Red Dead Redemption

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,329 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Red Dead Redemption Game Cover
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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.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,329 reviews
story295 positive mentions
stability68 negative mentions
  • story766 mentions

    The story of "Red Dead Redemption" is widely praised for its emotional depth and engaging narrative, following protagonist John Marston as he seeks redemption by tracking down his former gang members. Many players appreciate the rich character development and the seamless integration of side quests that enhance the overall experience, although some note pacing issues and repetitive mission structures. Overall, the game is considered a classic, with its storytelling resonating even more for those who have played its prequel, "Red Dead Redemption 2."

    • “The story is a standout, weaving a gripping tale of redemption as John Marston, a former outlaw forced by government agents to hunt down his old gang members.”
    • “The immersive wild west experience is as captivating as ever, with great environments, thrilling gunfights, and a deep, unforgettable story.”
    • “The story experience is great from start to finish and has the best ending Rockstar has ever made for a game.”
    • “I found it tough to get invested in the world and story of this game.”
    • “The story has a filler feeling except for the last 5% of the game for most of the time, really sad.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics346 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed feedback, with many praising the nostalgic art style and improved performance on PC, allowing for higher resolutions and frame rates. However, several reviewers noted that the visuals are largely unchanged from the original 2010 release, with only minor enhancements, leading to disappointment given the $50 price tag. While some players appreciate the timeless aesthetic and smooth gameplay, others feel that the graphics are dated and do not meet modern standards, suggesting that mods may be necessary for a more contemporary experience.

    • “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 graphics look sharper than ever, with the ability to run at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates than the original console versions.”
    • “The graphics still hold up surprisingly well, but the NPCs show the game’s age.”
    • “This is only a port with less than it did than when it came out in 2010 with it not having multiplayer and doesn't have better graphics or anything like that.”
    • “At the $50 price point, for a 15-year-old game, I would at least expect full functionality, if not enhanced graphics.”
    • “The port is ok, but that's the problem, it's just a port, with no real graphical upgrades at all, that has no multiplayer or co-op, and for $50, not worth it!”
  • gameplay250 mentions

    The gameplay of Red Dead Redemption is generally praised for its engaging mechanics, immersive world, and seamless blend of story-driven missions with open-world exploration. While some players note that the controls can feel clunky and dated compared to modern standards, the overall experience remains enjoyable, with a variety of missions and dynamic events that keep gameplay fresh. The transition to PC has improved graphics and performance, enhancing the classic gameplay that many still find captivating despite its age.

    • “Fantastic story, great pacing, beautiful music, and fun gameplay.”
    • “Red Dead Redemption delivers an immersive gameplay experience that masterfully blends open-world exploration with tight, responsive mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay seamlessly balances heart-pounding shootouts, engaging side quests, and a deep moral system that keeps players invested in their choices.”
    • “The gameplay is sometimes clunky and slow, but give me this any time of the day if it means that I don't have to play it for 500 hours.”
    • “However, the gameplay is rather repetitive, but the nostalgia makes it worth it.”
    • “Just like GTA IV, RDR 1 often falls into repetitive and boring gameplay loops.”
  • optimization153 mentions

    The optimization of the PC port of Red Dead Redemption has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its smooth performance, high frame rates, and compatibility with modern hardware, some report minor performance issues and a need for further optimization updates. Overall, the port is generally considered well-optimized for its age, with significant graphical enhancements, though a few users experienced stuttering and frame drops under certain conditions.

    • “Red Dead Redemption’s polished PC port enhances its stunning visuals and timeless narrative, delivering smooth performance and sharper details.”
    • “The stunning visuals, now optimized with native 4K resolution + 144Hz refresh rates, deliver an incredibly smooth experience that makes exploring the vast landscapes of the Wild West even more immersive.”
    • “Double Eleven did an amazing job with this PC port; while it is a very old game nowadays, it runs smooth as butter on max settings even on medium rigs.”
    • “But this game, supposedly optimized for PC, is pretty awful.”
    • “It feels like the game needs more optimization updates to get it just right, which is hilarious considering its age.”
    • “Performance is terrible.”
  • stability133 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game is generally well-received, with many players reporting smooth performance and high frame rates across various platforms, including the Steam Deck. While some users noted minor glitches and bugs, they often described them as non-game-breaking and part of the game's charm. A few reviews highlighted more significant issues, particularly in specific areas of the game, but the consensus is that the port runs well and is a solid experience overall.

    • “Runs great, high fps, and I haven't experienced any bugs on my end.”
    • “Near perfect port with little to no glitches or performance issues.”
    • “The game runs great at high resolutions and can maintain a consistent fps even in more demanding locations like Blackwater and Tall Trees.”
    • “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.”
    • “This is a buggy, overpriced port of an old game but this game is fun, has tons of content and a great story.”
    • “Only complaint I have with this game so far is that once I got to Mexico it started getting really buggy, and I mean really buggy.”
  • music74 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its haunting beauty and ability to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting the evocative soundtrack as a standout feature. The compositions effectively capture the essence of the western setting, creating memorable moments that resonate long after gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in gaming, contributing significantly to the immersive experience.

    • “A hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that evokes the spirit of the frontier.”
    • “The soundtrack is phenomenal, perfectly complementing the narrative and setting the mood for every encounter.”
    • “The combination of storytelling, character development, and an evocative soundtrack has made my experience unforgettable.”
    • “The dialogue volume is way too low; even increasing my PC's audio has it too quiet compared to the music and sound effects.”
    • “Love this game to death, but currently there's this audio bug in the game where if you don't have your headphones directly connected with your computer's 3.5mm jack, the dialogue in cutscenes is very low and background/music noise overpowers it.”
    • “The only thing that drives me crazy is that, from time to time, two music tracks play over each other, and I have to turn the game off and on.”
  • emotional39 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its deeply engaging narrative and well-developed characters, particularly John Marston, whose quest for redemption resonates powerfully with players. Many reviews note the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, with moments that linger long after playing, and a mature story that blends action with heartfelt storytelling. While some feel it may not reach the emotional heights of its sequel, the overall experience is described as gripping, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

    • “John Marston's tale of redemption, family, and survival in a changing world is both heart-wrenching and unforgettable.”
    • “The game's narrative is gripping and emotional, making you genuinely care for the characters and their journeys.”
    • “At its core, Red Dead Redemption presents a deeply emotional and layered story, unlike most other games of its time.”
  • humor38 mentions

    The humor in the game is often highlighted through its quirky characters, funny glitches, and witty dialogue, which contribute to an engaging and entertaining experience. Players appreciate the comedic elements woven into the story and missions, with many noting that the humor remains effective despite the game's age. While some bugs can be amusing, they generally enhance the overall enjoyment rather than detract from it, making for memorable moments throughout gameplay.

    • “The game also uses almost the exact same physics engine as GTA 4, which makes for some hilarious ragdolls and drunken brawls.”
    • “You’ll find yourself laughing out loud as you try to decipher whether they’re plotting a heist or just trying to remember where they left their horses.”
    • “In less than 1 minute of gameplay, I put the controller down and was laughing my butt off for 3 minutes while watching a drunk guy trying to read a newspaper.”
    • “Wait... I paid full price for it... that's not funny :/”
    • “The jokes fell flat and felt forced, making the game more cringeworthy than entertaining.”
    • “I expected a lot of laughs, but the humor was stale and uninspired.”
  • atmosphere34 mentions

    The atmosphere of Red Dead Redemption is widely praised for its immersive and authentic depiction of the wild west, enhanced by stunning visuals, detailed sound design, and a compelling soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a cinematic experience through its rich storytelling, character depth, and environmental details, making even mundane tasks feel significant. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature that elevates the game to a beloved classic in the industry.

    • “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 attention to detail and the immersive atmosphere make even the simplest tasks—like riding through a canyon at sunset or hunting by a riverside—feel like a cinematic experience.”
    • “The soundtrack, composed by Bill Elm and Woody Jackson, uses atmospheric, sparse instrumentation to echo the desolation and tension of the frontier.”
    • “The eerie atmosphere, challenging combat, and quirky story remain as gripping as ever.”
    • “The gameplay pace is rather planned and pre-defined, emphasizing realism and carefully setting up the atmosphere for various things.”
    • “Horse riding feels clunky as well, however the atmosphere is well realized, thus I can overlook the riding.”
  • grinding17 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be quite tedious, particularly due to the lack of fast travel options and poor horse AI, which makes navigation frustrating. Many reviews highlight the repetitive nature of missions and activities, with some players feeling that completing the game requires an excessive time commitment. However, despite these issues, some appreciate the game's overall experience and storytelling, noting that it avoids the overly drawn-out mechanics found in its sequel.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Traversal can feel tedious in vast, open areas without fast travel.”
    • “The mission format can be a bit grindy.”
    • “Both tell a journey of one character, yet fattens it out with a lot of tedious, repetitive missions that don't change much from the start to finish of the game.”
  • replayability11 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game is viewed positively, with many players appreciating the tailored experiences and rich world that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some criticisms arise from the absence of multiplayer features that were present in the original game, which detracts from its replay value. Despite this, the game is still considered engaging and enjoyable, with exciting gameplay elements that keep it fresh for years.

    • “This adds an extra layer of replayability and allows players to tailor their experience, enhancing the already rich world of Red Dead Redemption.”
    • “This ensures the game remains fresh and offers replayability for years to come.”
    • “Yeah, you've got great scaling for modern resolutions - but you stripped the game of its infinite replay value mode and added a launcher that does nothing but check to see if I've used any racial slurs in the last 15 minutes.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization5 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the $50 price tag as excessive for a port that offers little new content, viewing it as a cash grab. However, others appreciate the absence of microtransactions and express satisfaction with the overall value, especially given their extensive playtime with the original game.

    • “Microtransactions were, thankfully, non-existent.”
    • “No microtransactions, no life-consuming mindless grinding.”
    • “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.”
    • “Feels like a greedy cash grab to charge $50, but that is the way of the world.”
    • “It's been 14 years since it was originally released, and I just can't believe that Rockstar did an amazing job porting it. However, the complaints about it being a 'lazy port' or 'cash grab' are valid.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development, particularly of John Marston, is highlighted as compelling and engaging, drawing players into his struggles and triumphs. While some reviewers note that the story arcs can feel forced and repetitive, the overall dialogue and character development remain strong, contributing to an unforgettable gaming experience.

    • “The character development of John Marston is compelling, and I found myself invested in his struggles and triumphs.”
    • “Though the story arcs feel kind of forced as you move from one region to the next and things kind of get repetitive, each portion of the overall story has mostly good dialogue and character development.”
    • “The combination of storytelling, character development, and an evocative soundtrack has made my experience unforgettable.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Play time

28hMedian play time
99hAverage play time
8-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 22 analyzed playthroughs

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