I finally beat this last night. I took a 3 month break, as I was getting burnt out at the time. Much to my surprise, the break actually did wonders for this game. Usually I can’t get back into a game if I take a long break from playing it, but with Red Dead, is breathed new life into the game for me.
I think my major issues with the game, is how much time is wasted sometimes doing basic tasks. I cant tell you how many times I want to start a mission, only to accidentally get the law set on me. Then I ended up wasting 5 + minutes shaking it, and paying off the bounty. Sometimes the game just gets clunky, and doesnt click. Other times, everything flows perfectly, and everything seems to fall into place.
Anyways, I just wanted to post quickly about the story. I actually thought the writing in this game, was up there with the Last of Us. It was very mature and nuanced. And something I’ve had trouble articulating to people when discussing video game writing, is how the difference between Film and Video Game writing often comes down to nuance and film willing to let things play out slowly. I saw a lot of complaints about the opening chapter being slow, but I actually was really impressed with Rockstars presentation here, and how it slowly let you get into the world, and the characters. It felt very much like a film.
And the way the story evolves with Arthur Morgan, and all the little things that slowly inform his character, and the changes he goes through (or the clarification of who he actually is as a man). The final mission actually made me tear up. Something games never do. I had grown to love the character so much. And the way they handled everything, was just so perfect. Also hats off to the actors in this game. They absolutely killed it, with their performances.
All I really wanted to say. I know most people have moved past this game. And as time went on, there has been a lot of critics of this game. Trust me, I know. I got burned out around Chapter 5, and took a 3 month break. But in the end, I think the game overall is pretty brilliant. Even if there is some flaws, the actual story and writing is on another leve.