About two years ago I bought a game for the Xbox 360, not because I particularly wanted this game, but I found it used for $10 and had heard only good things about it. This game was a period piece set in the Old West and was from the creators of the ever popular Grand Theft Auto series. If you haven't guessed it yet, I'm talking about Red Dead Redemption from Rockstar Games. Funny thing is I hadn't even put the game into my Xbox until only this past weekend. So yes this review is for a game that's more than a few years old, but I'm sure some of you out there like me may have just skipped over this one for some reason, and you owe it to yourself to check it out.
So I've played more than a few hours of the game over the weekend, and so far I am thoroughly impressed. The game may have come out in 2010 but the production values are very high and to be honest could easily compete with games that have come out since. Right from the opening cut scenes I felt drawn into the game like I was looking through a window into a wondrous time full of danger excitement and discovery of the unknown. Rockstar has always excelled at creating living worlds, and this is by far their greatest achievement in my opinion. From the towns, to the people you interact with to the amazing soundtrack everything pulls you in.
I haven't gotten too far into the main story line at this point, I've spent allot of time hunting down bounties, which can be taken dead or alive, finding out I'm not very good at poker as I lost money playing Texas Hold and assisting people that come up to me asking for help. You can also hunt down animals to skin for money, pick plants to sell, or go catch an animated short film at your local movie house. The combat in the game is also allot of fun, you can take cover behind rocks, and auto aim with the left trigger than fire with the right, you can also free aim while holding down the left trigger.
All in all this game is a true masterpiece and the fact that it only cost me $10 is amazing. There is also a multi player mode which I haven't yet gotten into, but I can only imagine it adds to the replay value of the game at least a little. If all that isn't enough there are several expansions to purchase, including one which adds an undead element such as zombies and ghost towns to the mix, I can't wait. I don't know why I had put off playing this game for so long, but in a time when I've been sought of burnt out in gaming, this game may have just extended my interest just a little longer. Now if you excuse me, I have a ranch that needs saving, and some cattle that need some herding.
/tips hat to all his Wanna B's
