An open world classic that reigns above most other releases this year.
The visuals are stunning as you will notice during the opening credits sequence. The game's map landscape is huge and with size comes quantity of things to do and always quality. You'll most probably be sidetracked into many side quests and minigames such poker or helping out strangers with their problems. These bonus activities will stretch the game completion time well beyond twenty or so hours. Customization is also a factor as you can complete a set of activities to unlock different outfits for John, plus changes can be made to horse selection and your campsite to a lesser extent.
Gameplay is what you'd expect from GTA in the West plus more. Horses and caravans all control the same way which is simple once you've been doing it for a few seconds, so yes very easy to pick up. Combat and cover controls are familiar but that's a good thing because as we all know if it isn't broke don't fix it. Combat is gritty and realistic to fit the setting of the Old West. Saving works basically the same way as it did in the GTA series, you buy a room or little house and save the game by using the bed. When your in the wilderness and can't be bothered riding back to one of your save points you can just simply set up camp, but preferably not next to water unless your horse is tied to a log.
Voice acting is great like most of Rockstar's previous games and the character of John Marston and others become digital people you have some care for more or less. Overall Red Dead Redemption is an ultimate current gen sandbox game with many great innovations and should not be missed by anyone with a love for greatly crafted video games that truly absorb you into their world.