Rockstar Games’ **Red Dead Redemption 2 ** is a sprawling western adventure loaded with detail, and like Red Dead Redemption , there are plenty of mysteries and oddities to discover within its sizeable open-world map. Activities such as hunting, gambling, fishing, chores around camp, and discovering RDR2’s many in-game collectibles all offer up plenty of variety to occupy playt
Similarly, in the original Star Wars trilogy, fans were introduced to one of the most iconic villains of all time and were given fragments of Vader’s backstory, but viewers were still largely only presented with the knowledge that once there was a good man before he put on the helmet. By the time the original trilogy is over, viewers know that Darth Vader was once a promising young Jedi, but they don’t know that actual character, only that he once existed. The prequel trilogy gave layers and depth to the man who would become Lord Vader, painting a portrait of a passionate and ambitious youth not all too unlike how Dutch’s young self is referenced in RDR2 . Each had a vision of the world they wanted to make, and, like Anakin, even as Dutch’s plans continued to fail , they were still plans initially made with the best of intenti
For Anakin Skywalker, his motivator was the love for his family. Anakin’s inability to prevent his mother’s death and his fear of losing Padme exacerbate his transformation, but the seeds of this change were present even before. Anakin was always brash and struggled to control his emotions, often acting in the moment without thinking through his actions. Dutch’s love is more abstract than loving another person, but the love of an ideal is just as powerful and dangerous if it’s not pursued with care. Dutch is not without the motivations of wanting a family, though. Little is revealed about Dutch’s life before the gang , but the pieces that RDR2 does show displays his longing for a family that is free of the burdens of the front
Outside of Red Dead Redemption 2’s main story missions, side quest “Stranger” missions involving various NPCs add to the long list of things to uncover in Rockstar’s widely successful sequel, although some missions are more bizarre than others. Taking the time to listen in to random NPC conversations or explore question marks on the map can lead to rewarding surprises in unexpected pla
Initially, Red Dead Redemption was a simple tale of a reformed outlaw trying desperately to turn from his wicked ways and make an honest life for his family while constantly being dragged back in because of his old gang. Following Arthur Morgan and the Van Der Linde Gang through RDR2, though, made the narrative a larger tale about a complete family of outlaws struggling to continue their way of life set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing frontier as the lawless West gave way to civilization. In doing so, Rockstar made the Van Der Linde Gang and its leader Dutch van der Linde the actual main characters of the franchise, which makes the perfect narrative for Red Dead Redemption 3 to explore the origins of Dutch van der Linde in a similar way the Star Wars prequels showcased the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker. While the western frontier of Red Dead may not be as fraught with heroic saviors and malevolent villains, the tale of a hopeful and ambitious Robin Hood figure turned narcissistic megalomaniac is equally as compelling as the origins of Darth Va
Many great side stories exist alongside the heart-wrenching events of **Red Dead Redemption 2 ** . As Arthur and John experience the trials and adventures of others, their personalities are also explored more deeply, beyond usual criminal activities and the troubles of the gang. The Stranger Missions successfully flesh out the massive open world, making it feel less empty and more al
” The Artist’s Way ” is one of the most entertaining Stranger Missions. Arthur Morgan will encounter Charles Châtenay at a bar, who will ask to be treated to a drink. If players do not buy a drink for him, they will not be able to experience the rest of the mission. After the first encounter with Châtenay, the second part of his Stranger Mission will appear in the form of an attempted murder in Saint Denis. Only after hearing the commotion of Charles being threatened at gunpoint will the Stranger icon appear for players. Seeing as Red Dead Redemption 2 updates Dead Redemption 2’s Saint Denis is naturally loud, it can be all too simple for a player to simply continue on their, especially in a low-Honor playthrough. Failing to respond to the event will prematurely end the questl
If there’s one thing that Red Dead Redemption 2 is often criticized for, it’s the sluggish pace. The game is very meticulous in its tone and pacing, resulting in long stretches of serene horse riding (some may say boring stretches), needlessly extended animations when foraging and skinning animals, cooking food and crafting items,
While Dutch may not have a Chosen One-type prophecy driving his narrative, it would be hard to convince him of it. Dutch believes unequivocally that he is destined to make a utopia for him and his own that fits his fantasy of a free frontier. The original Red Dead Redemption showed Dutch at the very end of his journey when he had no cards left up his sleeve, but even then the enigmatic leader had the last word and ended things on his own terms. When the story roles back to the downfall of the Van Der Linde Gang in RDR2, players see a much more nuanced Dutch with more of the charm and bravado for which he’s known, but that slowly fades as the story progresses. Even as the game foreshadows that he is getting sloppy and erratic, Dutch still showcases hints at the man he was , who was able to inspire all the members to follow
