(R) Red Dead Redemption (PS3/X360)

Summary:
What sets Red Dead Redemption apart from other western games (few in number though they may be) is that Rockstar's newest tile is set in the early 20th century, when the ways of the old west were beginning to die out in favor of solving your problems with words and such other civilized things.



You play as John Marston, an ex-gang member trying to seek revenge on those that left him to die many a year ago. This is not entirely his choice, but I'll leave the finer points of the plot for you to discover on your own.

Pros:
Where does one begin? Amazing storytelling, perhaps? You begin to empathize with John thanks to Rockstar's fantastic characterization, which helps to bring you right in to the atmosphere of the Wild West. Not forgetting the stunning graphics and vast game world. As the old west is on its last legs, the dialog and even setting explore this concept. You'll feel almost out-of-place in some parts of the game, and you'll even experience something akin to a culture shock when you see your first auto-mobile. Speaking of cultures, the atmosphere of the game world you play in varies greatly depending on which side of the river you're on – truly an extraordinary feat by the developers.

The game play (aside from a few minor control issues) is exceptional, and there is no shortage of game play elements to keep you occupied. You can play cards, hunt bounties, break in horses, or go hunting to name only a few things you can do in this expansive game world. The actions you take have either a negative or positive effect on your reputation, and should you commit any heinous crimes, a bounty will appear on your head. Let us not forget the multiplayer with much free-roaming fun to be had.

Cons:
In my experience, there are a few glitches which cause inconveniences, as well as the occasional “texture popping,” or textures just failing to load altogether. It's great that you can walk easily (for instance, away from explosions or bodies riddled with bullets), but holding a button to run and having to tap it to sprint is a clear flaw in the control scheme. Another one of my problems is that there are almost no obligations to do anything aside from the main missions, despite Rockstar providing you with a living, breathing world full of things to do. If you plan to play online, be prepared to battle with connection issues - especially if you want to play with friends.

While Red Dead Redemption may have one of the best sandbox game story modes to date, one of my (admittedly minor) gripes with the game is that the story and action is slow to pick up pace. The only reason I was persistent in playing was because I'm somewhat a fan of westerns and really wanted to like it. Incidentally, I believe that the point at which I began to love this game was either around the time I was dragging thieves back to shopkeepers behind my trusty steed, or when I entered Mexico and discovered the poncho outfit.

Final Verdict:
A western game unlike any other western game in both story, game play, and setting; Red Dead Redemption is a wide-open sandbox third-person shooter different from anything you've seen before. The story mode (which is very re-playable), the multiplayer (with its fair share of things to do), and the upcoming downloadable content will keep Red Dead Redemption in your games library for a long, long time.

Score:
Buy. There is way too much in this game for you to simply rent it when you have a lazy weekend coming up.