Red Dead Redemption (PS3, 360)
This western shooter is the successor to the 2004 release, Red Dead Revolver, which received mixed reviews. Rockstar Games feels like they’ve done a better job with this one and aren’t afraid to shout about it. The game will make use of the Rockstar Advanced Game Editor that is used by the goliath that is Grand Theft Auto IV, as well as the Euphoria animation engine, which is also used by Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Together they feel they have a winning graphical package at the very least, and it’s no surprise that high hopes and a heap of pressure have been placed on its shoulders.
The game is centred on a former outlaw, John Marston, who’s thrown into an open-world environment and soon gets dragged back into the deep end. Gun-slinging his way across towns, partaking in GTA-style missions as well as side missions, and generally roaming around doing whatever the hell he feels like. They’re not the only similarities between the two; if you can see it you’ll probably be able to travel to it, if it moves you’ll probably be able to shoot it.
Perhaps what’s best about Red Dead Redemption is its ability to adapt to different scenarios. Instead of having to do things a set way in a set order or risk failing, you’re granted more freedom to do thing’s your way, and the A.I. will follow suit. We caught word of a mission whilst testing involving clearing a town, and in the midst of the action the sheriff was accidentally shot. Instead of pushing restart the game play simply went on and the deputy went scampering away, whimpering into his neckerchief.
The game is set for release of April 27, 2010.
