PGC NEWS

The gaming world rejoiced when Rockstar Games finally brought Red Dead Redemption to PC. This iconic Western adventure, originally released in 2010, has captivated players for years with its gripping narrative and immersive open world. This review examines the PC port, exploring its strengths and weaknesses.

Red Dead Redemption PC – John Marston in the wilderness

A Smooth Ride Through the Wild West

Porting games from older consoles to PC can be challenging, often resulting in performance issues and compatibility problems. However, Red Dead Redemption’s transition to PC is remarkably smooth. While not a full remaster, the game runs flawlessly on modern hardware, a significant improvement over the original PlayStation 3 version.

Red Dead Redemption PC – In-game Screenshot

Historically, porting from older console architectures to PC presented significant hurdles for developers. Games like Dark Souls Remastered struggled despite the remaster treatment, highlighting the complexities involved. Modern consoles, with architectures closer to PCs, simplify the process, as seen with the successful PC port of God of War. This allowed for enhanced graphics settings and the inclusion of technologies like DLSS and FSR.

Given the challenges, the expectation for Red Dead Redemption PC was a remaster, especially considering the delay compared to the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch releases. However, with a download size similar to the original, it became clear this was a straightforward port.

Red Dead Redemption PC – Western landscape

While graphically unchanged, Red Dead Redemption PC supports 4K resolution, a welcome addition for players with modern displays. The most striking improvement is the frame rate. The original version was often constrained by the PlayStation 3’s hardware, resulting in frame rates below 30fps. On PC, the game runs incredibly smoothly, enhancing the gameplay experience, especially when traversing the vast landscapes. The draw distance has also been significantly improved, showcasing the game’s stunning environments.

Red Dead Redemption PC – Horse riding

A Timeless Tale of Redemption

Red Dead Redemption’s narrative remains a compelling experience. Set before the events of Red Dead Redemption 2, players take on the role of John Marston, a former outlaw seeking to redeem himself by hunting down his former gang members. Despite some dated mechanics, the game’s open world is brimming with life and engaging activities.

Red Dead Redemption PC – John Marston aiming

The game features dynamic random encounters, offering unique scenarios that add depth to the world. These encounters range from stagecoach robberies and cattle herding to wild animal attacks and even interactions with admiring fans. Hidden missions further encourage exploration, a feature often lacking in modern open-world titles. The inclusion of the Undead Nightmare expansion adds another layer of enjoyment for players seeking a different flavor of gameplay.

Red Dead Redemption PC – In-game encounter

The Downsides: Price and Missing Multiplayer

Despite its strengths, Red Dead Redemption PC has two significant drawbacks: its price and the absence of multiplayer. The $50 price tag for a port of a 14-year-old game is steep, especially for those unfamiliar with the title.

Red Dead Redemption PC – Character portrait

The omission of the multiplayer component is perplexing. The original game’s online mode was a significant part of its appeal, offering cooperative missions and competitive gameplay. It even served as a precursor to the immensely popular GTA Online. The reasons for its exclusion are unclear, possibly due to the complexities of integrating the original online infrastructure.

Conclusion

Red Dead Redemption PC offers a compelling and polished experience, bringing a classic Western adventure to a new platform. While the high price and lack of multiplayer are disappointing, the smooth performance and engaging gameplay make it worthwhile for fans of the series and newcomers alike.