Yesterday we got to see the long-awaited gameplay of Red Dead Redemption II. The title Rockstar Games has certainly monopolized the attention of the entire videogame scene, and in just over two months we will finally see it on the shelves. The first chapter, released 8 years ago, left a deep sense of emptiness to all fans, which now, however, can finally fill. The western setting is certainly not used much in video games, perhaps not very appreciated and judged not very satisfying. But for Rockstar this rule does not apply, since as per tradition, anything it touches becomes gold.
Raise the bar
This is perhaps the true mantra of the development house since each of its production represents the elevation of quality standards. A new yardstick, a sentence for all the software houses that, despite their hard work, see the attention of the public only where the sun always and constantly shines. In the trailer we make the acquaintance of Arthur Morgan again, new protagonist who is made to escape from a cramped prison. As contextualized in the video, we are back in 1899 in the midst of American industrial growth. The small villages begin to become real cities, and technological development is becoming more and more prevalent. It only takes a few seconds to realize that Red Dead Redemption II it's not like other games, just think that even in the gameplay it uses very cinematic footage, making what happens on the screen all the more evocative and captivating. Despite a significant graphic impact, the information released by Rockstar are quite different, that is everything that focuses on the development of a living world that reacts in various ways regardless of the player's stimuli.
Red Dead Redemption II it does not want to be the classic open world that we have been used to seeing in recent years, it wants to be something different, deep and interactive. In a historical context that also sees the establishment of the gang, you will be part of the great family of Van Der Lind. The multimedia work will inspire you to wander through arid areas, swamps, mountains, forests, small and large cities and much more. The variety of locations is not only aesthetic since, as mentioned above, the world is more alive than ever, especially around the player. The various characters you will meet hide stories and secrets, your behavior will have some bearing on them. In fact, the most interesting thing is to see how the approach is not based only on guns but also on the diversification of the dialogues. The protagonist can interact with the various NPCs in different ways: threaten a witness who witnessed a murder, decide whether or not to intervene in some specific cases or use the word to get out of some uncomfortable situations. Even killing someone could cause you some problems over time, think carefully about every single action. On the plate served by the developers there is not only a system of choice, but there is a sort of ideology of honor to be developed entirely centered on Arthur's actions.
The family you choose
More and more often I have heard that the family is not chosen, but this is not the case. In fact, the software house has also focused on a narrative that, as in its predecessor, was central to the development of the story. In the old chapter the key link was that of Marston and his natural family, in Red Dead Redemption II this term we mean by giving space to the gangs, the only nucleus to which you really owe everything, as it is fundamental in the game economy. The gang will therefore take care of building camps as you move to escape from the authorities: this represents a sort of hub where you can meet the other members of the gang. Spending time with them will guarantee you a greater understanding as well as unlocking extra mechanics, missions and activities.
As mentioned by Rockstar himself, the camp will be the ideal place to rest, listen to the stories of the various NPCs and take advantage of secondary mini-games such as cards. Obviously a family does not support itself, precisely for this reason a hunting system has been unveiled that will be predominant in the title. This will help you to recover food and resources, as the survival of the group depends on it. Helping your "family" will make them happier and more supportive, but these mechanics will have to wait for new information.
Exploring is good
The focus on the hunting system has given us the opportunity to discover a truly varied ecosystem, full of different predators and animals. If you manage to injure a deer, for example, you can follow its tracks until the right moment to kill it. Then you just have to load the carcass on your horse and take it to the camp. Obviously, sometimes it is always useful to think about your own pockets, selling the meat and skins of hunted animals can provide you with money, especially useful for buying weapons or being squandered in saloons or other activities not yet announced. An integral part of the occupations will however be firearms, which the development house has recreated by featuring every detail, from the cadence of the shot to the reload time and many others. The Dead Eye is also back in great shape, which will be explored on another occasion, however.
The only faithful ally who will accompany you relentlessly throughout the course of the adventure will be your horse. Obviously there will be of different types and aspects, as well as having different behaviors and needs. Remember that coursers are noble creatures, so they should be treated with respect. As you progress through the story you will increase your affinity with him, so that he can make him carry out specific orders without the fear of being thrown off. Foals will not only serve to enhance exploration, but also to carry your items and dead animals. In addition to the gang, therefore, you will also have a four-legged friend to rely on.
In conclusion we can say that Red Dead Redemption II is here to improve on everything made by its predecessor. Some fans would have expected a more GTA-like production, but Rockstar has kept its distance from its creation, continuing to give the RDR saga a distinct soul. The information received is a lot, but the idea that the development house has told us only part of the game mechanics makes us jump from the chair. Waiting for the second trailer that reveals other components of the gameplay, our first impressions of the work are more than positive.
