There was so much talk about Red Dead Redemption in 2010. I have been a fan of Grand Theft Auto games since they came out and Red Dead seemed like enough of a twist that it represented something different. I knew I had to play it but wasn't sure when I would have the time. Between work and family (two kids) it has been difficult finding game time so the wait continued for much of 2010.

And then GameSpot declared Red Dead Redemption Game of the Year - 2010 and the buzz picked up again. I bought the game, but I also bought a bunch of others so it has sat on the shelf while I was trying to complete various achievements in the other games. This past weekend I couldn't wait any longer. I just had to try it.

First impressions:

1. I was impressed with the way the character moves in the game. The movements are much better than what you typically see in GTA and the character is a 'bigger' part of visuals of the game.
2. The world is beautiful. I have spent a lot of time in the California foothills up toward gold country and the world felt like home in a lot of ways. The Western style buildings and the big open space just feel right. Real. Believable.
3. I can already tell this game is going to be immense. I can't wait to see it all. How many hours do I think I will get sucked into playing poker? I think this game has already turned me into a hunter...and a Fame junkey.
4. I'm enjoying the story so far. It has provided some good up front information but there is still a lot of mystery. Why am I here? Who sent me?

I'm only about an hour into the game so I can only see the tip of the iceberg, but I can already tell that the other games I had in progress are going to have to wait. So far Red Dead Redemption feels every bit worthy of a Game of the Year prize and now it is calling to me. I'm going to have to cut some sleep out of the budget to make room for this game.

Don't spoil it for me but how did you like the game? Did it do anything for you that no other game has done before?

Zak