Red Dead Redemption is a true video game marvel that deserves to be enjoyed by everyone
The single player mode in Red Dead Redemption centers on ex gang runner John Marston. Marston finally puts away his old gun slinging life to be with his family until federal agents come to pull him back in. Some of Marston's old "friends" are still on the run and they need John to bring them to justice. This plot works very well and most of your time is spent trying to hunt down these gang runners. Along the way you'll travel through the US, and down into Mexico. While on your travels you will run into locals. These people present missions for you which consist of a wide variety of tasks. Some are as easy as herding cattle, while others are more challenging like escorting a train. There are also other activities to do in the world such as playing poker or horse shoes. Another activity to take part in is a job. These jobs run the gamete from horse breaking to doing a night watch job. As the story progresses you really get to know Marston and he grows on you. I wont spoil the ending but I'll just say that you'll be surprised, but you will ultimately feel satisfied. With so many people to meet and things to do, Red Dead Redemption has the deepest single player experience of any game.
RDR's game play is very satisfying and easy to pick up on. Shooting uses a lock on system similar to Grand Theft Auto IV. This system works really well and shooting guns feels like the way its supposed to. RDR also uses a cover system the mirrors GTA IV. To its credit it works very well and you are able to take cover behind almost anything. Riding horses in RDR is a big part of the game. You will probably find yourself spending half of your time on horseback. The controls for riding are difficult to learn at first, but you will soon master them. Once you do get the horse riding controls down pat you will see that it is a very effective form of travel. A major part of gun play is using Dead Eye. Dead Eye slows down time enabling you to pick off targets more easily. It is so easy that it almost feels like cheating when you use it. Gameplay is very satisfying and deserves to get recognition.
RDR is also an innovator of online gaming. This game picks up where GTA IV pretty much left off. It takes the open world game to new levels. There are standard games like shootouts and gang shootouts. There also brand new games like grab the bag and hold your own. Many players can be in a match which creates a very fun online game.
If you ever find yourself out in the deep wilderness take a look around at what Rockstar has built. It is a living breathing open world that is just begging to be explored. A very good single player will intrigue you, while the multiplayer will keep you coming back for more. RDR is a special game that will only come around once. Do yourself the favor and pick up this game. It could very well be the game of the year.