this one!

  85. I’m glad to hear such a critical consensus on this game. I’m looking forward to getting it.

  86. I keep reading great reviews about this game, I’d love to play it myself!

  88. Great review. I’ve been waiting for SOMETHING to come around that could immerse me in a Serge Leone flick. Now if I only had some extra cash or a bit of luck… 🙂

  89. Have a friend who just picked this up and is loving it. I may have to purchase it when the co-op feature is released.

  90. Beautiful backgrounds, awesome cinematic scenes! It’ll be a good one to own.

  92. FREE ROAM! I must have this game, I want to search for Buried Treasure 😀

  94. The game sounds freakin awesome….now let me have it so I can see what you are talking about.

  96. This game looks pretty awesome. I wonder why it’s only been recently that we’ve seen many western-themed games.

  98. Great review. I’m really interested in playing it. Thanks for the opportunity in winning it!!

  100. Game looks amazing. Never found a western-themed game that looked this great.

  101. Great review and nice introduction with the few recent Western games and how RDR has become the gaming equivalent of a Leone film. Pleasantly surprised how well this game turned out and I’m excited to play it.

  102. I was so hyped for this game and this review makes me even more excited. Can not buy it yet tho 🙁

  104. Great review, guys! I’m hoping I feel the same way about it because I have been looking forward to playing it.

  110. Finally, a western-themed game that delivers…now what’s left?

    A Superman game that doesn’t suck? A truly awesome mafia game?

  118. I can’t wait to give this game a shot, sounds awesome and looks even better!

  119. After reading this review, I’m looking forward to playing this. Thanks TG!

  120. Great review! I am a big fan of Westerns and it looks like the best game for the genre has finally arrived! Like many, I was worried that RDR would be GTA in the West, but it looks like things couldn’t be further from the truth. I definitely want to pick up this game, I just have to pass my graduate school exams first (very stressful time right now, otherwise I would be playing this game)! Once I do, it’s off to the wild west! It amazes me that it took a developer so long to make a quality western game, kudos to RockStar for finally doing it right. Well done!

  122. Great review. What surprises me most about this game is that it isn’t just GTA in the west with different guns, transportation, and of course, stereotypes. Sure, all of those things are there, but there seem to be enough gameplay changes that make it feel different.

  123. You always know how to sell a guy on a video game… Gonna have to check it out!

  124. my friend came over when this came out and we went to the midnight release i got alan wake and he got this i watched him play a few minutes before i started alan wake looked great and after reading your review and watching some videos this game looks great

  125. Nice review. Rockstar knows how to make open world games. I mean they made GTA games which were, in my opinion, the best open world games ever. I have seen gameplay of the multiplayer online and it is awsome!! I also played the old game Red Dead Revolver which I liked alot. Love to use Deadeye. Deadey FTW. Game is a must play.

  127. I’m glad that we finally have a great western in video games. I love simply riding out into the open and watching the sun rise and set. The landscape is very authentic!

  128. This game is like crack. I can’t stop thinking about it. All I want to do is play it. Rockstar has truly made a masterpiece this time.

  129. I wasn’t sure about this game but from everything I’m hearing and seeing it seems quite awesome.

  133. I keep hearing that people either love this game or feel it’s a GTAIV clone. I’m torn on whether or not to purchase or wait for the local library to carry it.

  135. It’s an amazing achievement that Rockstar has managed to outdo even themselves. Kudos to the dev team for a great experience!

  137. I like several others was worried that it would be like GTA4 in the Wild West (because tbh I thought GTA4 was kind of boring) but by the sounds of it it is so much more, I think I may have to check out the game after-all…

  138. Nice review. I haven’t been able to (willingly) put down the controller since I got this game.

  141. If the co-op dlc is cool, I might look a t picking this up soon. Thanks for the review.

  143. I definitely agree with the review here, I hope we see future iterations of this series.

  145. Well I liked Red Dead Revolver, so when this one was announced I fully expected to love it anyway. Great review.

  148. I’ve heard that the PS3 version of this game is graphically inferior to the xbox360 game, oh well, I only own the PS3 and graphics do not a game make…

  161. I have never heard of this game until a week before the release. My friend told me that it was going to be a great game and it looks like it is!

  164. This game is getting a lot of attention. I liked GTA IV, but I hope this is an improvement on the open world that Rockstar presented in that game. The Wild West setting seems so rich.

  165. have been waiting along time for this game and now have to wait even lonmger to play .

  168. Yeah, this game is not for me, your review confirmed it, thanks a lot!

  170. Wow, this game looks like utter perfetion of the free-world game genre.

  171. great review, i have been looking forward to this game for awhile and i hope to be enjoying it soon.

  172. Good review! This game is amazing. I rented it and can’t get enough of it. Def may have to buy it later.

  177. damit my other post didnt go in anyway just bought it and hopefully this and ufc will give me enough entertainment through the summer

  178. Great review. It’s pretty spot on. I’m playing the game right now and it’s an absolute blast. Not many great games come out every so often, especially a western, a good one that is.

  179. Red Dead Redemption is deffinetly a vast improvment to Revolver, and shows just how much rockstar has improved the gtaIV engine, though that’s not to say it couldn’t be improved anymore. And like most games this gen, it wouldn’t have suffered any from a few more weeks of bug testing and polishing before being released, but on a whole it’s a much more enjoyable experiance then the vanilla gta IV. Can’t wait to see what kind of (non-multiplayer related) dlc rockstar cooks up for it.

  181. Red Dead Redemption is definitely game of the year material, that is for sure.

  185. I didn’t care much for the GTAIV characters and the story but Rockstar seems to have redeemed themselves with Red Dead Redemption.

  186. I’m glad Rockstar was able to pull off a western in this style. The review pretty much sums up my thoughts on the game.

  187. I want this game more then I want fried cheesecake on a stick, and I’m president of the Fried Cheesecake On A Stick fan club.

  188. Can’t get enough of this game. Great review. Too bad it had to come out during finals week 🙁

  189. From someone who hasn’t played the game and won’t have opportunity to play it in months,good review.

  191. Great review and I’ll I’ve done so far is run around in game and get into trouble and I’ve had a blast.

  197. Game looks good, my overseas friends said they had one hell of a night last night on it. Stealing a carriage then driving it over a cliff, NICE!

  199. I wrote a story because I want to win your contest.

    It all started when our adventure-loving…adventurer, Apple Juice, woke up in a disease-infested jungle. It was the eighth time it had happened. Feeling really displeased, Apple Juice hit a wolverine, thinking it would make him feel better (but as usual, it did not). Heart filled with earnest fortitude, he realized that his beloved Cock was missing! Immediately he called his bed-friend, Cool Ranch. Apple Juice had known Cool Ranch for (plus or minus) 20 years, the majority of which were sassy ones. Cool Ranch was unique. He was outgoing though sometimes a little… insensitive. Apple Juice called him anyway, for the situation was urgent.

    Cool Ranch picked up to a very ecstatic Apple Juice. Cool Ranch calmly assured him that most South American hissing sloths sigh before mating, yet Indonesian devil cats usually explosively sigh *after* mating. He had no idea what that meant; he was only concerned with distracting Apple Juice. Why was Cool Ranch trying to distract Apple Juice? Because he had snuck out from Apple Juice’s with the Cock only eight days prior. It was a saucy little Cock… how could he resist?

    It didn’t take long before Apple Juice got back to the subject at hand: his Cock. Cool Ranch grimaced. Reluctantly, Cool Ranch invited him over, assuring him they’d find the Cock. Apple Juice grabbed his whale and disembarked immediately. After hanging up the phone, Cool Ranch realized that he was in trouble. He had to find a place to hide the Cock and he had to do it carefully. He figured that if Apple Juice took the spaceship, he had take at least nine minutes before Apple Juice would get there. But if he took the Black people? Then Cool Ranch would be abundantly screwed.

    Before he could come up with any reasonable ideas, Cool Ranch was interrupted by eight pestering Spongebob s that were lured by his Cock. Cool Ranch sneezed; ‘Not again’, he thought. Feeling displeased, he aggressively reached for his ripened avocado and skillfully groped every last one of them. Apparently this was an adequate deterrent–the discouraged critters began to scurry back toward the swamp, squealing with discontent. He exhaled with relief. That’s when he heard the Black people rolling up. It was Apple Juice.

    As he pulled up, he felt a sense of urgency. He had had to make an unscheduled stop at IHOP to pick up a 12-pack of bananas, so he knew he was running late. With a hasty leap, Apple Juice was out of the Black people and went surreptitiously jaunting toward Cool Ranch’s front door. Meanwhile inside, Cool Ranch was panicking. Not thinking, he tossed the Cock into a box of carrots and then slid the box behind his time machine. Cool Ranch was exasperated but at least the Cock was concealed. The doorbell rang.

  203. Very nice review very helpful as I was quite torn about this game. I’ve heard that it’s really glitchy online though so I’ll probably wait until the price has dropped a bit or if I win it here 😉 especially with all the awesome stuff coming out this year.

  204. Great review. I wasn’t going to pick up this game, but after all the positive reviews, I may not have a choice but to pick it up.

  205. Excellent review. I ws worried this was going to me a mere GTA reskin. I’m glad it has its own personality.

  208. Man i wanna play this game so freaking bad. I hear the multiplayer is kinda buggy though.

  209. I really enjoyed Red Dead Revolver. It wasn’t a long or complicated game, but fun story and fast action.

  210. Nice review, DE. I’ve been itching to play some Grand Theft Auto lately — after reading about Red Dead Redemption, I might actually grab that one before Episodes From Liberty City.

  217. I’m usually not into western games, but it looks like somebody finally made a good one. I might have to check this out.

  218. I’ve been really interested in this game but was scared it was gonna be GTAIV remodeled. However, your review has dissuaded me.

  220. Good review, I’m definitely interested in this game now. But now I have to choose between getting this or Alan Wake…

  224. Great review I’m still trying to get my hand on this game, it sounds awesome!

  225. When I had first heard of this game, I really had no interest in it, but now everyone is saying how its like the GOTY and whatnot, and now im all excited for it.

  226. This is looking more and more like the game that we’ve all wanted Rockstar to make. Thanks for the review!

  227. Nice review, this game looks new and old in a sense, I really love the ideas behind this and the multiplayer seems awesome.

  228. Excellent review. The review addresses points and issues equally which is a plus to the reviewer in terms of how a review should be done.
    I’m Glad to see/know that the western setting has been done very well for (Red Dead Redemption) how uncommon it seems that we come across games now-a-days taking place in the period of time itsself.

  230. This review, and many others, have praised the game. I’m a bit leery, though, as I think one of the few people who didn’t really enjoy GTA 4.

  234. Love old Western games…definately gonna pick this one up when it drops in price.

  242. Good review, good game.
    It’s one of those games where it’s easy to get sidetracked at any given moment and have the hours fly bye.

  243. I was stoked when I saw this coming out before. I thought it’d be fun to hope back into Red’s shoes. But after seeing trailers and stuff it’s like they’re just milking it on the name alone. I haven’t played the game yet, but I hope Red makes an appearance… it his his series after all.

  248. Awesome review for what’s sure to be an awesome game. Hope to pick it up as soon as I can.

  249. “Red Dead Redemption achieves what most filmmakers have been unable to accomplish in the last two decades – the title makes the western resplendently relevant once more”.

    Come on, what about Seraphim Falls? That was pretty much the Western distilled to its bare essence. And Brokeback Mountain was incredibly relevant since it was the most mainstream depiction of homosexuality out there. Plus No Country for Old Men actually won an Oscar. Yes, the Western genre used to be more popular but it has never gone away.

    Having said that, I’ve been itching to play this game since I saw a video in a game store. Even if it’s just Grand Theft Auto as a Western, I still want to play it so bad I can almost taste it.t

  251. Maaaaaan… this game keeps inching its way up my backlog. I may have to break down and put Mass Effect 2 on hold for a while…

  253. I don’t usually play games like this, but this time around I believe I will have to make an exception!

  255. Sounds like it will be fun, but I’m wary of Westerns. The last Western that I liked on any system was GUN on PS2, which was before I got my 360.

  260. I was excited before (after the ads and the commercial), after reading this review I’m REALLY excited!

  261. I absolutely agree. My weapons have not been upgraded and I have actually completed the game. Loved it!

  263. After reading all of the reviews this game is getting I’m stoked about playing it. I like the MW2 like leveling up and the free roaming element is going to make the OL experience Great. Awesome review.

  265. This game kicks major ass. My wife was amazed at the muscle detail on the horse, the dust blowing, and the guys I shot in the leg limping away. It is not often she says WOW to one of the games I am playing.

  267. The more I read about this game the more I want to play it! Crosses fingers for the contest >_<

  268. A good review, I had initially written this game off, now will reconsider …

  269. Very good review. I am looking forward to playing this game myself sometime soon.

  270. Man, this game has been getting solid review after solid review, definitely renting this week!

  273. Great review! Now I’m considering this game even though I was going to wait a while… Hope I win!

  276. Nice review, its driving me crazy because I still need to get the game and find the time to play it! 🙁

  277. It’s nice to see Rockstar coming out of their comfort zone of modern day grand theft! Loving the multiplayer too!

  278. Good review. Going to buy this game in a few days because of all the positive reviews for it.

  283. This looks like one of those games that if I don’t win, the reviews have convinced me that I need to buy it.

  285. Oh SNAP! GTA comes to Texas! Now I don’t have to steal cars anymore, I can steal HORSES! I’m stoked, sign me up.

  289. It seems the universal appreciation for this game is drawn from the fact that it manages to capture and emulate an old beloved film genre that no other game has been able to in the past. Good stuff.

  290. Awesome. I’ve been waiting for this game forever, but with it coming out a few days before my wedding I’ve been waiting to pick it up. Thanks.

  292. finally a game that is not just about hookers and drugs. and look at those horse physics!!

  293. I’m so glad to hear that the single-player part of this game is as awesome as it’s been touted to be. I was afraid it was going to be heavy on the online and light on the local. I can’t wait to get this game!

  297. This game looks amazing i really i hope i win,fingers crossed,also i love the review

  298. Nice little review. I like the comparison you draw to the film industry. Rockstar has definitely spun a yarn that film makers could only dream of making. And the acting is better in this game than most movies made today. This game definitely captures the essence of the Old West. I completely felt like I was experiencing several Western movies at the same time in this. It’s a pleasure to play in this sandbox.

  299. I can’t believe this many GOTY condenders out already. With Mass Effect 2, Alan Wake, Heavy Rain, GoW 3, Mario Galaxy 2, and now RDR. Can’t wait to pick this up.

  300. Rockstar Games make the best games like GTA, Max Payne, and now RDR. I can’t wait to play it.

  303. Too bad there are no cheeky dialogue trees. Still looking forward to seeing how this is received critically!

  305. this game sounds so great after reading this review i might just go buy it.

  306. I am really tempted to pick up this game. I enjoyed the free-roam open-world multiplayer in GTA4 but I don’t think enough people played it. This looks like it’s improved on that system substantially.

  308. Excellent recap without the spoilers (thank goodness!) Can’t wait to see the Alan Wake review!

  309. Thanks,and heads up for PS3 version,it has a mandatory firmware update.So 360 version for me.

  312. I’m looking forward to getting this, the free roam online gametype looks awesome.

  314. Nice Review. I think I actually prefer the western theme to the modern one. I’m in for the giveaway. Thanks!

  315. Very nice read!

    I’m a bit skeptical on this one though and I’m undecided wether or not to buy the game.
    I love Westerns but I hated GTA IV

  317. Great review for a great game. A couple of my friends recently picked this one and haven’t been able to put it down. I really enjoyed GTA IV, as well as Gun and Call of Juarez. So I know this will exceed my expectations of a western game.

  325. ooooh how I have longed for this game *hint*. lol, nice review, and finally something different from the gta series from rockstar.

  326. Nice review here! This game is beautiful. Heard a lot of good things about it. Need to go pick it up myself!

  329. I can see why you’re trying to garner hits through CAG’s website, because this review is technically very bad. It looks like you took a bunch of buzzwords from someone else’ review and haphazardously threw them all together.

    In your review, you also fail to describe any of the gameplay at all. I can summarize this review in about four sentences: Red Dead Redemption is similar to Grand Theft Auto. You have lots of guns and can shoot animals. There are more consequences connected to your actions. It’s pretty.

    You’ve spent no time talking about the characters, story, different multiplayer game modes, how areas are unlocked through story progression, etc. To me, it seems like you wrote this entire review after only playing 0-5 hours, maybe spending a half hour or so on this review.

    You need to polish up your writing form, but your language isn’t too bad. That is my review of your review, even if you decide not to add me to your “random” prize drawing because of it.

  330. Somehow, this went from “not even thinking about it” to “must play.” gj, Rockstar San Diego.

  332. I played this at my friend’s house and loved it. I am saving up for it now, I wish I had got this last week instead of Alan Wake.

  337. I played this game at a friends house and the graphics were amazing. I thought the controls were a little weird, but I couldn’t tell if it was just because my character was wounded.

  338. Been curious about RDR. Figure it’s worth checking out sooner or later…

  341. Glad to see another solid review for this game. I’m hoping to win it so I’ll be able to play it and have my own opinion.

  344. I am very excited about trying this game. I’ve only heard excellent things about it.

  345. I’m glad you posted this on CAG. This is a really great review and methinks I’ll be back here again.

  346. I really dig the review. I was pretty on the fence about Red Dead, but this is helping to pique my interest.

  347. After getting bored with GTA IV, I lost interest in RDR. Now, I want to play it…

  349. I also don’t really like when you put a bounty on your horse and their goons keep coming after you. Can’t complain about the game much more than that. I do wish I could get my gentleman’s attire and deadly assassin outfits.

  350. I’m not a big fan of old western style games like this but I’m willing to give it a shot cause I’ve heard great things about it.

  351. As good as GTA 4 was, I got a little bored with it, mostly because the setting began to grate on me. Glad to see that this kind of things has changed in RDR. First Call Of Juarez Bound In Blood and now this? Westerns are making a fierce gaming comeback!

  355. Really interested in this game, and all the reviews seem pretty favorable. Thanks for the review.

  357. this game looks great and R* have really good stories in there game, but some of the things in this game get on my nerves. the horse stamina is a downer but the shooting and online are pretty sweet.i recommend it.

  359. Awesome game with even more awesome Easter eggs (or glitches?). Gotta love the donkey woman and flying men.

  360. yeah once again rockstar has created an incredibly likeable main character

  364. Read this review for the 2nd time. The game is flippin awesome and I totally agree with the notion that RDR is “more than a must-play.”

  365. Nice review this game looks sweet, reminds me of the golden days of Read Dead Revolver and GUN 🙂 Might pick it up when I get a chance, I’m stuck between this, Alan Wake, and Splinter Cell: Conviction

  368. It is too bad that not everything from the GTA series is gone, like the police following like crazy. I am not a big fan of the GTA series, and I like Westerns, so I was hoping this would be more different; I still may pick it up at some point.

  369. Great review – entering the contest thank you for having the contest in the first place! Good luck to everyone else who has entered.

  370. Excellent review.

    I didn’t mind the bandits being so relentless, since they back off once you reach town. That is, of course, if they don’t trip on a stick of dynamite first.

  371. Great review! I was thinking I might get bored with RDR but your review has changed my mind.

  372. Having played a few hours at a friends house, I was utterly sold. Great western game, and great (pseudo) addition to the GTA family.

  374. Hmmm…Although, I’m glad they didn’t choose to input in a dialog tree (it allowed them to focus on the game more), honor based solely on actions leaves a little less of a choice than a dialog tree does. It’s always either going to be good or bad.

    Wait, now that I think about it, so does the dialog tree. Meh, guess actions speak louder than words. Great review!

  377. Thanks for the review. I’m glad to finally see a great western game. I can’t wait to get it.

  379. I can’t wait till my son gets through playing this game so that I can get my hands on it. It really looks like great fun. I’d like to actually win a copy of my own…..:)

  381. Great review, definitely deserves an A. I need to borrow this from a buddy of mine who got it, I keep playing that game every time we hang out.

  383. Awesome review! I am glad I went against my initial thought of skipping this game! I am loving it!

  386. Another great review as usual, very professional while adding in language that it themed along with the game.

    (“Although Redemption habitually follows its own trail…”

    While I never win these contests, they’re great for helping me pay attention to your reviews, so thank you. 🙂

  388. I think someone finally got a western game in the Elite range of games. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

    Great Review

  389. Glad to see that this actually accomplishes what filmmakers struggle to do; Make this feel like the Old West. Looking forward to playing it!

  390. It’s pretty amazing that more companies can’t get story right like Rockstar has. Glad to see that someone understands how to write a western correctly.

  391. This game keeps getting such good reviews, I’m going to have to give it a try.

  393. I wasn’t hoping the mutliplayer to be all that great but it turned out ok. The single player is what really shines for Red Dead Redemption.

  395. I did. I can’t wait for my prize package.
    Let’s hope the shirt fits.

  396. Sorry, buddy, but this review is much better than most of the ones on your site. What’s up with this-

    “What is there to say about curling? Seriously, I have no idea. All I know about the game I’ve gathered from people making fun of it. It involves sliding stones on ice and small push brooms. Canadians go crazy for it. I don’t know. Needless to say curling isn’t a much-talked-about sport in America. In an attempt to get people interested in this somewhat inane sport (I assume), dadoo Games created Curling 2010, an Xbox Live Indie Games title.”

  397. I can see you knocking Desert if you’re reviews were better, but they’re not.

    Your review knocked Red Dead because the game included bits of what was going on in the world- cars, planes, etc. Umm, ok…

    And I think he did mention the different areas in the review, but I agree the MP section could have been longer.

  398. Because amazing reviews like this are better?

    “
    Pendelton
    Negative Gamer Review: Avatar Showdown (Xbox Live Indie Games)
    By Jon “Pendelton” on Tuesday, April 27th 2010

    I’m going to be upfront with you folks; Avatar Showdown is one of the dumbest games I’ve ever played. Not just the dumbest Indie Game I’ve laid my hands on, but dumbest ever.”

    When you write/post like that, it’s best not to attack others.

  400. While I respect your criticism, allow me to refute some of your points-

    When reviewing games, I am very careful to avoid any sort of spoilers, which may tarnish an experience. I’ve read critiques which didn’t directly ‘spoil’ key plot points, but did detract from the sense of wonder, when new elements were discovered.

    As such, I write my reviews with a level of abstraction that may not address which each button press does, (or every plot point) but rather the game’s overall experience. I’m sorry you’re not found of this technique, but many of our readers are. There hundreds of sites that directly address the specific mechanics of a title, why should we offer more of the same?

    You are incorrect in your assumption of playing the game “0-5 hour”; I finished the game once, and was into my second playthrough when the review was written.

  402. He makes a good point. Too many review tell about the key point of a game. Thats why I usually like the reviews here, although sometimes they grade a bit easy.

  403. Yeah, but I did read her Ghostbusters review, which was weak sauce.

    Here’s my line by line critique-

    “Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a title that is a long time coming.” Ok, so what?

    “Past Ghostbusters games have been ungodly horrible” Did you play the C64 one, that was pretty good, hardly terrible…

    “and it’s about time the franchise got a face lift.” Just a visual enhancement, bad analogy choice)

    It is meant to be the long-lost final installment of the Ghostbusters movie trilogy which began more than 20 years ago. With an all-star cast of voice talent and none other than Dan Akryod himself working on the story, there is only one doubt cast: Does the game live up to the expectations of the die-hard fans and seasoned gamers? (Shipwreck ending the introduction with a question method, huh?)

    It is said that the Ghostbusters game was originally written as the final part in the Ghostbusters movie “trilogy.”

    Wait you just said that? WTF?

    …

    “While I’m sure there are other games guilty of this same crime, in Ghostbusters it’s downright sad.”

    “Sad”? Thats your word choice? Really? Wow, this isn’t 2nd grade. Stating that there might be poor games is just a waste of time and space.

    I give up, Nintendoll! I seems like you need to learn how to write!

  404. Okay, first of all, thank you guys for jumping to the defense. It always gives me warm-fuzzies when our readers show their support. It makes us feel like we’re doing something right.

    Now, I want everybody to stop for a minute and examine the big picture: Nintendoll is an experienced game journo, and we all like to provide criticism to one another; I did this just the other day to QuickieTV on 1up – we can’t help it, really, and in general we tend not to mean harm to one another. If you look at her background, she has written for a couple of different outlets, including Destructoid and Negative Gamer, which can explain her writing style as well as what she values in the reviews she reads. Both sites value hyperbole, parentheticals, quotation marks and crass humor while touching on fundamental elements of a game’s core concepts. That is one way of crafting a review, and in some regard, it works. It has obviously attracted throngs of young readers to Destructiod, but it’s just not how we work here. Although I would take offense to her use of the words “very bad” to describe an article that she feels lacks the elements that she has been taught are integral, or the insinuation that our random drawings are somehow rigged, I take no offense to any constructive criticism of our work.

    The fact of the matter is this: we are not a top-tier reviews site, like 1up or IGN. We get a lot of big games late, if at all, and as a result we try to focus on aspects the readers might have missed in other reviews. Rob posted his review 2 days after the game’s release, which was almost a week after most larger sites had posted their 10-page dissection of every technical glitch, gameplay mode and side quest available. When AAA games come out, our best bet is usually to describe our own interpretation of the game as an overall product and how we feel about it – that is, unless we feel that certain aspects have been egregiously overlooked by other outlets. It may not get us posted on Destructoid, but it’s worked out pretty well for us so far.

    I appreciate all of your support, but I need to ask that the scrutiny of Nintendoll’s work end here. She and her compatriots have their own style, separate from ours, and I can respect that. She pointed out a few key differences which will of course be taken to heart, but the unsolicited criticism of her and her co-authors is uncalled for. If they don’t write in a style you appreciate, you don’t need to read it. In the same vein, I wouldn’t expect the Negative Gamer’s readers to be particularly thrilled with our reviews either. We have a good rapport with the CAG community, and asked for their opinion – Nintendoll has not asked for ours. I don’t want to start some community gang-fight over a slightly aggressive comment from a displaced writer. Bygones are now officially bygones.

    Love youze guys!

  405. I’m thankful you guys had a contest. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the game until late June at the earliest. That alone makes you guys bookmarked.

    I also want to say that I really like most of your reviews. Sure you’re not IGN or 1up, but you guys cover some weird stuff that they don’t bother mentioning. Let’s keep the fighting in MW2.

    Game on!

  406. oh and BTW, my GF is rocking the shirt. For a large it’s really small.

  407. Who the hell has heard of Negative gamer before this business?

    Eww, I’m so cool, I use negative numbers for my rating scale.

    Do the world a favor and change your name to Nintentroll.

  408. Wow this thread got crazy while I wasn’t looking.

    *shrug* No one’s writing is perfect. And unfortunately, any person (or hey, even most computers) will tell you that most people still read at the 8th grade reading level. I try to keep the wording non-pretentious.

    Also, I have to say I’m pretty satisfied if those are the best criticisms the community can throw at me. Calling me out for using the phrase “downright sad” means that it has really come down to nitpicking semantics and personal preference.

    Also, I don’t like my name to be associated with Dtoid’s nowadays (there’s a world full of shit there if you dig deep enough behind the scenes). And hey, some of what I wrote simply is personal preference: I would rather have a review come out late and be a little more fleshed out than have something come out on time and be on the brief side. If it’s satisfying enough for your die-hard community, then that’s fine.

    Also, since I have (ironically) had a little too much of Dan Akryod’s chardonnay tonight, let me make a statement here: Destructoid, ew ew ew ew.

  409. Mr Anonymous, Go fuck yourself.

    (If you’re going to be a passive aggressive jerk, I’m going to be a jerk. AND I HAVE BEEN DRINKING DAN AYKROYD’S WINE. HIS WINE!)

  412. Yep, they are a bunch of annoying little twats who aren’t nearly as funny or cool as they think they are.

Back to top button