10 Biggest Graphical Leaps Between Video Game Sequels

Red Dead Redemption 2 is proof that just because the predecessor didn’t look bad, doesn’t mean the sequel can’t look even better. The only criticism I’ve ever heard about Red Dead Redemption’s visuals are that it was notoriously bland in a majority of areas, being too brown or too beige. Of course, this is to be expected from a western but it’s one of the many things Red Dead Redemption 2 improved upon, making the sequel more colourful.

Among vibrancy comes lighting, a sun and other illumination that interacts with every entity dependent on where your viewpoint is. Sunlight glistening through reeds and shadows peeking through the distance add up to make the world feel more real. The same goes for character models. Once again, you may have thought the original was fine but Rockstar took what Grand Theft Auto V had and upped it further, with last year's PC release getting extra visual care. This goes the same for wildlife and plantation, featuring realistic movement and interaction between them, going so far as to have some birds sit precariously on top of crocodiles. Red Dead Redemption 2 is the only game on the list that can rival The Phantom Pain’s level of detail, and rightfully so considering it had a three year lead.