Red Dead Redemption 2

Dude, I'm going to be honest: this game is just pure cocaina I don't care if people say, ''It's just a game; it ain't that deep.'' But man, Red Dead Redemption 2 had such a positive impact on me that, ever since I 100% completed it last year on March 25, all I have been doing is going on hikes every week and camping with my cowboy hat, doing crazy survival-type shit adventures and fly fishing in the mountains. It completely changed me as a person in terms of that I don't take bullshit from anyone anymore and showed me the value I truly hold. I can't comprehend how much I recommend everyone play this game at least once in their lives. The story, the graphics, the scenery, the gameplay – it's just a 10/10 masterpiece.

Thought I was getting a fun cowboy game. Instead, I got an emotional masterpiece that set my gaming standards to an unreachable level. Thanks, Rockstar… I guess. Now no other game feels good enough. 10/10

A perfect game for some hardcore chilling. You sit down, play poker, lose all your money. Grab a revolver, shoot everyone, loot the money back. 10/10.

It has taken me weeks to write this review.
Not because I don't know what to say about the game, but because I want these words to honour its excellence, without being hyperbolic but saying what I honestly think this game really is.

For years I heard this is the game with which gaming reached its adulthood.
And it is true.

Sometimes it feels like being in a classic movie, such as Unforgiven.
Also true.

I constantly felt I was comparing it to certain Cormac McCarthy's novels, specifically The Border Trilogy.
In fact one of the main themes of the game reminds me a lot of the ending of Cities on a Plain: how civilisation has no place for those who don't adapt to industrialism. It also felt many a time like Blood Meridian, with all its cruelty.

But not only that.
I constantly felt like being inside a Ken Burns documentary. From The West to The American Buffalo.

It goes without saying that RDR2 is a flawless representation of that period in history.
A true Academic document.

But there is more.
You can play the game and perceive a layer, let's say an action western or a movie.
But you can play it and fall into the study of nature, on a deeper level.
Or play it and pay attention to the small details, such as the conversations at the bonfire, or the journal...
and then you realise you stand before one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of gaming.

Because just like a great novel can transform you after reading it, this "game" can have the same effect on you.

Which is why, after constraining my words for weeks, I think it is fair to say this is, in my humble opinion,
the best videogame ever made.

I don't mean the one you, or me, or anyone, have to like it the most.
I mean it in the sense that I don't think there is going to be something similar for a very long time, and we are very lucky for having it.

But I also love and admire this game beyond words.

This is, without a doubt, one of the all-time greatest story-driven games I have ever laid my hands on. I've played a bunch of them and let me tell you that this one will take you on a ride that you wouldn't want to miss.
It starts slowly, which may put off some people, but it quickly picks up after the snowy region. The map is huge, full of secrets and treasures. There are over 200 species of animals combined. The weapon variety is also impressive. There are many mini-games to choose from. Every character in the camp is complex enough to make you care and sympathize with them. Some side missions can feel like the main storyline at several points. The world scenery and game mechanics are just incredible. All of this is amazing and already over the top for a game, but the primary protagonist you control takes the cake.
Arthur Morgan is one of the best-written characters in all RPGs. He is a deeply flawed man who made some pretty rough decisions in his life. Since he is a teen, who takes an example from his outlaw father, to the time when he is found by the gang, he goes against the newly emerging societal norms in the Wild West. But most of all, he always believes in Dutch and the gang. He does everything for them - he lives, he murders, he robs. And when this is put to the ultimate test, against the clock, his true redemption begins. You will find that behind this immaculately strong personality, there is a scared man. Of what he is, of what he will become. After this point, you will begin to realize what I'm talking about and why Arthur is so loved by the entire community. He is not perfect, no one is. But he tries his best.
Take your time to experience this game. Once you finish it, there won't be a second playthrough like the first.

I've been playing this game very slowly as if I were Arthur, Each day going out doing a little quest, hunting, gambling etc... taking each and every second slowly as it comes. A fantastic offline single player escape.

The best advice I can give you to achieve the best experience is to avoid rushing through it, at least for the first time.. explore the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 as much as you can and interact with the life happening around you.. Give it time and let the game introduce itself to you, every detail will going to worth it and in three words: enjoy the adventure