Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption. Easily one of the best games I have ever played. If I was a cowboy, I'd be John Marston, screw True Grit, John Marston IS the man. From beginning to end, this game was satisfying, and complete. The ending left me feeling touched, and also pissed off...which is a rare combination, but a satisfying one. Your horse is also a character believe it or not. And boy was I PO'd when some nobody from the Walton Gang took out my horse. The amount of customization is great, although leaves a little to be desired, such as more clothing options and such, (the game gives you certain outfits, and you must unlock the rest) but in all it's a good balance. The shooting mechanics are tight, and can certainly make you feel like a badass of the West with the Dead Eye support system, which allows you to slow down time to make the perfect shot. Now some people may complain about the distance of the game, as it does take you a good 20 minutes to make it completely from one side of the map to the other, but let me say this, it's an open world game, and not nearly as big as some of the new blockbusters like Skyrim and such. Just Cause 2 is also a bigger world, but in that particular game it almost seems too big at times. Red Dead has the perfect match-up of space and civilization in the game. Although I do wish that the AI had some more intelligence. Mostly they'll just run at you. I would have rather they took advantage of the climbing available in the game and maybe got onto a nearby ridge or saloon top? The weapons are NOT few and far between like some games, there are a plentiful, with many pistols and revolvers, with a great selection of rifles and repeaters, and of course the gun gracing the game's cover...the shotgun. You are also equipped with throwing knives, dynamite, fire bottles, a lasso, a knife, and your fists. Now for the graphics. This game is very advanced in in-game graphics, although the cut-scenes could have been done a bit better. Marston's face appears either very rough, or very soft, and the AI faces are a little bit chiseled, but it also depends on the cut-scene. However, once you are out roaming the plains or speeding across the desert, the game really comes to life. The sky changes from sunrise, to noon, to sunset, and all the in-betweens and it actually rains from time to time, which is a nice refresher, (when I played AC Brotherhood, I was a little disappointed with the no-weather deal) and the foliage is beautiful. The sheer amount of wildlife in the game is fun too, with wolves, rabbits, bears, and cougars to mention the bare minimum, you will never feel alone. The story is fantastic as well, leaving me on the edge of my seat every time that I saved. All in all, it is an epic journey that everyone above the age of 16 should play. 9.75 stars out of 10. Thanks everyone for reading. ;)