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Red Dead Redemption

'Red Dead Redemption' is a game that will stand the test of time no matter what...The West will always hold a special place in my heart and life.
Red Dead Redemption Game Cover
84%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
stability, grinding
92% User Score Based on 8,675 reviews
Critic Score 76%Based on 13 reviews

Platforms

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Red Dead Redemption Game Cover

About

Red Dead Redemption is a single player action adventure game. It was developed by Rockstar Games and was released on August 17, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Red Dead Redemption is a critically acclaimed Western adventure game where former outlaw John Marston must hunt down his former gang to protect his family. The game features a vast open world set in the American West and Mexico, and includes the zombie-themed expansion "Undead Nightmare." With the complete single-player experiences of both games and bonus content from the Game of the Year Edition, Red Dead Redemption offers an epic journey filled with action, adventure, and survival.

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92%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,675 reviews
story783 positive mentions
stability114 negative mentions
  • The game features a compelling and emotional story centered around John Marston, making it a memorable experience.
  • The open world is immersive and filled with engaging side activities, such as hunting, poker, and random encounters.
  • Despite its age, the game still holds up well visually and offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the series.
  • The game is overpriced for a 15-year-old title, with many reviewers suggesting it should be sold at a lower price point.
  • The Rockstar launcher has been criticized for being buggy and causing issues with gameplay, including crashes and login problems.
  • Some missions feel repetitive and drawn out, leading to a lack of engagement in the story at times.
  • story
    2,137 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Red Dead Redemption" is widely praised for its emotional depth and character development, particularly that of John Marston, a former outlaw seeking redemption. Many players find the narrative compelling, especially when experienced after "Red Dead Redemption 2," as it provides context and enhances the emotional weight of Marston's journey. However, some critiques highlight the repetitive nature of missions and pacing issues, particularly in the early game, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game's storytelling remains a significant draw, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

    • “The story is gripping, emotional, and so well-written that you can't help but get attached to John Marston and everything he's fighting for.”
    • “If you love strong storytelling, memorable characters, and open worlds that still hold up today, this is absolutely worth playing.”
    • “The story hits hard, the world feels alive, and even after all these years, it’s easy to get lost in it.”
    • “The missions are very straightforward and repetitive, which is incredibly boring.”
    • “Instead of delving deep into John's past or even the complex relationships of characters, 90% of those missions involve John doing favors for people who really do nothing in return, making the overall story of the game feel more like a series of chores than any type of redemption arc.”
    • “The story drags, and the missions start blending together, but there’s enough beauty and atmosphere here to make the ride worthwhile - especially if you take your time and enjoy the journey more than the destination.”
  • graphics
    611 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Red Dead Redemption" have received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while the visuals are decent for a game released in 2010, they show their age compared to modern titles like "Red Dead Redemption 2." Some users appreciate the nostalgic charm and atmospheric design, stating that the game still holds up well visually, especially at higher settings, while others criticize the lack of significant graphical improvements in the PC port. Overall, the game is seen as visually appealing for its time, but many players express a desire for a full remaster to enhance the graphics further.

    • “Holds up graphically to this day.”
    • “For its time, the graphics were outstanding, and even today the atmosphere is unmatched.”
    • “The graphics still hold up for being a 15 year old game.”
    • “The graphics are bleak, pixelated, and choppy, reminiscent of the N64 era compared to Red Dead Redemption 2, making the world feel a bit barren.”
    • “I shouldn't have to disable entire graphics systems on my PC or download new files from other places to play a game from 2010.”
    • “The graphics are unimpressive and outdated, but somehow it's just enough to make it a 10/10.”
  • gameplay
    602 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Red Dead Redemption" is generally praised for its engaging mechanics, including the iconic "dead eye" targeting system, smooth gunplay, and a variety of activities such as hunting and poker. While many players appreciate the nostalgic charm and immersive open-world experience, some criticize the game for its dated mechanics and repetitive mission structure, especially when compared to its sequel, "Red Dead Redemption 2." Overall, despite some clunkiness and limitations, the gameplay remains enjoyable and is complemented by a strong narrative and character development.

    • “A wonderful balance of well-paced storytelling, a detailed open-world flush with things to do, and satisfyingly punchy cowboy gameplay with an appropriate level of player agency.”
    • “The gameplay blends gunfights, horseback riding, hunting, and exploration seamlessly.”
    • “The gunplay is tight as you could want, and the slow down mechanic is always fun.”
    • “However, that wasn't enough to pull me through the game, as the gameplay is unfortunately quite flat and boring.”
    • “It's not just this type of mission, but a few others that reuse the same mechanics and it just feels like they are 'filler' missions and are there to solely waste your time and pad out the game length.”
    • “After playing the second game, this one will feel a bit like a downgrade because of some gameplay mechanics missing, but the story has a lot of information that is important for the second game.”
  • optimization
    211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the PC port of Red Dead Redemption has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and graphical enhancements, while others criticize it for being poorly optimized, experiencing bugs, and having inconsistent frame rates. Many users noted that while the game runs well on high-end hardware, performance issues persist for some configurations, leading to a frustrating experience for those with mid-range or older systems. Overall, the port is seen as a significant improvement over previous Rockstar releases, but it still falls short of expectations given the game's age and price point.

    • “Great nostalgic gameplay, runs great on ultra for me, very well optimized.”
    • “The pc port is very well done, everything seems to run smoothly and work as intended.”
    • “Incredible game, really well optimized port and all around solid, highly recommend this classic.”
    • “This game is poorly optimized, and it's entirely Rockstar's fault.”
    • “However, this is without a doubt, the most poorly optimized PC port I have ever played.”
    • “Terrible performance for a 14-year-old game, especially considering its €50 price tag.”
  • stability
    199 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant bugs and crashes, particularly on PC, while others report smooth performance and minimal glitches. Many users noted that the game runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck, but issues such as access violations, animation glitches, and occasional crashes were common complaints. Overall, while some players found the port to be stable and enjoyable, others deemed it buggy and frustrating, especially given its price point.

    • “Runs flawlessly for me with no glitches.”
    • “It runs great, feels stable, and for a game of its time, it’s aged surprisingly well.”
    • “The game runs great at high resolutions and can maintain a consistent fps even in more demanding locations like Blackwater and Tall Trees.”
    • “I kept getting an access violation error and tried every fix under the sun. I searched every forum and watched every video I could find on the issue, and nothing worked. After 2 hours of painful and frustrating troubleshooting and half a dozen crashes, I have given up. The game is clearly just unplayable on my system, which is a shame.”
    • “Great story, but so buggy to the point where it's almost unplayable without restarting your game between each mission.”
    • “Now, it's a shoddy port with a ton of glitches and minor issues, being sold for the price of a brand new, working game.”
  • music
    183 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Red Dead Redemption is widely praised for its emotional depth and atmospheric quality, enhancing the game's storytelling and immersive experience. Players highlight the iconic soundtrack, which effectively captures the essence of the Wild West, with memorable pieces that resonate during key moments. However, some users noted issues with audio mixing, particularly in cutscenes where music can overpower dialogue, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere of the wild west is captured perfectly – dusty towns, open plains, gunfights, and a soundtrack that sticks with you long after you stop playing.”
    • “The music feels so alive and immersive, it almost becomes a character on its own.”
    • “The soundtrack seals the deal — from sweeping orchestral pieces to the haunting guitar strings that kick in during the game’s most emotional moments.”
    • “But what a shit port, Rockstar launcher and account needed, poor performance, bit janky, some key moments like going into Mexico for the first time the music was broken.”
    • “For some reason, the ending felt very anticlimactic (not the credits, the final mission), specifically due to the lack of music.”
    • “The dialogue volume is way too low, even increasing my PC's audio has it too quiet compared to the music/sound effects.”
  • atmosphere
    108 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of "Red Dead Redemption" is widely praised for its immersive and authentic depiction of the wild west, characterized by stunning visuals, evocative sound design, and a rich, atmospheric soundtrack. Players often describe the world as alive and expansive, with a magical quality that enhances the storytelling and emotional depth of the game. Even years after its release, the game's atmosphere remains a benchmark in the industry, blending gritty realism with a mythic feel that captivates players.

    • “The world, the atmosphere, the writing—there’s a kind of magic here that games today still struggle to match.”
    • “Red Dead Redemption isn’t just a game—it’s an immersive journey into the fading frontier of the American West, crafted with a level of storytelling and atmosphere few games have matched before or since.”
    • “The stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design transport you to the heart of the wild west, where every sunset, bustling town, and quiet moment feels authentic.”
    • “The long-overdue PC port of Red Dead Redemption is finally here, and while it runs beautifully and plays surprisingly well for its age, it’s clear this game doesn’t measure up to RDR2, not just in graphics or gameplay, but in atmosphere, depth, and pacing.”
    • “Absolute disjointed atmosphere and story with the whole map reused for a new theme with many new mission types and a good story to top it off.”
    • “Horse riding feels clunky as well; however, the atmosphere is well realized, thus I can overlook the riding.”
  • humor
    106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is often described as a blend of dark, absurd, and slapstick elements, with players enjoying the quirky character interactions and unexpected glitches that lead to hilarious moments. Many reviewers appreciate the witty dialogue and Rockstar's signature comedic style, which adds charm to the otherwise serious narrative. While some find the humor repetitive or overshadowed by grindy missions, the overall consensus is that the game successfully delivers a fun and entertaining experience filled with laugh-out-loud scenarios.

    • “It's funny, because there are games I like way less than this one, and yet I feel like I want to talk a lot more about them.”
    • “The dialogues are simple and sometimes feel too 'compressed' and leave a feeling of incompleteness, but John's 'I-don't-give-a-fuck-about-your-problems-I-need-to-solve-mine' answers are hilarious.”
    • “The game also uses almost the exact same physics engine as GTA 4, which makes for some hilarious ragdolls and drunken brawls.”
    • “The humor is cringe and unfunny.”
    • “Wait... I paid full price for this? That's not funny at all.”
  • emotional
    103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Red Dead Redemption" is widely praised for its gripping narrative and well-developed characters, particularly John Marston, whose journey of redemption resonates deeply with players. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, from heartbreak to nostalgia, enhanced by a powerful soundtrack and cinematic storytelling. While some note that it may not reach the emotional heights of its sequel, the game still delivers a poignant and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact on players.

    • “The story is gripping, emotional, and so well-written that you can't help but get attached to John Marston and everything he's fighting for.”
    • “John Marston's journey is compelling, grounded, and emotionally resonant.”
    • “The game’s narrative is gripping and emotional, making you genuinely care for the characters and their journeys.”
    • “The story and characters are extremely boring.”
    • “It's a game filled with a boring storyline, repetitive side quests, poorly written main characters, and a large, empty, light brown world.”
  • grinding
    59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews highlight a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players finding certain missions and tasks to be tedious and repetitive, often requiring significant time investment to progress. While some appreciate the lack of microtransactions and the overall enjoyment of the story, others express frustration with the grindy nature of achievements and the necessity of traveling long distances without fast travel options. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a notable drawback, though it doesn't completely detract from the game's enjoyment.

    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “There were so many times I just wanted to push the story forward, only to get hit with another tedious chore.”
    • “The only means of fast travel in this game are stagecoaches and trains, which are not available in every town, and even in the places where they are available, if you spend too much time getting to them, they might disappear, and then the only option to travel to your destination will be getting into a stagecoach in a different town, or ride your horse to the destination, which can be very tedious.”
  • monetization
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to its pricing and perceived lack of new content compared to the original. While some appreciate the inclusion of additional content like Undead Nightmare without microtransactions, others criticize Rockstar for high prices and selling user data, suggesting that the game is not worth its full price. Overall, players recommend waiting for sales to avoid what they consider extortionate pricing.

    • “I appreciate the fact that Undead Nightmare is included with the main game purchase because, I'll be completely honest, that's mostly what I wanted to play. But I have also started a hardcore game, so I will definitely be getting more hours out of RDR. Highly recommend to new and old players.”
    • “It doesn't feel needlessly grindy or like it is trying to waste your time to incentivize microtransactions.”
    • “Microtransactions were, thankfully, non-existent.”
    • “When Rockstar isn't churning out disastrous remasters, like the GTA trilogy, they're bilking their players for endless microtransactions instead of just creating quality, well-optimized, and bug-free games.”
    • “I guess that now brings me onto the only real issue I have, and that's the price. I got it on sale for £32.00, and I think even that's too much. It's been on sale three times, and all three times it's been at the same price. I would say wait until it's on sale for about £20.00, which is what I honestly think it's worth. But that's not likely to happen, so get it on the 20% sale as it comes around, but don't pay the full £40.00 as that's just extortionate and a typical Rockstar cash grab.”
    • “If you have played the original console version, I simply cannot recommend this port at its almost-extortionate asking price of $50, since it essentially adds nothing new to the original experience.”
  • replayability
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the replayability of the game is mixed among users. While some appreciate the engaging gameplay and find it more replayable than Red Dead Redemption 2, others criticize the absence of multiplayer features and social club integration, which significantly diminishes replay value. The addition of hardcore mode and various gameplay elements keeps it fresh for some, but many feel that once the game is completed, there is little incentive to return.

    • “Classic, loved Red Dead when I was young and the hardcore mode added made for more replay value.”
    • “This ensures the game remains fresh and offers replayability for years to come.”
    • “I can't promise this will be the life-changing experience it was for me, but at least it is a beautifully made western that is packed with action, emotion, and endless replayability.”
    • “Unlike RDR2, there's pretty much no replayability value after finishing everything to 100%.”
    • “Unfortunately, the replayability of Red Dead 1 is pretty low, at least for me.”
    • “The multiplayer is missing, and that was the 'replayable' RDR1 mode, clearing gang hideouts and doing missions to grind if you enjoy the gameplay but don't want to just play the story again.”
  • character development
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highlighted as a powerful and transformative aspect, particularly through the journey of John Marston and his fellow gang members, whose arcs reflect themes of redemption and the complexities of their relationships. While some players note that the sequel focuses less on character growth and more on a darker tone, the overall storytelling and character progression remain strong, contributing to an unforgettable gaming experience. The seamless integration of character development with the narrative and atmosphere is praised, making it a standout feature of the series.

    • “His character development is powerful, showing us that redemption isn’t simple.”
    • “Firstly, playing as John Marston again after the story of the second was incredible, especially when considering that the story wasn't planned ahead. The writers managed to make the story almost seamlessly flow and add to John's character development, showing him as somewhat of an amateur at the start of his journey to now where he has developed into the badass we see in RDR1. It's such a cool transformation of a character, and this isn't exclusive to John but also extends to his fellow gang members like Bill, Javier, and Dutch, as the writers managed to show their progression throughout RDR2 as the gang begins to fall apart, even going as far to re-contextualize a lot of the actions that the characters do or things they say.”
    • “The combination of storytelling, character development, and an evocative soundtrack has made my experience unforgettable.”
    • “I don't think I really noticed his almost bipolar character development back in the day, but it did stand out while playing it recently.”
    • “From what I assume from watching many RDR2 clips, this game is a lot less centered around character development, and more just dark and gritty.”
    • “Firstly, playing as John Marston again after the story of the second was incredible, especially when considering that the story was never planned ahead. Yet the writers managed to make the story almost seamlessly flow and add to John's character development, showing him as somewhat of an amateur at the start of his journey to now where he's developed into the badass we see in RDR1. It's such a cool transformation of a character, and this isn't exclusive to John but also extends to his fellow gang members like Bill, Javier, and Dutch as the writers managed to show their progression throughout RDR2 as the gang begins to fall apart, even going as far to recontextualize a lot of the actions that the characters do or things they say.”
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76%Critics’ scoreBased on 15 critic reviews
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26h Median play time
77h Average play time
8-50h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 34 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Red Dead Redemption is a action adventure game.

Red Dead Redemption is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 77 hours playing Red Dead Redemption.

Red Dead Redemption was released on August 17, 2023.

Red Dead Redemption was developed by Rockstar Games.

Red Dead Redemption has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Red Dead Redemption is a single player game.

Similar games include Red Dead Redemption 2, Resident Evil 4:, FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster, Mass Effect, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection and others.