Red Dead Redemption 2: 9 Reasons It's Not Game Of The Year 2018

4. John's Epilogue Is Misplaced And FAR Too Long

Following a 60-80 hour main thread, we needed some time to breathe. We needed that long, self-reflecting time that comes with a credit sequence.

What players didn't need, was to be booted straight into a jarring tonal shift, picking up as John some time in the future as he starts working as a farmhand.

Not only that, but within minutes, we go from gunfights and Arthur's death into literally shovelling poop and milking cows.

There is an incredible payoff in that house-building montage, but the entire endeavour felt like Rockstar heard everyone's complaints of playing as Jack in the first game, only to say, "Oh, more John is what you want? Have all you can stomach!"

At around 4-6 hours, John's epilogue protracts an already belaboured finale into torturous territory.

It ends with complete tranquility and John devoting himself to the good life, negating all drive towards exploration in the process. Not to mention...