Red Dead Redemption 2
Review

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) is an adventure game with a wild west theme and a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. As you explore a vast and varied open world, you partake in shootouts, heists, and elaborate chases across the wilderness. It expands upon the concept of the first game with a bigger and more detailed interactive world, more things to do and a more branching story.

Set in 1899, you play Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of Dutch Van der Linde's gang, set on resisting the modernisation of the world and erosion of your simple way of life. When you decide to gather enough money to retire and settle down before the world forces your hand, you rob trains and towns, shooting anyone who stands in your way. As the serious and nuanced story progresses, you witness Dutch turn from the charismatic and charming leader of your gang to the cold-blooded killer he is in the first game.

Play involves exploring the world's five fictional states, by horse, train, and foot, using guns to defeat enemies and interacting with characters you meet. You can tackle the game in various directions, but one way or another you take on shootouts, heists, hunting, horseback riding, and maintaining the character's honour rating through moral choices and deeds. Alongside the main activities, you can fish, play cards, and engage with the lived-in world in countless other ways.

The game is from the same developer as Grand Theft Auto and offers a similar style of game, albeit at a more relaxed pace. Selling over 55 million copies, it received critical acclaim for the detail of the open world and the mature storytelling, making for an engaging and novel experience.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Red Dead Redemption 2 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 3 months ago.