“No one could beat Red Dead Redemption”. Every time someone asks me what my favorite game is, I answer. Obviously Red Dead Redemption 2 succeeded, but the first installment in the Rockstar saga (separating Red Dead Revolver) has something special, a halo of greatness and particular bravery.
That’s why, like “Hello, old friend. It’s been a long time” what he said John Marston for Javier Escuella, I rediscovered Red Dead Redemption now that the PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and mobile versions have arrived.
A game is still a game, but this title represented a leap of maturity in my way of understanding the medium, it brought me closer to classic cinema in an almost unexpected way and awakened my interest in History. So for me, Red Dead Redemption is something special.
Since it was launched in 2010, I’ve passed this title six timeseverything on PS3. No, I didn’t try the PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions at the time (although I bought the first one), but Rockstar came through again and this time I couldn’t resist. I’ve already started my seventh game in RDR, now on PS5.
The first thing I have to say is that It is deeply appreciated that this series of improvements in image resolution, frame rate, and minor quality adjustments arrive free of charge for owners of previous versions. Points to Rockstar in this case, especially when these update moves are starting to pay off (ahem, Animal Crossing New Horizons).
We appreciate it, because if an update package had been charged for a 2010 game that currently costs 50 euros, it would be something very worrying and criticizable. This is not the case, so what we have “on the surface” is used a little more.
This is Red Dead Redemption on PS5
And it is to do so, as I consider that Red Dead Redemption for PS5 performs very well. Obviously, what is most appreciated is the possibility of play at 60 frames per second (although it was something that was already possible with the console’s backwards compatibility). The game gets difficult at this rate and it’s an absolute pleasure to drive like this.
What is more, 4K resolution at 2160p brings with it a slight increase in performance compared to the last generation version. Comparing to the PS4 version, on PS5 the game has a more defined viewing distance which provides further details. It also gives me the feeling of a slight improvement in shadows and lighting.
The loading screens (which affected PS3 and Xbox 360) now they are little appreciated. They now last a few seconds, almost a tenth of what it took to load on the PS4. The Wild West hardly stops and in a title that already shows its age in several systems, the fact that it is at least fluid is another notable point in its favor.
It is true that It wouldn’t have been bad if some function related to the DualSense controller had been implemented. Haptic feedback or the use of adaptive triggers would put the finishing touch on a version that will win over fans. It’s a shame it doesn’t have these features. Let’s see if Rockstar is excited about a hypothetical future patch…
A few more options could also have been added, such as a photo mode or a cinematic camera like the one in the second installment. However, we are not dealing with a remaster, but rather an improved version of the original title.
So these absences don’t make the experience bitter for me. I’m playing Red Dead Redemption again with a smile from ear to ear and under a quality that my 2010 self would not have imagined. I ride again across the steppes of Hennigan’s Stead as excited as the first time I approached what would turn out to be an unforgettable game.
Does Red Dead Redemption make a difference on Switch 2?
I started Red Dead Redemption seven times and finished it seven times… Although, perhaps, I have to start the adventure for the eighth time on Switch 2because even though the improvements are noticeable on PS5, I think the most interesting version is the hybrid console.
Although 4K is not achieved, Resolution reaches 1440p and 60 fps is as stable as on Sony hardware. Added to this is the Switch 2’s compatibility with DLSS and HDR, which gives it a powerful graphical repertoire for performance at almost the highest level.
But technical performance is not what makes the Switch 2 version stand out above the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S (which share the same characteristics), but rather due to two determining factors: portability and mouse mode that is incorporated.
Being able to play Red Dead Redemption wherever you want is something worth paying for, in my humble opinion. And regarding the mouse mode, my colleague Álvaro Alonso has been playing with this control mode and points out that it looks good and different if you are used to a more traditional scheme.
Perhaps the arrangement of the basic action commands with the Joy-Con rotated causes some discomfort when handling, but if you get used to it, you end up enjoying free aiming without the classic shooting assistance that the game already had at the time. John Marston never misses a shot.
I can say little about Red Dead Redemption that hasn’t already been written in the fifteen years that the game has been with us. This game is a legend and the reasons are more than explained. I’m glad more players can enjoy it again or for the first time. I hope we get an improved version of Red Dead Redemption 2 before the release of GTA 6.