Equally Embracing Closure: A Comparative Analysis of The Last of Us 2 and Red Dead Redemption 2

Highlights

Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us 2 are hailed as immersive games, featuring impressive visuals and mature storytelling that doesn't spoon-feed the audience.

Red Dead Redemption 2 depicts the intricate narrative of Arthur Morgan, a member of a gang, whose journey involves love, betrayal, and self-sacrifice for the betterment of his comrade, John Marston.

Similarly, The Last of Us 2 delves into themes of grief and unresolved emotions, showcasing the pursuits of revenge by characters like Ellie and Abby. Their desperate search for closure leads to devastating consequences in their personal connections and existence.

Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us 2 were acclaimed as two of the most captivating games of the previous console generation. Their reputation stems from various factors. Both games boast stunning visual aesthetics and graphics that have stood the test of time, even after three years into the console generation's existence. Moreover, both Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us 2 are renowned for their exceptional storytelling. While TLoU2's narrative sparked controversy among fans, the storytelling in both games presents content in a mature manner that challenges its audience. This unique approach to storytelling contributes to the immersive experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2 serves as a prequel, narrating the tale of Arthur Morgan, a lifelong member of the Van der Linde Gang. Within the gang, Arthur has discovered a profound sense of belonging under the guidance of its founders, Dutch and Hosea. Despite the gang's involvement in heinous crimes and the gruesome deaths of some members, Arthur remains devoted to them and considers it his home. The game commences with the gang on the run, chronicling Arthur's final days as he grapples with a terminal illness and ultimately betrays the gang to secure the freedom of his fellow member, John Marston.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Tells a Complex Story

Arthur Morgan and his story are adored for their intricacy. He displays both immense love for those around him and commits terrible acts of evil. Although deeply loyal to Dutch, Arthur's negligent and self-centered actions lead to the demise of more and more members of their gang. Unable to escape his past, Arthur seizes the opportunity to redeem himself in his final days. Aware of his impending death due to illness, he sacrifices himself to allow John Marston to escape the group. While players of the previous game know that John cannot evade his own past, Arthur dies to grant him and his family the chance to live a more honest life, an opportunity he perhaps wished he had for himself.

Despite their historically turbulent relationship, Arthur's death leaves much unspoken between him and John. Although grateful, John is still left without a clear resolution. This aspect serves as a parallel to The Last of Us 2's narrative. The story alternates between the perspectives of Ellie and Abby, the daughter of the doctor Joel killed in order to save Ellie in the first game. Seeking revenge, Abby arrives in Jackson and murders Joel, only to find herself feeling hollow afterward. Subsequently, Ellie embarks on her own vendetta, while Abby tries to protect her loved ones and cope with her lack of closure. When Ellie finally encounters Abby, she chooses not to kill her. Recognizing that revenge will not rectify the situation, Ellie comes to terms with the fact that her quest has resulted in the loss of many friends and the absence of her partner's companionship.

A Lack of Closure Defines The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us 2 both convey powerful messages, derived from unresolved personal stories. The unspoken tension between John Marston and Arthur Morgan, as well as Abby Anderson and Ellie Williams, stems from the absence of closure surrounding their father figures' deaths. Ellie and Joel were in the midst of reconciling their differences when tragedy struck, intensifying the sorrow of their severed connection. This parallel echoes the dynamic between John and Arthur, wherein gratitude is overshadowed by an unrepayable debt.

The absence of closure in both Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Last of Us 2 significantly contributes to their ability to captivate the audience. In reality, death and loss often catch us off guard, and no amount of preparation can fully brace us for their impact. These stories effectively capture the aftermath of sudden loss, the struggle to find meaning, and the perpetual absence of closure. This narrative element not only immerses players in the games, but also establishes them as some of the most poignant video game experiences ever told.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.