What Red Dead Redemption 2 Does Better Than Every Other Open-World Video Game

Thanks to consumers being obsessed with the length of a title and the open-world genre, the market is crammed with explorable experiences that promise to be the 50+ hours long endeavour entitled gamers demand. Yes, while before open-world video games were a rare deity that everybody clamoured for, now they’re the hottest commodity that refuses to go away, as linear titles become more and more obscure.

The problem with this is that it has given rise to an industry lacking innovation. Be it Batman, Horizon: Zero Dawn or any other open-world/sandbox video game not called The Witcher 3, every developer steals Ubisoft’s handbook for creating the most beautiful but dull landscape stuffed with the most monotonous side activities imaginable.

But then Red Dead Redemption 2 was released. Although not a perfect game, Rockstar has still thoroughly outclassed even their biggest competition.

Open-worlds are the hardest genre to properly execute as there are a million different components that need to work simultaneously. However, thanks to endless resources, devotion and 8-years in development, Rockstar has gone well above and beyond to deliver a masterpiece that makes everything else pale in comparison.

Aside from ill-thought-out video games like Final Fantasy 15 and Dragon’s Dogma where you have to sprint long distances and look at your character’s backside as they repeatedly bend over to breathe, open-worlds are rarely a pain when getting from point A to B. Whether you're swinging too-and-fro as Spider-Man, or zipping between cars in GTA, traversal mostly always feels fun - and Red Dead 2 is no exception.

However, while it’s undoubtedly fun to make an old man throw a fit over seeing your sick skills, there are no repercussions to your showboating. Nor are there any ramifications other than being chased by the pigs and forced to restart for crushing hundreds of people’s ribs with the latest supercar that you stole.

Meanwhile, in Red Dead Redemption 2, traversal has consequences that compliment the story. Not only does it contribute to the game’s realism with your steed snapping its legs when you foolishly try to descend down a slippery slope, but your brashness also affects your Arthur as ignoring people in peril or accidentally steamrolling into someone’s mother fittingly dampens your honour.

In addition, the way you care for your lovable horse increases your bond and handling of it, and every ride with your crew on missions allows for engrossing stories while keeping the pace slow and immersive.