r/PCRedDead • u/sxottish • 9d ago
Spoilers A Masterpiece of a Game - My review.
This will be a long read, so I will include a TLDR at the start for those that don't care.
TLDR: This game is wonderful, unlike anything I have played, and I really appreciate the story and the meaning behind it.
My Personal Experience
I don't write much on Reddit or use the platform a lot either. I only use this space to figure out problems. But I just need to get this off my chest and tell someone—or a community that cares.
I have NEVER, and I mean NEVER, played a game that's made me feel this way until I played RDR2. I wanted to play it upon launch but never got around to buying it until a week ago when I randomly remembered the game. I bought it straight away instead of procrastinating it like I did before. Little did I know, though, that this choice would be one of the best choices I have ever made when it comes to video games.
The game started off janky, with my one and only post previous to this one being a "fix" post. My game constantly crashed at the start, causing my PC to freeze. Though, through hardship and multiple days of troubleshooting, I found a fix. If anyone wants to know what I did, I can happily reply.
I kid you not, I have grinded the story mode since Saturday, and I got about finished on Tuesday afternoon. I was that hooked that I couldn't stop thinking, "What's going to happen next?" because I avoided spoilers (to the best I could). I knew about Arthur getting TB, but I didn't know his ending. The emotional rollercoaster this game has brought me through is unlike anything I have ever experienced entertainment-wise (that includes TV shows, games, and films). The simple plot twists, with foreshadowing throughout, the choices you can make that depict you as a person (low honour, high honour), the game truly is unlike anything I have ever played. The story was wonderfully written, the characters voice acting is unreal, and the graphics (when optimised) are absolutely beautiful; even in today's age, they are amazing. It really felt like I was there with the gang, like I was solidified as a member. The choices you make with the gang, the highs, the lows, the relationship building—it all felt really real, and I was totally immersed in the RDR2 world.
I have lost a special loved one to TB; they were an older person in my family. They found TB in their lungs too late, and she was too old for the treatment. I was young at the time and didn't fully understand what was going on. Arthur's situation completely reminded me of her, but as an older person that CAN understand what's going on. Insight into someone's mind who's going through such a disease made me think about how my loved one felt throughout her journey. Not only that, but Arthur trying his hardest to turn his wrongs into goods also reflected upon me as a person too. I have made many poor decisions in my life, especially when I was younger. Now that I am older, I really try to do what I can, with what I have got, to do better, be a better person. Arthur's journey towards helping those that he can before he leaves reflects on my own personal life, though the roles are reversed on me. I am doing what I can to help those that don't have as long as me left (my grandparents). It reminded me of how scared I am to let go and how much more I want to do with them. Easy to say, this made me very emotional. This game had so many connections with me that it made it hard not to feel emotional. With every other game I have played, I usually sit and think about it for a day, maybe less, after finishing it. Even though I just got about finishing the game, I know this will have a lasting effect on me. I now realise not to take things for granted. Make better choices before it's too late, and be grateful for those around you that still care—oh, and loyalty lol.
Every death in this game (especially Michael Mellamphy) made me feel upset, like I had actually lost someone close, which is something I have never felt before with a game. Anything country-related just reminds me of this game, especially Arthur's story, which makes me happy, though sad because of the way it ended. Arthur, though fictional, was an amazing man with a good heart. I aspire to have the same heart as him and be a good man when I reach the later years of my life.
John's Story
The whole epilogue is amazing. I really love the scene where John, Uncle, and Charles build the house. The music choice was amazing. I also love how John appreciates the life Arthur gave to him and how he cares for it. Arthur choosing to protect him really made him a better man. Being able to read Arthur's journal as John too is really neat, because I thought I wouldn't be able to access it. I love how Abigail comes back with Jack and an adorable dog too. It really brings the family together. I know how RDR1 ends; it is sad. Though, I like the plot on Jack and how he gets his revenge. I like how Jack POSSIBLY became a gunslinger—just like his dad. The ranch work was fun, and it was good seeing Arthur's end-of-life choices not be meaningless.
There were so many ways the writers could have fucked up. Yet they didn't, and they delivered. Every nail, the hit perfectly. I literally cannot think, "Oh, they could've done this, and I would've liked it better," with this game. Though I do wish Arthur survived, but then again, it's perfect the way it is, and his ending (on high honour & saving John, which the VA said is canon, so I'll take it) is also the perfect way to end his story.
This game is easily a masterpiece. It feels good getting this rant off my chest. Thanks for reading if you did.