A reader explains why he hopes GTA 6 will be more like Red Dead Redemption 2 than GTA 5 and why Rockstar’s Cowboy Sim is its best game.
So I just finished the main part of Red Dead Redemption 2 and a fair number of side quests and random encounters, with 80.3% total completion.
I’ve played this game many times before but never got past about halfway and pretty much gave up before I gave it one last try.
I think it clicked with me more this time because I was playing on a Steam deck. This meant that I was able to play most nights and I definitely feel that Red Dead Redemption 2 is the type of game that you have to commit to rather than dip in and out of. Overall, despite its flaws, I’d say it’s one of the best games ever made and an argument for considering whether video games can be classified as art.
I used to consider GTA 5 to be a better game but now, after giving it my full attention, I now wish we had Red Dead Redemption 3 instead of GTA 6 on the horizon. With that in mind, here’s where I think GTA 6 could take inspiration from Red Dead Redemption 2:
Sometimes less is more
First negative, I definitely think Red Dead Redemption 2 is too long. I don’t mind side content, like unknown missions, hunting, mini-games, etc. Because it is not mandatory. However, the main story is like 104 missions (I think). In my view the first chapter is a bit boring, the Guarma chapter is unnecessary, and the epilogue could be half the length – if not shorter.
I think shaving the main story time by a third would have improved the game. Frankly I’d be happy if GTA 6 had a shorter 10-to-20-hour main campaign and then players could pick and choose how they wanted to approach the side content.
Play to your strengths
From a technical standpoint Red Dead Redemption 2 still holds its own. The graphics are, even today, some of the best ever and the world, even though most of the terrain is essentially the same, it is very detailed and varied from one part of the map to the next and the amount of wildlife and how each animal looks and behaves is amazing.
I also like how you can get opportunities that other players may not experience. I have played other open worlds that may have better gameplay features but when it comes to creating an immersive open world that feels like it lives in Rockstar is on another level. I’m sure judging from the trailer that will still be the case with GTA 6.
Borrow the Dead Eye feature
Red Dead Redemption 2’s core gameplay, while not always the most groundbreaking, kept me entertained and I can’t think of any other game that did. Dead Eye The targeting feature and slow motion headshots always look satisfying. I definitely think the gunplay in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a step up from what GTA 5 recalls and they could definitely benefit from implementing some of these features.
Create favorite characters
The best part of Red Dead Redemption 2 was the story and characters. Even though they commit acts of violence and aren’t necessarily good guys you can’t help but root for them. I was very attached to Arthur, reloading my game so I didn’t lose any honor after accidentally hitting someone with my horse.
Various deaths were also looming. It takes a while to get going but soon got me hooked. With the exception of The Last of Us 1 and 2 I think this might be the best written game I’ve ever played.
On the other hand, with GTA 5, I had virtually no empathy or sympathy for any of the characters, as they didn’t seem to have any redeeming features. I get that Red Dead Redemption 2 is meant to be more edgy and GTA 5 is a satire but Red Dead Redemption 2 still has comedic moments and a better balance between serious and lighthearted moments.
So there we have it, I’m sure whatever happens GTA 6 will be a success and if you had asked me a month or so ago I would have said Red Dead Redemption 2 was overrated and didn’t influence any aspect of GTA. should 6. However, now I see what a great game Red Dead Redemption 2 is and how it can inspire future Rockstar games.
By reader matc7884
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