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- Red Dead Redemption 2 offers one of the best narratives, open-worlds, and casts in gaming history.
- The game is so massive and unique that you barely see anything like it in the industry.
- Similar games exist, but they don’t take much influence from Rockstar’s work.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of my favorites from the last generation due to its rich open world, engaging characters, and compelling storyline. The game could have been perfect if the gameplay had been a bit more non-linear, but there is very little to complain about here.
Red Dead Redemption 2 was a shocking release for the industry in 2018. While it may not have won Game of the Year, millions of fans can vouch for the quality of Rockstar’s work. That said, this Rockstar release is so unique and massive that few to no other games are influenced by it.
Why it matters: Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an experience that every gamer should go through at least once in their life.
How Rockstar Shocked The World
In 2013, Rockstar released GTA 5, which instantly became a big hit among the fans. This Grand Theft Auto entry was such a monumental success that it is still selling 5 million units each quarter.
Fans were in awe of everything that Rockstar achieved in 2013. This was made more impressive by the fact that GTA 5 launched on the PS3 and Xbox 360. However, the studio quickly shocked the industry again in 2018.
Following the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2, it was clear that nobody could match Rockstar’s carefully curated single-player experiences. I think this title is leagues above GTA 5, and that’s already saying a lot.
For starters, the characters themselves are much more compelling in Red Dead Redemption 2. The story also addresses themes and plot threads that keep you hooked till the very last minute, making for a truly unique experience.
I have never felt more emotional playing a game. After all, Arthur Morgan’s tale is one of the most memorable in the industry. The supporting cast is arguably just as strong, with John Marston stealing the show.
Almost Impossible To Replicate
Red Dead Redemption 2’s open world is easily one of its strongest elements.
In a world where games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild changed the genre for good, and Elden Ring redefined the notion of open worlds, Rockstar’s work continues to stand in a league of its own.
While Rockstar aims to deliver an experience that encourages exploration, it does so without sacrificing the storytelling and narrative. These elements remain unparalleled nearly six years later.
Whenever you decide to ride your horse, you will subconsciously admire the beauty of the open world. You will notice minor details while you travel through the forest. Your horse will also get scared of animals that can kill it.
Moreover, the world is full of legendary animals that you can hunt. If this wasn’t enough, the characters feel truly alive. In most open worlds, characters disappear once you travel a bit further ahead.
However, that is not the case here; the world goes on with or without you. This is exactly why no other developer tries to replicate this formula. It’s practically impossible to do.
Similar Games Exist
Some games have similarities with Red Dead Redemption 2, but they are not directly influenced. Obviously, an open-world game will have similarities with others in the same genre, but that doesn’t necessarily mean one is inspired by the other.
Red Dead Redemption 2 seems directly inspired by real life. Rockstar’s pursuit of simulation often plays to the detriment of the player experience, but when it works, the gameplay offers a magical experience.
This balance is hard to find and explains why most developers outright avoid a similar approach.
There’s a reason Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as the 7th best-selling release in the industry.
In my opinion, if there’s anyone that can truly match or exceed the quality here, it’s Rockstar. All eyes are on GTA 6, and Take-Two has encouraged fans to raise their expectations as much as possible.
As much as I would love to see more developers using Rockstar’s latest release as a blueprint for their next work, I don’t have much faith in most teams to deliver. Even with the talent of studios like FromSoftware, they lack the resources available to Rockstar.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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