Have you been longing for a game that allows you to travel far on a horse, slow down the time so that it’s easier to kill your enemies, hunt animals, volunteer for jobs and gamble in your free time, while doing favors for strangers and following the main storyline? “Red Dead Redemption†is the game that gives you all you have been waiting for and then some.
The story focuses on John Marston, who used to be a gang member and is currently playing on the side of the law. Worried about his and his family’s safety, Marston is trying to find people he was allied with to make sure they will never bother him again. On his way through New Austin to Mexico, the protagonist meets a lot of people who promise to help in exchange for favors. Instead of helping, though, they often use Marston for their own benefit. Going on these missions, you learn little by little how to use new kinds of weapons.
It is a game that gets you into it very quickly, as there is so much to do there in addition to completing the missions. Traveling to your destination, you can get into trouble on your way; something always happens. You may come across someone who needs help or wants to rob you. You may see lawmen asking for your assistance or executing people who claim to be innocent, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not to interfere. Gaining experience, you will know when you should stop the injustice and when to pass by, not risking your horse or your life.
Having good horses, by the way, is extremely important. The faster your stallion is, the more chances you have to escape from a chase or to catch a criminal you are going after. If you ride the same horse for a long time, its stamina increases; it runs quicker and is more obedient. Mustangs could be broken at job locations or in the wilderness; that gives you the opportunity to purchase a horse like the one you have just tamed.
A great opportunity is the Dead Eye that slows down the time and allows you to shoot your target that is moving quickly, or several targets at the same time, which helps a lot if you captured a criminal for bounty and members of his gang are now after you. The Dead Eye meter may be refilled by chewing tobacco. It also increases naturally when you shoot your targets without using this option.
The Dead Eye is also useful while hunting. Becoming an experienced killer, you will notice which animals are of a higher value and who you should sell them to. Some species are rare in certain areas, and they are bought for a higher price.
Another way to earn a living is getting a job. There are two kinds of jobs in the game: Horse breaking, which allows you to purchase more horses, and night watch, where you have to go around a town and catch criminals. It is preferred that you get them alive; however, you are expected to stop the trouble by any means.
Tired of shooting? You can entertain yourself by playing poker, blackjack or liar’s dice. You can even cheat in poker if you have an elegant suit, but be careful: If someone catches you, you will be called on a duel, so make sure that you shoot well.
Clearing a gang hideout or going for particular gang members, you may need to disguise yourself and cunningly kill the enemies one by one. Therefore, you will have to complete certain tasks to be able to purchase necessary outfits. Having many suits, you can have fun changing clothes and looking different. The last one you need is the complete outfit; you get it when the game is finished.
Truly enjoying the game, you will be astonished by the huge map. There are over 90 areas you are to discover, all of them keeping their own secrets.
If all of the above is not sufficient enough, you will also look for hidden treasures, gather herbs necessary for your survival, exercise in shooting animals and learn how to hunt different kinds of beasts. There will be mysterious people you meet in different places, helping some of them and burying others. There is a whole lot to do for you, so prepare to play this game for hours and hours.
The only warning is: Do not get lost in the game. It is thrilling and terribly addictive.
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