Red Dead Redemption 2: A Deep Game for Gamers and Non-Gamers Alike
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of game design, with its high production values, improved role-playing system, and deep, meaningful story making it accessible to a wider audience beyond just hardcore gamers.
This blog post is part of an ongoing series where I analyze the top 100 best video games of all time as part of the David Perry Challenge. Red Dead Redemption 2 is ranked #8 out of 100.
As game designers attempting to sell a game for a profit, it’s important to make a game that pushes the boundaries of what is possible and appeals to both hardcore gamers and non-gamers alike. And let me tell you, Red Dead Redemption 2 is that game. In this essay, I will explore the reasons why Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that has managed to capture the hearts of both the gaming and non-gaming communities.
First and foremost, the production value of this game is off the charts. From the moment you start playing, you are immediately transported into a world that is so well-realized, you can almost touch it. The game’s graphics are stunning, with intricate details and realistic environments that will leave you breathless. But it’s not just the graphics that make this game so impressive — the sound design is just as amazing. From the creak of leather saddles to the sound of hooves on the dirt road, everything is meticulously crafted to create a truly immersive experience.
One of the key aspects that sets Red Dead Redemption 2 apart from other games is its improved role-playing system. Unlike other games, such as Mass Effect 2, the conversations in Red Dead Redemption 2 feel much more integrated and natural. There are no longer arbitrary conversations — instead, the conversations are context-specific and relate to the depth of the game’s story. It feels like one giant movie or a continuous story rather than a “gamey game.” This integration of conversation into the game’s mechanics makes Red Dead Redemption 2 accessible to non-gamers, who may not be as familiar with traditional role-playing systems.
The story of Red Dead Redemption 2 is both deep and powerful. The game’s world is a sandbox one, and players are able to be an outlaw in it. This can make it hard to watch people play — after all, who wants to watch someone commit murder and theft in a virtual world? But the overall theme of the game is one that has value. It is similar to Macbeth in that it shows the depths that a person can go with justifications. By playing the role of the outlaw, we are able to experience the depths without needing to go to those depths ourselves.
The core mechanics of Red Dead Redemption 2 are just as impressive as the game’s story. The conversation system is smoothly integrated into the other systems, making it feel much more natural. Instead of a conversation wheel, there are a few context-specific prompts that show up. And sometimes, the conversation can be pushed deeper by prompting for more information. This system leans somewhat into the silent protagonist, but it works so well in this game. The traversal system is also smooth, with everything feeling very polished. The game’s combat system is polished and accessible, making it easy for even non-gamers to pick up and play. Finally, cutscenes are used extensively to establish the characters, setting, and flavor. These cutscenes are well-done and help onboard more casual players into a complex and not-so-casual gaming experience.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that appeals to both hardcore gamers and non-gamers alike. Its high levels of production quality and polish, as well as its powerful and engaging story, make it a game that is accessible and beloved by a wider audience. Its smoothed over game mechanics make it accessible to non-gamers, while still providing a rich and satisfying gaming experience for those who love to play.
