10 Perfect Games With Even Better Sequels
3. Red Dead Redemption & Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption had one major problem - it was too good. Rockstar's cowboy title flawlessly incorporated everything synonymous with the Wild West, including horse-riding, Mexican standoffs, ranching, raiding, ambushes, bounty hunting, gambling, hunting, racing, and shootouts. It even weaved in a deeply entertaining side-story involving a snake oil salesman.
Basically, Redemption covered it all. So, what could another instalment offer that was any different?
But Red Dead Redemption 2 proved there was still a lot more to do and tell. As expected, the open-world is magnificent and the mechanics had been revised to perfection. Though it harbours the DNA of the preceding title, this instalment explores the same themes in greater depth. Themes surrounding social change, manifest destiny, the cycle of violence, and of course, redemption are interweaved into the narrative in an organic way, so it never feels forced.
More care is given to each sub-plot than ever before, so there's a great sense of accomplishment and closure every time a chapter is completed. Each character is so well-rounded, it's an emotional tour de force any time one of them bites the dust.
In a nutshell, gaming doesn't get much better than Red Dead Redemption 2.