Summary
Red Dead Redemption 2is a modern classic. Between theRDRandGrand Theft Autofranchises, Rockstar Games has developed a reputation for delivering unique and high-quality experiences for gamers.Grand Theft Auto 5was initially released two console generations ago and is still very popular, and after almost six years,Red Dead Redemption 2has remained one of the most immersive open worlds ever created. The attention of Rockstar fans is currently directed atGrand Theft Auto 6, perhaps the most anticipated game of all time, butRed Dead Redemption 3will probably follow a few years afterward, and it may have a hard time one-upping its predecessor.
2010’sRed Dead Redemptiontook the formula established inGrand Theft Auto 4and adapted it to a Wild West setting. Players were tasked with completing quests around a growing open world in order to help John Marston win back his family’s freedom. In a time when open-world games were becoming the norm, the title stood out because of the size and quality of its world, one that still holds up in theRed Dead Redemptionremaster. WhileRDR’s open world is still a treat to explore, like the worlds ofGTA 4and laterGTA 5, the sequel does a lot to set itself apart from previous Rockstar games, including its love for small details.
Red Dead Redemption 2is, without a doubt, Rockstar Games' most ambitious release to date, and years later, it still stands out as one of themost immersive gamesaround. The immersiveness ofRDR 2is the result of its thousands of highly detailed elements. Arthur and his horse dynamically get dirty as the player traverses the world, and Arthur’s hair and beard also grow progressively, requiring the player to shave and get haircuts. The player character’s stamina is impacted by how well-fed he is, punishing players who don’t invest time in gathering and preparing proper food. If malnourished, Arthur will aim poorly, have less stamina, and get hurt faster.
On top of Arthur and his horse requiring care, the world ofRed Dead Redemption 2is also packed with tremendous detail. Almost every NPC can be interacted with, and the environments themselves are often breathtaking. NPCs in saloons actually eat the food on their plates piece by piece, and lootable objects in the world are often fully rendered and placed inside drawers and cabinets that must be opened. Dynamic weather systems and immaculately rendered animals make the world feel alive. The smalldetails inRed Dead Redemption 2combine to create one of the most lived-in feeling worlds the gaming medium has ever seen, and it’s hard to imagine how a follow-up could meaningfully do much better.
TheGrand Theft Auto 6trailermakes it seem like it will be the most visually sophisticated game of all time, and doubtlessly, Rockstar will buildRed Dead Redemption 3on the foundations laid by this new game.RDR 3will almost certainly boast a graphical update, but it’s hard to imagine the simulator-style mechanics and small details becoming that much more immersive. If the interweaving web of systems at the heart ofRed Dead Redemption 2became more intricate and realistic in its successor, they might actually run the risk of bogging down the experience rather than enhancing it.
Outside of enhancements to NPC AI and graphical presentation, it is hard to imagine thatRed Dead Redemption 3’s innovations will make it feel substantially more immersive than its predecessor unless Rockstar sacrificesRDR 2’s balance of playability and realism. The incredible detail ofRed Dead Redemption 2is still industry-leading, and it is one ofthe best Rockstar gamesas a result. The studio’s output will continue to grow and evolve, but it’s extremely unlikely that its attention to small details will meaningfully expand beyond what was achieved inRDR 2. Although it is unlikely to feature more elaborate mechanics, and will likely just aim to match its predecessor, the eventual release ofRed Dead Redemption 3years from now is still something for fans to look forward to.
