Three Reasons Red Dead Redemption is better than RDR2 (and three it is not)
Besides the nostalgic factor of Red Dead Redemption, there are other qualities that make many players choose the first RDR as the better game.
Three reasons RDR is better than the second installment
The shooting mechanics of the first Red Dead are far better than the system in place for RDR2. Guns are overall weaker in the second installment of Red Dead Redemption. Pistols like the Schofield or Cattleman revolver can take several shots to severely wound or kill your enemy. In RDR2 there is also random gun sway that affects the player’s ability to consistently shoot at enemies. The tackle enemy mechanic in RDR2 often gets in the way of a fight and causes damage to Arthur Morgan.
Secondly, the health system between the two games severely varies. Arthur in RDR2 has a much larger health reservoir that can be elevated during gameplay. The player has an almost infinite amount of health tonics that can basically cure Arthur from near death. John Marston’s health system in the original game does not have the depth of Arthur’s. He also has less storage to carry tonics. This makes gameplay more intense than the second game and forces the player to be cautious. Arthur on the other hand can practically tank through an ambush and remain unscathed.
Ultimately, the classic western feel is more obvious in the first Red Dead Redemption. Duels are less seen in RDR2, with only a few in the game. The first Red Dead has an option to duel any enemy or NPC. Bounty hunts are also absurdly scarce in RDR2, with the payout often underwhelming. In the original, bounty hunts are infinite. While exploring Red Dead Redemption’s original map, the player will frequently stumble across random events in the wilderness. A character is in danger from wild animals, officers, and/or bandits. Even though the original had a smaller map, it somehow has more occurrences.
There are also more gang hideouts to be found and ambushed, even though the first installment has a smaller map.
Conversely, there is also debate on why RDR2 is better than the original
Firstly, the map size of RDR2 is much larger than the original, at an estimated 75 square miles compared to the original 31 square kilometers. This gives the player much more space to explore. With such a vast amount of space, the player has more desire to keep discovering within the map.
The story within RDR2 gives a perfect backdrop to the original while adding new elements. John is a closed-off and stubborn character. Arthur, however, has many heart-to-hearts with characters during missions. He also updates his journal as the story moves along, granting the character access to his mind and emotions. While the gang inevitably falls apart, Arthur also has to deal with tuberculosis. As he goes through this ailment, he gets visions that differ based on his honor level. These elements are not seen in the original game and add a new perspective for the player.
The graphics in RDR2 are simply unbeatable. Rockstar Games took eight years to make RDR2. The game is exquisitely made and beautiful to the eyes, largely due to their massive attention to detail from the company. Overall, the second has fewer bugs and glitches. On both PC and console, it is hard to run over 30 fps. The graphics so good that mainstream consoles can’t keep up.
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