Red Dead Redemption 2- a game that came out 6-7 years ago, but people are still talking about it like it released yesterday. Well, let’s dive into our review.
-Robin Bhuyan
Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018 by Rockstar Games, is a huge open-world action adventure game that pulls you into the last days of the American frontier. You play as Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, dealing with loyalty, morality, and survival in a world that is quickly changing. From snowy mountains to busy towns and wild forests, this game takes us to a world that feels completely alive. NPCs react to almost everything you do, from yelling at you to thanking you, everything in Red Dead Redemption 2 feels quite realistic, as if you are actually living in the Wild West. The story and freedom to explore make it one of the most ambitious open-world games ever made. Yes, it is not the perfect game, but one thing is certain- no game has managed to create this level of immersion.
Stunning Visuals
One of the first things you notice in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the amazing visuals. The game looks almost photorealistic. Everything from the sunlight reflecting on water to leaves moving in the wind feels lifelike. For a game from 2018, this is incredible. Other games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Forza Horizon 5, and The Last of Us Part 2 look great too, but RDR2 goes several steps further. The world in RDR 2 feels alive, and everything around you seems believable.
Pacing: Slow Start but Worth It
Red Dead Redemption 2 starts slowly, especially in Chapter 2. At first, doing camp chores, hunting, talking to NPCs and riding across the map can feel boring. But if you stick with it, the reward is huge. By Chapter 6, the game picks up pace and becomes exciting. You begin to know and care for the characters for whom you didn’t give two cents earlier on. You feel the tension and urgency in every mission. The epilogue, however, is unnecessary long and can take around 8-10 hours. It has two chapters which could have been easily shortened to just one. It slows things down again and can make the ending feel less powerful than it could have been.
Ending and Emotional Impact
Chapter 6 gives you a very emotional and heartbreaking ending. Killing your nemesis, the ultimate traitor, feels satisfying after a long epilogue where you play as John, but its length and tone slightly reduces the emotional impact of the overall game. The epilogue is supposed to enhance the ending, but instead, it makes it feel less intense. Still, the story is strong and gives a sense of closure for Arthur and the gang.
Combat and Gameplay
The combat in RDR2 is excellent. Gunfights feel heavy and real, and you need to plan your attacks. Hunting, crafting, and exploring add more depth. One immensely annoying part of the game is when you are near cutscenes. The game sometimes restricts your movement and makes the controls stiff, which can be frustrating.
Another aspect of the game which annoys players is that the game decides what weapons you need in a particular mission. The sniper rifle casually appears and disappears from your inventor- like magic! Yes, the game does have its flaws, but we get so immersed in the story that we rarely pay attention to it. Overall, though, the gameplay is smooth and enjoyable.
Story and Immersion
The story in Red Dead Redemption 2 is extremely good. No, it will not make you shocked or see something that you have never seen before (like Detroit Become Human). It may feel a bit predictable at times, but it makes you feel intense emotions, which is why it is worth playing. The game is slow-burn and extremely immersive. NPCs react to nearly everything you do, and your choices matter, including your honor rating. No other game has probably reached this level of immersion. Even small actions, like helping a beggar or accidentally causing trouble, make the world feel real.
Is it worth playing in 2025?
The answer is – Yes. Unless you have a very short attention span and low dopamine levels, and you are always looking for fast paced action. Red Dead Redemption 2 is considered a masterpiece of modern gaming for a reason. It is slow and long (taking around 60 hours to complete on an average), which is why such games like RDR 2 improve your dopamine levels. So don’t worry, the slow start in Chapter 2 becomes worth the wait in Chapter 6, and the ending is heartbreaking and impactful even if the epilogue slows things down again. If you want a world that feels alive and a story that sticks with you, RDR2 is a must-play. Just one tip: After completing Chapter 6, it is advisable to take a break for 3-4 days, before you begin the epilogue, otherwise the impactful ending of Chapter 6 will not stay with you for long.
Overall rating: 9 out of 10
Let us look at some commonly asked questions regarding Red Dead Redemption 2
Q1: Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a prequel?
Yes. RDR2 is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption. It tells the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang before the events of John Marston’s journey in RDR1.
Q2: Is Red Dead Redemption 2 better than GTA 5?
Many people think so, but it takes time to get into. RDR2 is slower, with a deep story and a huge world. GTA 5 is faster and more chaotic, so it depends on what kind of experience you want.
Q3: Is Red Dead Redemption 2 boring?
It can feel slow at first, especially if you focus on camp chores and riding across the map. You are not alone if you feel bored. Many players claim that RDR 2 feels slow and boring, especially early on. But by later chapters, especially Chapter 6, the story and action become very rewarding.
Q4: Is Red Dead Redemption 2 coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
There are rumors about it coming to the Switch 2. Rockstar has not confirmed anything, but many fans hope it will happen because of the game’s popularity and improved hardware on the new console.
Q5: Which one to play first – Red Dead Redemption or Red Dead Redemption 2?
Now that both the games are available on PCs and consoles, it might be wiser to play Red Dead Redemption 2, as not just the story will make more sense, but it is the best way to experience the game in chronological order. However, the drawback is that after experiencing the beautiful visuals and amazing level of immersion in Red Dead Redemption 2, going back to the original might feel like experiencing a “lesser” game.
