The original Red Dead Redemption, a landmark title in the gaming world, has made its much-anticipated return, coinciding perfectly with the Halloween season. First launched in 2010, this iconic game is now available on PC, allowing players to immerse themselves in the captivating narrative of “Grand Theft Auto with cowboys,” enhanced for contemporary hardware.
In addition to the main game, players are encouraged not to overlook the acclaimed Undead Nightmare expansion, which serves as a thrilling post-quest experience, perfect for those seeking a zombie-themed adventure after the main storyline.
Despite the ongoing trend of remasters and remakes, Red Dead Redemption had remained absent from PC and modern consoles until now, aside from a minimal release on the Nintendo Switch. This absence was particularly surprising given the fervent demand from fans over the past 15 years, especially those who were introduced to the franchise through the wildly successful Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. As a prequel to the original game, the timing of this release allows players to experience the full arc of anti-hero John Marston’s journey, from beginning to end, on PC.
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Set shortly after the events of Red Dead 2, players take on the role of John Marston, who must track down former gang members to safeguard his family. This game marked a significant milestone for Rockstar, showcasing their cinematic storytelling prowess within a richly detailed open world. Players can expect heart-pounding missions and a refined slow-motion shooting mechanic that was further polished in the sequel. While the game’s length may be shorter than some modern titles, spanning approximately 20 to 30 hours depending on side quests, its ambition and execution were groundbreaking for its time.
Old game, new tricks
However, it’s essential to remember that this is still a 14-year-old title, and certain aspects, such as facial animations and environmental density, may appear somewhat dated in 2024. Fortunately, the PC port allows for significant enhancements, enabling players to leverage modern GPU and CPU capabilities. Rockstar, in collaboration with Double Eleven, has successfully integrated numerous contemporary features into this port.
Players can enjoy ultra-high resolutions up to 4K, refresh rates reaching 144Hz, and support for ultrawide monitors. The game also offers adjustable draw distances and compatibility with HDR displays, enhancing visual contrast, particularly during sunset scenes that transform the open plains into a fiery spectacle. Additionally, the inclusion of DLSS frame generation technology allows for remarkably high frame rates, showcasing the game’s potential on modern hardware.
This release represents the optimal way to experience Red Dead Redemption, with seamless scaling for handheld devices like the Steam Deck, distinguishing it from the less favorable Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — Definitive Edition that struggled with its modern reinterpretation.
B-movie magic
As I prepare to revisit Red Dead Redemption, I find myself particularly excited about exploring the Undead Nightmare expansion, which has long been on my list since its original Halloween launch in 2010. This expansion transforms the Wild West into a setting for a vintage zombie outbreak, infusing the game with a campy horror vibe reminiscent of B-movies. With a six-hour adventure packed with unique weaponry, including holy water and a blunderbuss, it blends the styles of George A. Romero and Sergio Leone.
Players can even tame the four horses of the apocalypse, each offering distinct abilities as they navigate through hordes of the undead. Undead Nightmare promises a delightfully gory experience, making it an ideal choice for a Halloween gaming session. It’s a missed opportunity that Rockstar did not develop a similar expansion for Red Dead Redemption 2, as the level of detail in that game would have elevated the horror experience to new heights.
However, one aspect that may raise eyebrows is the pricing, set at £39.99 / .99. This cost feels steep for a port that, while solid, does not undergo a complete remaster. Unlike other recent re-releases, such as Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which offers upgrades for existing owners at a lower price, this port retains the essence of the original game while enhancing its performance through modern technology. Yet, for those who have yet to experience John Marston’s poignant story, the investment is likely worth it, promising a rewarding journey through one of the most celebrated games in modern history.
