Rockstar's lust for violence and crime has nulled our senses and left gamers incapable of feeling emotions, or so the tabloids would have the public believe. Red Dead Redemption shows just how stupid those news stories are. Having killed Dutch van der Linde and been allowed to return to his ranch, one John Marston returns to his family life. The game reaches something of an anti-climax here, as gunfights and explosions are replaced by cattle herding and conversations with your wife. Of course, in true Rockstar fashion, there's one final kick in the gut waiting. These epilogue-styled missions lull the player into a false sense of security, offering the belief that Marston has found peace and no longer has to suffer because of his past crimes. Then, in the game's final mission, Edgar Ross and a bunch of men from the Bureau of Investigation arrive to put an end to Dutch's gang once and for all - by eliminating John Marston. Even the final moments of Marston's life keep the player believing he will survive. He bursts out of his barn, slow-mo Dead Eye systems activated, leaving the player to frantically mow down as many agents as possible before time is up. Of course, all of this is futile, as Marston will be overwhelmed and executed regardless of how many foes he takes with him. As Marston collapses to his knees, it's impossible not to feel the tears coming. His sacrifice allows his family to live the better life he always wanted to give them, but having seen Marston adjust and make amends for his past life over the course of the game, there's little justice in this ending. Red Dead Redemption was originally written off as "Grand Theft Auto on horses" but now it's generally regarded as Rockstar's finest hour. The game creates a protagonist players genuinely wanted to see succeed before snatching it all away in one final, brutally brilliant, tear-jerking moment. A completely unexpected masterpiece. Agree? Disagree? Are there any other games which surprisingly left you reaching for the tissues? Let us know in the comments below!
I have an addiction to achievements, a craving for new bands and a dream to become Captain America. I once finished second in a Mario Kart 7 tournament so I'm kind of a big deal.
