After so many years since the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, the game is still being mentioned as a prime example of how one RPG should look and feel like. With my recent playthrough I would be inclined to agree with them. Rockstar devs focused on creating a unique experience and making their world look as realistic as possible. Here are 10 things that Red Dead Redemption 2 than most modern games:
NPCs Are Paid Actors
When it comes to most RPG games, they have a similar approach when it comes to making NPC. They are there to fill the world, occasionally grunt/“bark” at you if you bump into them, or serve as a quest giver. In RDR2 NPCs have their routines, can react to your actions, remember previous encounters, and often interacting with them will lead to you learning little about them, just enough to make it seem like you’re talking to a real person. I remember helping a homeless veteran that I stumbled on later and he remembers me but not my name. It was really a funny/awkward interaction.
The World Rewards Exploration
Many modern games have each corner on their map marked and you know exactly where everything is. While that is convenient, it sort of strips you of freedom to explore fully and removes that element of surprise that you might get from randomly stumbling on a hidden location, buried treasure, or strange mysteries. RDR2 rewards curiosity and you never know what you might stumble upon leaving a main path. In the first few hours I was strictly sticking to roads but I’ve discovered that the game becomes 5x more fun if I “get lost” and wander around.
GAMING TIP:
If you really want to get immersed into Red Dead Redemption 2, turn off radar completely. It will make the game exponentially harder but in exchange you’ll be forced to listen to conversation, watch out for clues and find a way on your own. Even if you played the game before, it will still be a new experience.
Wildlife Be “Wildlifing”
The Animals Compendium in RDR2 has 178 animals listed. Granted some of them are from the same species. Nonetheless, it feels like the whole ecosystem. Animals are constantly moving around, some of them being preys and some predators. All of them react to players differently and hunting them requires attention to tracks, wind direction, and weapon choice. Just with this feature alone would be sufficient enough to be a game on its own.
Environment
The amount of details that there is in Red Dead Redemption 2 is nothing short of impressive. Starting from a wretched mud that keeps getting everywhere, especially on my beautiful mustang. I try to groom it often but he still gets dirty all the time. Then we have Arthur’s appearance that can change depending on weather, grooming, and time spent outdoors. A dense forest that is home to all kinds of wildlife, creeks that lead to one the most beautiful lakes where you can spend a whole day fishing. Railroad that stretches across the whole map and so much more. I could probably spend the whole day talking about environmental details of RDR2 and I would still miss something.
Character Development
Creating a memorable protagonist seems to be like the bottom of the totem pole. They’ve made flashy games with even flashier systems but then created a bland forgettable character that has no impact whatsoever. That’s not the case when it comes to Arthur Morgan who starts as a classic outlaw but gradually becomes one of gaming’s most complex and believable characters. That’s not just me but you can ask a million other players and they’ll tell you the same.
Side Activities Feel Meaningful
If you read my review, you already know that I’ve spent hours playing mini games like poker and dominoes. Not to mention bounty hunting, treasure hunting, and debt collecting. All of these activities feel like a natural part of RDR2 rather than some sort of checklist that you can complete.
Side Characters Are Actually Memorable
Most of the open-world games introduce characters left and right, once you’ve done interacting with them, you forget about them immediately. I feel like even after a few years there’s a slim chance that you’ll forget about characters like Dutch, Sadie, Charles, Hosea, and John because they feel like real people with their own motivations and personalities.
HELP ME I’M STUCK – Random Encounters
After countless hours of RDR2, I feel like I’ve been trained by Rockstar developers to never relax when I’m traveling on the road. You never know what to expect, either strangers will be hurt/stuck or you’ll be ambushed by robbers/rival gang members. Sometimes you might think you’re helping and one second later you’re surrounded by people with riffles. Moments like these feel every journey unique and unpredictable.
Conclusion
Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t a perfect game however when it comes to immersion, world-building, character development, attention to detail, and so much more, it remains an example that many modern open-world games are still trying to copy but rarely succeed. What do you think made RDR2 better than most modern games? What is it that makes it stand out?
