Without a doubt, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most hyped and anticipated games to be released this year. Rockstar Games has teased us with some cinematic trailers so far, but many fans have been craving for some gameplay footage, and who can blame them. It’s been 10 years since Red Dead Redemption came out, capturing the hearts of gamers around the world with its sandbox game style being set during the final days of the Wild West. However, that wait has come to an end, as Rockstar finally released the world wide premier gameplay trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2.
With a narrative in the background of the video, the gameplay trailer showcases characters roaming around the open world, gun play mechanics, and breathtaking visuals. Clocking in at just over six minutes, the video briefly breaks down the characters, story, and the setting of the upcoming western classic. You’ll be playing as Arthur Morgan, a lieutenant in the Vanderlin Gang, a group of outlaws that the previous game’s protagonist, John Marston, was a part of, making this game a prequel. The game will present multiple ways for you to find solutions to your problems, sometimes without using your guns. For example, in the trailer Morgan is seen chasing down a man when he tackles him from behind, lands on top of him, and starts to pummel him with punches. The melee system is a welcome addition, as many Wild West stories are famous for fist fights and bar brawls.
In addition, its possible to stop a fight or a shootout before it ever begins. This is most prevalent when dealing with officers of the law, as Morgan can defuse the situation by simply agreeing to the officers demands and walking away from the ordeal. This includes the new Wanted Level system which has some variety, including the Interrogation Level which appears to be the wild card as you can either stop it from increasing or continue with your lawless act and gain a Bounty Level, or the absolute highest level, Dead or Alive. Its obvious that, despite being part of a ruthless gang of outlaws, the game’s morality system will play an important role, as the world and characters around you will change depending on your actions.
Another important factor that is discussed in the trailer is the bond you will build with your horse. While you play your way through the game, you will form bonds with whatever steed you are riding, including other breeds that you will come across, such as racehorses and workhorses. This will also play into critical situations like riding into a shootout and hoping the horse doesn’t throw you off out of fear. The higher the bond, the better your odds of survival are. Speaking of survival, the popular Dead Eye mechanic is back in full force. The ability to slow down time and pop off enemies has always been something video game fans enjoy partaking in, and Red Dead Redemption 2 shows off the ability with an impressive display as Morgan takes out multiple people with his rifle without taking a scratch.
A new addition to the series is the Gang’s Camp, which is always moving as the Vinderlin Gang is constantly on the run. When the camp is not moving, you’ll be tasked with helping out around the area, which will increase the moral and overall living conditions of the camp and the company you ride with. It’s not the just the major characters that you’ll interact with, the non-player characters will also make for some dynamic conversations. With all of this taking place at once, the open world truly looks alive, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable and immersive experience. Rockstar Games has done everything they can to make the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 a living, breathing, fully functional western world. After watching the gameplay trailer, its hard not to be impressed. This might be the most beautiful and accurate representation of the Wild West, and we can’t wait to get our hands on this game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 launches on October 26, 2018 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. You can watch the gameplay reveal trailer here: