Red Dead Redemption Review For Xbox 360

Rockstar have done it again,not only did they release one of the biggest video games of all time in Grand Theft Auto but they have now gone and turned that game into a wild wild west movie with the release of Red Dead Redemption,This game is basically GTA in the wild west of America and is one of the biggest free roaming games available today,i have been playing this game for several weeks now and i am going to give you an insight into exactly what it is like,How good are the graphics,whats the story like,how well does it play and what are the sound effects like,all this and more i will explain in full detail.But believe me Rockstar have not let us down and after playing this game i think they should bring out more games like this from different time periods,who wouldn't want to see a pirates version of grand theft auto!!!!

Firstly lets look at the graphics,the mainstay of any great video game,well like grand theft auto they are crisp and clear and only very occasionally do you get any overlapping of graphics.The movement of the graphics is slightly better than GTA,But put simply they are fantastic,especially when you are looking out over the American plains,the view is endless and the way the trees move the sunlight changes and the rain and wind move and fall is breathtaking.The colours are used to good effect and it is like being back in the wild west as the colours are made up of a slightly drab pallet.Rockstar have surpassed themselves and should be commended.

The animals found in this game are typical of the age in which the game is set,and they are not only there to beef up the story line but they can either befriend you or attack you depending on where you are.All animals can be killed and or skinned for their fur,teeth or hides.These items can then be sold at the general store.The horse as you may well imagine plays the most integral part of the game as you can own any horse you like as long as you can break it in first.The animals are as follows.

Horse:There are many types of horse ranging from the simple mule to the thoroughbred horse.They all have different temperaments,stamina and speed.They are also the most common animal.

Cattle:There are several types of cattle but all form either cows or bulls and you may at some point in the game be asked to herd these animals.

Bison/Buffalo:The great plains are where you will find the majority of these animals.

Deer: There are a couple of different type of deer and killing and skinning these animals will count towards your master hunter status,they are quick though and you may need to use dead eye.

Grizzly bears:The most dangerous type of animal in the game and will be found in the tall tree's area.

Coyote's These animals can be a pain as they attack for no reason and usually in packs,they are found all over.

Cougers:The next most dangerous animal after the Bear and again these usually attack in pairs.

Snakes:there are a couple of different breeds of snake but the rattlesnake is the most common,it gives off a rattle when you draw near to it.

Vultures:Usually found where the dead are,so after a shootout they will appear to clear up.

Birds:Various birds including the eagle crows, as well as hawks.

There are a number of gangs in the game that you will come across at some point in your travels.There are 2 main gangs,the biggest of which are the Walton gang,then there are the bollard gang.Now every now and then there are wanted posters and you will have to fight and kill several members of the gang every time you set off on one of these missions.The gangs are usually found in their hideouts and there is a number of these spread across the map,beware though do not try and enter these hideouts unless your man is fully loaded with weapons and ammo.

From the moment you turn this game on it has an unmistakable soundtrack that rattles along throughout the game,from the Clint Eastwood type whistles and wails,to the noises of coyotes howling at night and horses galloping through the plains,the different noises all blend together to create a beautiful soundtrack that fully complements the rest of the game.When you come across a gang or are in danger then the soundtrack speeds up and becomes a lot darker.Brilliant effort by rockstar.

The storyline is worked well,from the opening credits all the way through the game,you get a sense of why john Marston is out there and what his main goal is,also the other characters you meet throughout the game are not just there to fill in gaps in the story but play a functional role in the story itself.I wont give away any details but it is a very good story.

In summery this game is simply outstanding,it is a game i had overlooked due to the fact that i had no interest in anything western,but it is brilliant in not only the graphics and storyline but also in the sound and effects,buy it because you will not be disappointed.