Hey there, partner! Saddle up, because we’re about to take a ride through the wild world of Red Dead Redemption Remastered. Rockstar’s beloved Western epic is back in the saddle, but is it the remaster we’ve all been dreaming of, or just another tumbleweed rolling through town? Let’s dive in and see what all the fuss is about!
The Good, The Bad, and The Remastered: What’s New?
Alright, folks, let’s get the big question out of the way: What exactly is new in this remastered version of Red Dead Redemption? Well, hold onto your hats, because the answer might just blow them right off.
Resolution Boost: Sharper Than a Cactus Needle
First up, we’ve got a resolution boost. The game now runs at 4K on PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 (via backwards compatibility). That’s a big step up from the original 720p on older consoles. Everything looks sharper than the edge of a newly polished hunting knife.
“This version of the game runs at 4K and 30fps on the PlayStation 4 Pro and the PlayStation 5 via backwards compatibility. So while the rest of the game’s graphics are untouched, the higher resolution (it ran at 720p back in the day) does make it look much sharper than the original and more suitable for large screens.”
AMD’s FSR2: Smooth as Whiskey
They’ve added AMD’s FSR2 temporal upscaling and anti-aliasing tech. In plain English? The game looks smoother and has less of that shimmery effect, especially in foliage. It’s like someone ironed out all those rough edges.
Shadow Improvements: No More Blob Shadows
The shadows in the game have gotten a bit of a makeover too. They’re sharper and more defined now, which is a nice touch. Sometimes they might look a bit too sharp, but hey, at least they’re not the blob-like messes they used to be.
Framerate: Steady as She Goes
The game runs at a rock-solid 30fps. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Only 30fps? In 2023?” Yeah, it’s a bit of a bummer. But on the bright side, it’s stable as a horse with four good legs. Even in Undead Nightmare when the screen is crawling with zombies, that framerate doesn’t budge.
What’s the Same: Oldies but Goodies
Now, let’s talk about what hasn’t changed, because there’s quite a bit.
Graphics: A Blast from the Past
Aside from the resolution boost, the graphics are pretty much as they were back in 2010. Textures, models, animations – they’re all taking us on a nostalgic trip back to the Xbox 360 days.
UI: A Bit Fuzzy Around the Edges
Oddly enough, the UI hasn’t gotten the same resolution boost as the rest of the game. Menus, icons, and text are still in 720p, which makes them look a bit fuzzy on modern 4K TVs. It’s like trying to read a wanted poster through a sandstorm.
Gameplay: If It Ain’t Broke…
The gameplay remains untouched. It’s the same Red Dead Redemption you know and love, warts and all. No new mechanics, no tweaks to the controls – just good old John Marston doing what he does best.
The Switch Version: Red Dead on the Go
Now, let’s mosey on over to the Nintendo Switch version. It’s pretty exciting to be able to play Red Dead Redemption on a handheld, right? But how does it hold up?
Resolution and Performance: Surprisingly Solid
On the Switch, the game runs at 1080p docked and 720p in handheld mode. The framerate generally sticks to 30fps, with only occasional dips during intense moments. It’s not perfect, but it’s a darn sight better than the original Xbox 360 version.
Visual Differences: A Little Less Shine
The Switch version doesn’t get the fancy FSR2 tech that the PlayStation version does. Instead, it uses FXAA, which isn’t quite as effective at smoothing out those rough edges. The shadows aren’t quite as improved either. But hey, you’re playing Red Dead Redemption on a portable console – that’s pretty cool, right?
The Elephant in the Room: Is It Worth $50?
Alright, partners, it’s time to address the rattlesnake in the room – the price. This remastered version is being sold for $50, which is causing quite a stir in the saloon.
What You’re Getting
For your $50, you’re getting:
- The original Red Dead Redemption
- The Undead Nightmare expansion
- A resolution boost to 4K (on compatible systems)
- Improved anti-aliasing and shadows
- The ability to play on PS4, PS5, and Switch
What You’re Not Getting
But here’s what you’re not getting:
- Any significant graphical overhaul
- 60fps performance
- New content or gameplay features
- A native PS5 version
The Value Proposition
Now, $50 for a 13-year-old game, even one as good as Red Dead Redemption, is a tough pill to swallow. Especially when you consider that the Xbox version, which has been available for years, can be bought for around $25.
“Had they launched this at £25 to match the existing Xbox store version it would be a more palatable product.”
It’s hard not to feel like this is a missed opportunity. A few more improvements or additions could have made this a much more attractive package.
Why Red Dead Redemption Still Matters
Now, before we get too caught up in what this remaster isn’t, let’s take a moment to remember why Red Dead Redemption is such a big deal in the first place.
A Timeless Tale of Redemption
At its core, Red Dead Redemption tells a compelling story of a man trying to escape his past and protect his family. John Marston is a complex, flawed hero that players can’t help but root for.
A Living, Breathing Wild West
The game’s open world is still a joy to explore. From dusty frontier towns to wide-open prairies, Red Dead Redemption captures the essence of the Wild West like few other games have.
Gameplay That (Mostly) Holds Up
While some aspects of the gameplay might feel a bit dated, the core loop of exploring, shooting, and horse riding is still satisfying. And let’s not forget about those tense duels at high noon!
Undead Nightmare: A Zombie Western? Yes, Please!
The inclusion of the Undead Nightmare expansion is a big plus. This zombie-themed add-on is a blast to play through, offering a fun twist on the base game’s formula.
Who Should Saddle Up for Red Dead Redemption Remastered?
Alright, partners, let’s break down who might want to give this remastered version a shot.
New Players
If you’ve never played Red Dead Redemption before, this is a great opportunity to experience a classic. Especially if you loved Red Dead Redemption 2 and want to see where it all began.
Switch Owners
For Nintendo fans, this is your first chance to play Red Dead Redemption on a Nintendo console. Being able to play this epic Western on the go is pretty cool.
PlayStation Die-Hards
If you’re all in on the PlayStation ecosystem and don’t have access to an Xbox, this is your chance to play Red Dead Redemption natively on your system.
Hardcore Fans
If you absolutely love Red Dead Redemption and want to support the franchise, or if you’re dying to play it again with slightly improved visuals, this might be for you.
Who Might Want to Hold Their Horses
| Who Might Want to Hold Their Horses | Reason |
|---|
| Xbox Owners | Can play the original version through backward compatibility at a lower price. |
| Graphics Enthusiasts | It’s not a full remake with modern graphics; just a refreshed version of the 2010 game. |
| Framerate Fanatics | The remaster is stuck at 30fps, which may disappoint players used to 60fps gameplay. |
| Budget-Conscious Gamers | The $50 price tag may seem too high for a 13-year-old game with minimal improvements. |
The Verdict: A Remaster That’s More Whimper Than Bang
So, what’s the final word on Red Dead Redemption Remastered? Well, it’s complicated, partner.
On one hand, Red Dead Redemption is still a fantastic game. The story, the characters, the world – it all holds up remarkably well. Playing through John Marston’s journey again (or for the first time) is a treat, especially if you’ve played Red Dead Redemption 2 and want to see how the story continues (or begins, depending on how you look at it).
The visual improvements, while not groundbreaking, do make a difference. The higher resolution and improved anti-aliasing make the game look sharper and cleaner than ever before. It’s easier than ever to get lost in those beautiful Wild West vistas.
But on the other hand, it’s hard not to feel a bit disappointed by the scope of this remaster. In an era where we’ve seen impressive remakes and remasters that go above and beyond, Red Dead Redemption Remastered feels a bit… lazy.
The lack of 60fps support is a real head-scratcher. We know it’s possible – modders have achieved it on PC emulators. So why couldn’t Rockstar, with all their resources, make it happen?
And then there’s the price. $50 for what amounts to a resolution boost and some minor visual tweaks feels steep, especially when the Xbox version has been available for years at half the price.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Red Dead Redemption Remastered?
At the end of the day, whether Red Dead Redemption Remastered is worth your hard-earned cash depends on a few factors:
- Have you played it before? If not, and you don’t have access to an Xbox, this is a great way to experience a true classic.
- Are you a Switch owner dying to play Red Dead on the go? If so, this might be worth the price of admission.
- Are you a die-hard fan who just wants to support the franchise? Go for it, partner.
- Are you an Xbox owner or someone who’s played the game before? You might want to hold onto your money unless you’re really itching to play it again.
- Were you hoping for a ground-up remake with modern graphics and gameplay tweaks? You’re better off waiting to see if Rockstar ever decides to give Red Dead Redemption the full remake treatment.
In the end, Red Dead Redemption Remastered is a solid, if unambitious, way to play one of the greatest games of all time. It’s just a shame that it doesn’t do more to justify its price tag or truly bring the game into the modern era.
But hey, even if this remaster isn’t the showstopper we were hoping for, Red Dead Redemption itself is still a rootin’ tootin’ good time. So if you do decide to saddle up, you’re in for one hell of a ride through the Wild West. Just make sure you’re okay with paying a premium for the ticket.
Happy trails, partners!