Years of development, the wifes of Rockstar San Diego and 100 Million Dollars later the day has finally come, Red Dead Redemption has arrived on store shelves world wide. Despite the countless rumors, several delays and other obstacles facing the famed developer which also elevated franchises such as Grand Theft Auto to blockbuster levels has finally delivered the sequel to Red Dead Revolver. While the game carries the Red Dead name it is nothing like its predecessor. Red Dead Revolver was more of a linear experience watered down to arcade shooter type scenarios. Redemption is different, it truly is an open world to explore and lose yourself in. Players will take command of John Marston, an ex-outlaw left to die by his former gang who is now trying to take revenge.

The first 2 or 3 hours of the game made it very clear, this is a polished game with Class-A voice acting and game mechanics in a beautifully landscaped western environment surrounded by NPCs that actually make the players feel as though they are part of a live world including active and often vicious wild life. Having gone through the first few hours I can comfortably say that this is a lot like GTA IV in a Western setting, which is a good thing. The controls are close to GTA IV and make players feel right at home while introducing the weapons wheel which works very well.

I won't go through all the details here in this first impressions piece but let me answer a few burning questions I had before getting hands on with RDR. John controls a little heavier compared to the floaty Nico from Liberty City and the horses feel solid as well, be careful though as you can get knocked of your steed when pushing it too hard. The gunplay is also reminiscent to GTA IV with lock-on or free aim, both feel and work great and combined with the signature 'Dead Eye Vision' aka bullet time become a deadly combination and fun as hell. There are, of course the usually story missions which introduce characters and game mechanics as well as the trading system in the game. Players can also purchase properties which become safe houses, play 5 finger fillet or poker all night long. Those are only a few things you will be able to do in RDR, I had a lot of fun bounty hunting and killing of gangs trying to cause trouble in town followed by looting of the dead bodies.

Red Dead Redemption has been excellent so far and we will post an onPoint later giving you the ultimate recommendation but as of now it has been an addicting, fun and fulfilling first few hours.