The West is Cool Again: My Thoughts on Red Dead Redemption

Okay, so I've never been a huge western fan but after doing a little research on this game I decided that it was a must-own. Red Dead Redemption is Rockstar's (best known for the Grand Theft Auto series) take on the wild west in it's waning years, just before World War I. Choosing the time period was crucial, with it being the final years of the western frontier Rockstar can use a more diverse weapon array. But a simple selection of weapons isn't the selling point for this game, I've found several really awesome reasons you should own this game...

First, since we're talking about weapons, I might as well mention this to start. Rockstar has implemented their new Rage system in conjunction with Natural Motions' Euphoria system to create one of the most realistic gun fighting mechanics I've ever seen. Basically, the person getting shot (hopefully not you) reacts completely to the power of the shot and where he/she (again, hopefully not you) is shot. This makes for a very realistic experience when plowing down outlaws, peasants, lawmen or anyone/thing you'd like. This amazing combination of engines doesn't just make fighting more realistic. Oh no, my friend, this "reaction based" system makes for a truly unique experience in-game no matter what you're doing. Say you're on top of a building and you decide to fall off the front of it, hitting the porch cover and then the dusty road before you. That fall will most likely not look the same twice because the engine reacts in a natural flow we're all used to here in the real world. Now this will no doubt become a standard in gaming physics but for now, we must satisfy our cravings for realism with RDR.

Next on the list of reasons why RDR pwns is the look of the game. With the rate that games are coming out, everyone has to be one their toes as far as graphics goes and Rockstar has not forgotten this. RDR looks amazing, just go watch the debut trailer and look at the horses. You can see every muscle on the horses in action when you see them running along in the desert. To some of you, this may be something to overlook but for the select few that look deeply into games for unique elements, this is one of them. These graphics, along side the bold and simplistic red theme, make this game a true eye-catcher. Trust me, all you who have those big fancy HDTV's will love the scenery this game has to offer.

And now the defining element in any game (in my opinion, anyway), gameplay. RDR a gun firing mechanic called Dead Eye that might not be the most original, but definitely appropriate. Dead Eye is split into three levels (each level being accessible as more experience is gained). First, Dead Eye simply slows combat, making it easier for you to line up a shot. On the second level, "X's" appear on enemies at crucial points, allowing you to target vital areas, maximizing your effectiveness. At the third level you actually get to plant those pretty little "X's" all over whomever you choose. Multiple targets are possible. Using the third level can really make you feel like Doc Holiday when you mow down four gunslingers with four shots to the heart in less than a second. This ability is tied to a very fluid battle system that most reviewers have related to GTA IV (same as IV or better) which makes RDR a potential outseller of the latest GTA installment.

So basically, this game has everything. Shoot outs, exploration, guns, beauty, comedy (as Rockstar can only create), shoot outs, guns and more shoot outs. Any gamer looking for a fun GTA-like, open world game HAS to own this. I know May 18 (official release date) is a long time from now, but I feel very confident in Rockstar's ability to bring on the gaming magic with Red Dead Redemption. Even Adam Sessler wants to buy it.

Thanks for reading. Game on!