Why Arthur Morgan Is The Best Video Game Protagonist Of The Generation

5. The Different Faces Of Arthur Morgan

However, it's more than mere characterisation and story that makes him a protagonist of the generation contender though. In fact, plenty of heroes over the past few years have enjoyed even arguably stronger writing than Arthur. Instead, Rockstar's creation succeeds so much because of how the devs have used the unique features of games as a medium to further push the emotion of his story.

By slowing the title down so much and essentially forcing you to interact with the minutia of the world, Rockstar award both the player and the character with a sense of belonging. You spend as much time in Red Dead Redemption 2 hunting for your camp, talking to friends and strangers around campfires and satisfying core human needs as much as you do gunslinging, and that has a profound impact on how you contextualise and understand Arthur's actions.

Another important distinction is that, unlike other open world games where the end goal of a menial task is an in-game reward that will boost skills or unlock upgrades, the end goal of these actions in RDR 2 is always rooted in character, story and world. Hauling a bag from one part of the camp to the next, or spending five minutes monotonously chopping wood, doesn't have much of a systemic reward from a mechanical perspective (bar a slight boost in honour), yet you're invited to complete these actions because you're invested in his - and your - relationship with these camp mates. You want them to be happy.

Consequently, the way Rockstar slowly makes you a part of this world on your own accord through these player-driven interactions, combined with the strong characterisation the developers have included, often makes you think about what Arthur Morgan would do when you're given free reign over decisions in gameplay.

For instance, when you're going to meet love interest Mary for the first time, how will you dress? Well, my Arthur would definitely want to spruce himself up, maybe get a shave and a sick new faded haircut, dust off that posh coat, make it look like he'd tried, but not to the point where it's obvious. Others, on the other hand, might be content to rock up stinking and with a full, unwashed beard, with the idea that she can take him as is. This is just a tiny moment in theory, but RDR 2 is full of little personalisation touches like this, and it's during these moments of player choice where Arthur subtly stops being a character authored by the writers at Rockstar, but one they're co-authoring with you as well.