Release Date : October 29, 2024
Developer(s) : Rockstar Games, Double Eleven
Publisher(s) : Rockstar Games
Platforms : PC
PC gamers are really patient. 14 years after the release of Red Dead Redemption on consoles, Rockstar Games finally brought this classic to their preferred platform, and they did it with style. This 10th Art classic returns from the dead in 2024 to keep the legend of the Wild West alive!
Table of Contents
A Timeless Western Epic
Rockstar Games has a knack for revolutionizing the gaming industry with each release of its video games. Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto V, and Grand Theft Auto IV on a smaller scale, have paralyzed the market and set gamers’ hearts on fire. But another creation from North American studios, still based on the successful formula of the open-world action-adventure video game, conquered the gaming community when it was first released in 2010.
Red Dead Redemption goes beyond the simple status of “GTA with a Western twist”. It redefines the genre and takes it into a new era… an era of cinematic-video-game productions drawing on cinematic art to create unique virtual experiences like never before. Developed and published by Rockstar, the title has received wide praise from critics for its breathtaking visuals, Hollywood-style direction, rich open world, sharp gameplay, and charming characters. And none of this has changed in three decades. On the contrary, some things improve with age, even if this first episode can’t compete with its direct heir… Red Dead Redemption 2.
However, John Marston is not alone. He lands on PC with a horde of stubborn zombies chasing him. The cinema-inspired Undead Nightmares expansion completes the main adventure, transforming the world of Red Dead Redemption into a breeding ground for the apocalypse. With over 25 hours to complete the two main campaigns and more than 60 hours to explore every inch of the game, PC players won’t be leaving North America anytime soon. Like its outstanding lifespan, Rockstar Games’ title meets all the criteria for a “classic” to experience at least once in your gaming life.
A PC Version Fit for a Legend
There’s a before and after to Red Dead Redemption. It was so ahead of its time that it is still quite enjoyable 14 years after its original release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. RDR hasn’t aged a day (or almost), and is a real pleasure to enjoy on PC. However, we should point out that this “port” is based on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 versions, as well as Xbox One X optimization, and benefits from the various technical improvements present in these versions, plus a few new features.
Red Dead Redemption is fully experienced on PC at 144fps, with a native 4K resolution display (or via an AI-calculated upscale – DLSS) at its best. Moreover, it supports ultra-wide (21:9) and super ultra-wide (32:9) screens, which should delight tech enthusiasts. Rockstar Games, in collaboration with Double Eleven (a studio founded by Rockstar alumni), has produced an outstanding PC version of this timeless gaming adventure, allowing players to (re)discover it from a fresh perspective.
Advanced players can explore the various graphical options to optimize their epic journey through the rough lands of the Wild West. You can modify the display distance, the level of detail of shadows and scenery elements, activate or deactivate motion blur, etc., in order to maximize the resources at your disposal. Last but not least, Red Dead Redemption fully supports keyboard/mouse peripherals, along with controllers for those wishing to enjoy a “console” experience. The only drawbacks are a few minor bugs, which occasionally bring a sincere smile to your face.
Conclusion
It feels amazing to saddle up and ride to the Wild West with John Marston again! Red Dead Redemption, a masterpiece that defies age, shines even brighter on PC. Every detail, every moment, feels as fresh as the day it was first experienced. The ability to explore this vast, open world at 144fps in stunning 4K is a dream come true. 14 years after its initial release on consoles, Rockstar Games’ Western masterpiece performs well on PC, even though it naturally feels different when compared to the enhanced experience of Red Dead Redemption 2.