In a move that brings nostalgia and anticipation in equal measure, Rockstar Games has unveiled plans to re-release the iconic Red Dead Redemption. Unfortunately, to the surprise and chagrin of many, it’s not the grand remaster or remake that fans had been salivating over; it’s a port.
Scheduled to release digitally on August 17 for the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4, the disappointing re-release will get a physical launch on October 13.
Avid gamers can anticipate immersing themselves once again in the rugged and unpredictable world of John Marston, the central character. Marston, an ex-outlaw, undertakes a tumultuous journey, coerced by the U.S. government to hunt down his former gang comrades. As he traverses the ever-expansive American frontier, it will serve to remind players of Rockstar’s storytelling prowess, where the raw, intense narrative of the main campaign contrasts with the supernatural overtones of its Undead Nightmare expansion, which introduced zombies to the western realm.
For fans hoping to experience this Wild West journey on other platforms, the PS4 version offers backward compatibility for PlayStation 5. Xbox enthusiasts might feel left out, but it’s crucial to remember that the original Xbox 360 release is available to play on the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X.
As for those pining for a PC version, well, it remains one of Rockstar’s more inexplicable enigmas.
Behind the scenes, the acclaimed developer Double Eleven, known for hits such as Minecraft Dungeons and Lego Harry Potter games, shoulders the responsibility for this port. Founded by former Rockstar developers in 2009, the partnership carries a tinge of nostalgia, given the shared history.
Interestingly, in a time when game remasters and remakes are seemingly the order of the day – from Final Fantasy VII to The Last of Us and Resident Evil 4 as well as Dead Space – this choice to port without updating the game leaves a part of the fanbase wanting. The modern-day gaming ecosystem, characterized by 4K graphics and smooth 60fps gameplay, perhaps warranted a more modernized treatment for such an iconic game. But Rockstar chose authenticity, preserving the original’s quirks and limitations. It’s worth noting, for instance, that our protagonist Marston still can’t swim, a humorous limitation considering the vast expanses he covers.
Price is another hiccup in this narrative. With a tag of $49.99 for the digital versions and an undisclosed amount for the physical copies, one might argue that Rockstar is asking too high of a premium for an incomplete re-release of a game with minimal improvements for modern platforms.
Despite the controversial decision, there’ still an unbelievable amount of hype surrounding Red Dead Redemption and its arrival on today’s platforms. Originally gracing the gaming world on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010, it was an instant classic. The game’s credentials are studded with numerous Game of the Year awards and an enviable sales record of over 23 million copies. Its 2018 sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, managed to eclipse this, with a whopping 53 million units shipped albeit the series has been effectively put on ice to give Rockstar time to work on the next Grand Theft Auto entry.
It’s essential to frame this new port within Rockstar’s broader strategy. After the tumultuous launch of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — Definitive Edition in 2021, which was marred by bugs and graphical mishaps, the developer has been cautious. This, combined with leaks around the eagerly awaited Grand Theft Auto VI, indicates a phase of introspection and recalibration for Rockstar.
If nothing else, the re-release of Red Dead Redemption is a cautious dip in the water for a developer that’s found itself too often swimming in a vat of toxic waste filled with often-unjustified criticism.
Whether it’s a masterstroke or a missed opportunity, only time – and perhaps sales – will tell.
