Summary
Set in 1899,Red Dead Redemption 2follows the Van der Linde gang as they grasp a dying era of American life. It strives for realism within the Western genre, so there is a huge emphasis placed on cowboy hats, duels, and quite importantly, horses. The horses aren’t just for show, and they have been rendered pretty realistically.
If players want to get the most out of their horses, they need to be invested in treating their horses realistically and forming a bond with them. This is something that enhances the game, which is why it should also be a feature ofRed Dead Redemption 2’s successor. Fortunately, with a little imagination, there are several ways that this can be done.
Overall,Red Dead Redemption 2thrives in realism, which is true of the open world, its wildlife, and also of its horses, which play an important role in gameplay. As with real-world horses, wild horses must be tamed before they can be used, which is done via a fun little mini-game involving lassoing a horse, climbing onto it, and trying not to get bucked off. Steeds that have been tamed can then be controlled and, if the player’s bond with the horse is high enough, eventually sold.
RDR 2horsescan also be saddled up and have weapons stored in the saddle. They need to be fed hay, which is one of the chores that can be completed at camp. That’s not the only thing the horses eat, as they can also be fed sugar cubes and apples, to name a few edible items. When riding a steed, its stamina isn’t infinite, and it will eventually grow tired and may even buck the player off if it is over-exerted.
There are also differences between male and female horses, which Arthur Morgan will address differently. In addition to having different genders, there aredifferent breeds of horses inRDR 2and they each have their own unique stats. Some are better at speed while others are less skittish and less likely to bolt during gunfights, so choosing the right type of horse is vital for one’s playing strategy.
Perhaps the most realistic part ofRed Dead Redemption 2’s horses is the bonding process. If players feed, groom, and ride their horses, they develop a stronger bond. With a stronger bond, the horses are able and willing to do more, including cool dressage tricks and horse drifting. Furthermore, they are also less likely to dart away during battles, which is vital for players who want to do their shootouts while on their steed.
A strong bond with a horse means more perks and loyalty from the steed.
Bonding with horses takes time, but the effort is not in vain. A fully bonded horse is easier to control during battles, can be called from further away, and can be sold once the player is done with it. Players will also enjoy increased health and stamina stats for the horse, in addition to making the beast harder to steal. Lastly, a fully bonded horse will also be able to cross more challenging bodies of water. All these perks are worth it, as they make exploring the map a little easier and ensure players don’t have to dismount themselves whenever they come across those pesky O’Driscolls.
The horses ofRDR 2are a step up from its predecessor. For example, inRed Dead Redemption, it’s possible to whistle for one’s horse from any distance, while inRDR 2, one has to be within earshot of the beast to call it. The added realism helps to make the overall game feel more immersive and stresses the importance of horses in the overall gameplay.
Not only shouldRed Dead Redemption 3retain the realism of its predecessor, it should up the ante. It should have horseshoes that need replacement, horses should be able to stop and drink at rivers and lakes, and they should be able to get sick. Dressage should also be expanded upon and players should be able to teach horses more cool tricks. These tricks should not just be for show, but should also be useful in gameplay scenarios.
RDR 3 should go one step ahead and give horses individual personalities. Depending on their breed, some horses can be stubborn, and some can be more willing to get trained.
On the more extreme end of things, horses can have individual personalities independent of their breed. Some horses should just be stubborn and refuse to be trained, while others should be more pliable and willing to work with the player. Horses could also be given a lifespan, with older horses eventually performing worse and tiring out. This would make for a more realistic game overall and would add more depth to gameplay.
Red Dead Redemption 2is an amazing gaming achievement that captures the Western Frontier before industrialization. Although it annoys some players who would rather have things go quicker,RDR 2takes its time immersing players in its worldwith its realism. Having realistic horses is one of the ways it does that, and this is somethingRed Dead Redemption 3should replicate.
Red Dead Redemption 2
WHERE TO PLAY
America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him. From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age.
