the gunslinger's lament

xsarabean:

This has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s been about four months since I played Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption” on my Xbox 360. My boyfriend let me borrow it, and the moment the opening scene popped up, I was in love. I grew up watching classic westerns with my grandparents and I’ve always had an interest in the old west. The game is possibly the longest game I’ve ever played, and even then, I was so engrossed in it that I finished it within a few days. And this probably sounds really ridiculous, I felt depressed after I beat it. The game was just that great. 

I love video games that have a good plot. Red Dead is the epitome of what I look for in a video game. John Marston, the main character, is a former badass outlaw who is looking to set things straight for himself and his family. He is sent by the government to assassinate members of a gang he used to run with even though they were at one point his friends. In order to live a peaceful life with his wife and his son, John accepts the mission and travels as far as Mexico to hunt down his former friends. On top of the interesting plot, it is really quite impressive how in-depth this game goes as far as characterization. Even the smaller characters, such as Abigail Marston, have their own distinct personality without being too cliche. All of the characters are likeable in their own way—even the wicked gang leaders that John grew up with. 

The graphics and gameplay are pretty good. I’ve always preferred open world/open roam games to those that follow a very strict direction. The side quests (known as stranger missions) are very interesting. Although most of them are not needed to finish the game, I would suggest doing them anyways for the hell of it (and for the achievements, if you are playing it on Xbox 360.) The only complaint I have about this game is that actions can become very repetitive if you play it for an hour or more at a time, as many of the missions follow the same formula. 

I did not get the opportunity to earn 100 percent in the game. Sadly, my boyfriend didn’t keep the game either. I’d like to buy it again and accomplish everything to be accomplished in the game. In the short period I had the game though, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Due to gameplay, story, and replay value, I give Red Dead Redemption a 10/10.

Agreed.

(via xsarabean-deactivated20120722)