We're hearing about it all over the media, and the first trailers and feedback on the gameplay promise us an incredible game. There's no mistaking the fact that this is the biggest video game release in years... No?
The previous opus "Red Dead Redemption" achieved a metascore that would make many drool with no less than 95%. Even today, the game is still a benchmark in terms of narrative and atmosphere. There's no doubt that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be a great game too. But the following points could mar the otherwise perfect assessment of this second opus.
The good news is that the online features of "Red Dead Redemption 2" won't be available from the game's launch. "Huh?! How can a lack of features be good news?" you might ask. Let me explain: it allows critics to focus on the single-player mode instead of complaining about server bugs, missing features and other paid-for items in multiplayer mode. As far as I'm concerned, 'GTA Online' is still a huge, incomprehensible, poorly implemented mess that may well burn in hell. I don't expect much better from RDR 2 Online. Time will tell...
"Red Dead Redemption" will only be released on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game has never been available on PC, so you can only play it in a roundabout way. Of course, that doesn't stop the game from being good. But with the latest components, PCs are way ahead of consoles. Especially as modding means you can extend the game well beyond the campaign. After the cash cow effect of "GTA Online", I find it hard to believe that "Red Dead Redemption" won't be ported to PC.
This is the eternal question: am I a good guy or a bad guy? What are the consequences of my choices in the game? According to early previews, "RDR 2" should have a complex moral system. You're not good or bad by default. Many games have failed with these systems. Decisions are often clearly 'good' or 'bad', so you can easily steer the character in the desired direction without thinking too hard. In reality, the world is neither black nor white. Let's hope Rockstar have thought of a slightly more complex mechanic, because I can't be the only one who gets bored of binary systems.
In "Red Dead Redemption 2", you're going to have to look after your gang and make sure they have enough food and equipment. In practical terms, this means quests like "Bring three dead deer, five pieces of antler and three peacock feathers back to camp". These quests are simply boring, uninteresting and no fun at all. OK, I'll admit that Rockstar had this down pat in recent years and was pretty creative. So I'm fairly certain we won't be seeing these kinds of quests.
"Red Dead Redemption" was responsible for the biggest thrill in video game history for me: when you first go to Mexico, you suddenly hear José Gonzalez's "Far Away". After hours of instrumental music, a song comes out of nowhere.
A total of four tracks with lyrics are heard in the game. This way of giving the game an atmosphere with music is great cinema. I very much hope that Rockstar will have stuck to this principle and that "Red Dead Redemption 2" won't be full of licensed tracks because of deals with the record industry.
And what do you think? What else could go wrong in "Red Dead Redemption 2"?
How awesome will the new Rockstar epic be?
The competition has ended.
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When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
