9 Reasons Red Dead Redemption 2 Is Better Than GTA 5

7. An Amazing Script & Narrative Drive

Though GTA V introduces its world, characters and motivations at a pretty steady pace, there's nothing in the way of the biting, sardonically memorable delivery of the older games. Now, Red Dead 2's story of the "west being tamed" is obviously completely different to that of GTA V's black mirror comment on American life, but it's far more effective across the board.

Where GTA V often felt like an apology letter for GTA IV; laden with overblown set-pieces, OTT characters, a more humour-filled tone and a carefree sensibility, Red Dead 2 confidently paints Arthur Morgan as something of a blank slate, as a way to address the morally bankrupt nature of an outlaw.

Even horse rides from place to place are loaded with socio-political commentary, factoring in the nature of survival, patriotism, racism and an exploration of being "law-abiding" in a country still forming its own judicial system.

Contrasted, GTA V's utilisation of its world and characters amounts to things like the "Lifeinvader" parody of social media, or Trevor being a cypher for the way we used to play older GTA. It never fully meshes, torn between semi-believable characters, and a balls-to-the-wall kitchen sink sandbox.

Red Dead 2 on the other hand, moves with a deft weight and purpose from beginning to end.