Must-Have Characters for a Red Dead Redemption Prequel

Article Key Points

Red Dead Redemption 2's immersive gameplay and detailed open world made it a hit among gamers, with simulator-like mechanics that create a realistic experience.

It is doubtful that Red Dead Redemption 3 will take place after the first two games due to the limited potential for new exploration in the American Wild West setting. Consequently, opting to go back in time and delve into the early days of the Van der Linde Gang would be the optimal choice for expanding the story. This would provide an opportunity to give characters such as Dutch, Hosea, Arthur, Javier, and Bill more significant roles and further explore their backgrounds.

Red Dead Redemption 2 captivated the gaming community for multiple reasons. Its vast open world is filled with intricate details, immersing players like never before. The game's mechanics, particularly in terms of character interaction and the environment, were unparalleled at the time of its release. These realistic elements provide players with an incredibly immersive experience, making them feel a part of the game's world alongside the members of the Van der Linde Gang.

Despite the unconventional idea of moving back in time again, Red Dead Redemption 3 is unlikely to take place after the events of the original or second game. Both previous entries in the series have already explored the American Wild West's closing period, leaving little room for further exploration. Moving forward would mean abandoning the iconic cowboy themes that have defined the series thus far. Instead, the best option would be to return to a previous era, allowing for more time spent with beloved characters from RDR2.

Plenty of Characters from Red Dead Redemption 2 Deserve More Screen Time

Dutch van der Linde and Hosea Matthews

Dutch and Hosea play significant roles in Arthur Morgan's life as father figures and leaders of the Van Der Linde gang, a group they formed alongside Arthur and Susan Grimshaw. Exploring Dutch and Hosea's early experiences would provide a compelling foundation for a potential Red Dead Redemption 3. While Red Dead Redemption 2 focuses on Dutch's descent into madness and the gang's ultimate demise, understanding why people initially believed in him would be captivating. The bond between Hosea and Dutch serves as the bedrock of the gang, making it even more impactful to witness the tragic collapse of their relationship in the second game. Additionally, delving into the gang's origins would offer an opportunity to reconnect with beloved characters from the earlier stages of their development.

Arthur Morgan

Arthur Morgan, the central character in Red Dead Redemption 2, captivated fans of the game. However, his story concludes in the second installment, leaving players yearning for more. Exploring the gang's origins would provide an opportunity for Rockstar Games to introduce a younger version of Arthur Morgan. Delving deeper into his character would strengthen the bond between players and this beloved protagonist. Moreover, uncovering his relationship with Dutch and Hosea could yield exceptional storytelling material for a game centered around their dynamic. Considering that the 1870s, during Arthur's youth, appears to be a likely setting for Red Dead Redemption 3, omitting this character would be a profound disappointment.

Javier Escuella

Javier Escuella possesses a captivating history. Growing up in Mexico under the care of an alcoholic, Escuella witnessed the unjustifiable execution of his uncle and several other individuals who dared to advocate for fair wages. This haunting experience left an indelible mark on Javier's character, propelling him towards a prominent career as a bounty hunter and political revolutionary. As time went on, Escuella took the life of a powerful figure and, consumed by the fear of endangering his family, made the difficult decision to seek refuge in America. Eventually finding solace and companionship amongst the Van der Linde Gang, he discovered a new purpose. With its rich cultural backdrop, Mexico would undoubtedly serve as an exceptional setting for Red Dead Redemption 3, and Javier's profound backstory presents an ideal foundation for a standalone game.

Bill Williamson

Bill Williamson's backstory is filled with tragedy. He grew up with an alcoholic parent who slowly lost their sanity, which always made him fear a similar fate. He ended up joining the military but was discharged due to his involvement in attempted murder and what was then referred to as deviancy, a term commonly used to describe homosexuality during that time period. Despite finding solace within the Van der Linde Gang, Bill frequently faces subtle teasing about his sexuality from those around him. The lack of trust and poor treatment he experiences from Dutch ultimately lead to the creation of the notorious Williamson Gang in the original game. Exploring Bill's character further would enhance the tragic nature of his descent into a life of crime. It would be intriguing to delve into his early years within the Van der Linde Gang, just like the other mentioned characters.

Red Dead Redemption 2

RDR2 is an action/adventure game with a Western theme developed by Rockstar. It serves as a prequel to Red Dead Redemption and follows the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw who navigates through various challenges posed by other outlaws, the government, and troublemakers across the land.

Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia

Release Date: October 26, 2018

Developer: Rockstar Games

Genre: Action, Adventure

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer

Engine: RAGE

ESRB Rating: M for Mature - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

Estimated Completion Time: 50 Hours

Metascore: 97

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of the Red Dead Redemption series, I am thrilled at the prospect of a prequel exploring the early days of the Van der Linde gang. The rich ensemble of characters in Red Dead Redemption 2 captivated players, and I believe that returning to this era would provide an opportunity for Rockstar Games to delve deeper into their backgrounds and motivations.

Expanding on the stories of Dutch van der Linde, Hosea Matthews, Arthur Morgan, Javier Escuella, and Bill Williamson would be a fascinating endeavor. In particular, I am eager to learn more about Dutch's descent into madness and the tragic collapse of his relationship with Hosea. Exploring the gang's origins would also allow Rockstar Games to introduce a younger version of Arthur Morgan, strengthening the bond between players and this beloved protagonist.