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Red Dead Redemption 2

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

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Quick resume

Winner of over 175 Game of the Year Awards and recipient of over 250 perfect scores, RDR2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the modern age. Also includes access to the shared living world of Red Dead Online.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG), Shooter

Pros

  • Deep emotional story and character development
  • Immersive and detailed open world
  • High-quality graphics and sound design
  • Rich gameplay mechanics and activities
  • Long playtime and replayability

Cons

  • Slow pacing may frustrate some players
  • Clunky controls especially on pc
  • Some repetitive or tedious mechanics
  • Online mode less polished and can be disruptive
  • Initial learning curve and complexity

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore, make choices affecting story and character morality, and engage in various activities at their own pace."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game offers skill-based combat, hunting, and survival mechanics with feedback and challenges, though some tasks can be slow or routine."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is primarily on personal story and exploration; multiplayer exists but reviews emphasize solo experience without competitive pressure."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Many players report long playtimes, repeated playthroughs, and deep attachment to characters and world, indicating strong desire to keep playing."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Some mention of online mode and roleplaying communities, but main game experience is largely single-player and individual."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can customize outfits, horses, and engage in roleplaying, though within a structured narrative and world."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize shared story and character development rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong immersion and emotional engagement provide escape from real life; players describe it as a deeply moving experience."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and emotional connection rather than obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Exploration of world, trying different activities, and making moral choices encourage experimentation within the game."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Open world design with dynamic events, secrets, and natural encounters strongly supports discovery and curiosity."

  • Expression
    3

    "Character and horse customization, journal writing, and roleplaying elements allow personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Set in a historical but fictionalized Wild West with some dramatization; more realistic than high fantasy but still imaginative."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some social interaction in online mode and roleplaying communities, but main experience is solitary and story-driven."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in combat, hunting, and strategic decision-making; character progression and story growth are central."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; no indications of physical exercise or rehab elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires sustained attention and immersion; slow pacing and detailed mechanics discourage idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional connection to characters and story creates a sense of closeness, though limited direct social intimacy."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Some narrative elements involve group dynamics and decision-making, but player leadership is limited and shared."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on story advancement, character development, and acquiring items and upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Many players describe calming, immersive experiences with beautiful environments and pacing that supports flow."

  • Sensation
    4

    "High-quality visuals, sound design, and music provide rich sensory stimulation and emotional impact."

  • Status
    -2

    "Recognition is more personal and narrative-based than social or competitive; online status less emphasized."

  • Story
    5

    "Deep narrative immersion with complex characters and emotional storytelling is a core feature."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in tactical combat, resource management, and moral decision-making requiring planning and reasoning."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension in combat and story moments, but overall pacing is deliberate and reflective."

  • Value
    5

    "Players perceive high value for time and money due to depth, length, and emotional impact."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat and outlaw activities are present and enjoyable, though balanced with non-violent interactions and immersion."

  • Survival
    3

    "Survival elements like hunting, resource management, and avoiding threats add challenge and realism."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026