Red Dead Redemption 2 has finally been released, with the long-awaited sequel to Rockstar’s 2010 blockbuster western rolling out on the PS4 and Xbox One. The game has achieved rave reviews, with GameRevolution’s own Jason Faulkner giving it a full score of 5 out of 5. However, judging from the reaction to the game on social media, opinion is divided on whether or not it’s a worthy successor — or even if it’s a fun video game.
Rockstar has certainly made a lot of bold decisions when it comes to RDR2. A slow-paced game when compared with the developer’s previous works, its realistic physics engine also ensures that it feels a little clunky to handle. Some are enjoying the more weighty feel of controlling Arthur Morgan, whereas others have complained that interacting with the world feels like a chore as a result.
But what do YOU think? Let us know in the comments below, and check out our editorial team’s takes on the topic below:
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: I’m not as far into it as I’d like (maybe I should shut this site down for a week so I can get the time to play it), but a few hours into Chapter Two and I’m digging it. Once you get past the fact that controlling Arthur Morgan sometimes feels like trying to shovel a drunk into a taxi, just existing in its world is so compelling. I also braided my horse’s tail so it looks like I’m rolling through the west on a giant rat. All hail the Rat King!
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: The Red Dead Redemption 2 marketing was perfect for setting the stage for the game’s release. Showing little footage of the game, and only giving peripheral details like, “The horses poop,” and “The map is big,” didn’t give us any specific expectations. Too many companies end up basically releasing footage and details of their entire games before they actually hit the market. Rockstar managed to build hype, but also keep enough under wraps that people were amazed and surprised by it after launch.
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: Red Dead Redemption 2 eventually lived up to the hype. It took a good 5-6 hours before it finally clicked, but now I see what all the fuss is about. The world just feels so real, and once you let yourself become fully immersed, it delivers completely. It all feels so organic, with Rockstar raising the bar for open worlds even further.
Bradley Russell, sub-editor: Red Dead Redemption 2 can never live up to the hype. No matter how good it is, how immersive its world, or how many hours you sink into it, I feel like we’ve reached a point where you’re inevitably going to be disappointed by a Rockstar title. Because it isn’t everything to all people.
I’ve enjoyed what I’ve played, but the nitpicking culture around these days will make myself, and so many others, feel as if the game’s stopped short in places. We buy into the maelstrom of hype and invariably feel ourselves let down by it because it didn’t match Preview A or Trailer B. That’s just how it goes now – but it doesn’t make it a bad game
