Red Dead Redemption's Enigmatic Ports Surpass The Last of Us Part 1: A Riveting Comparison

Highlights

There has recently been disappointment surrounding the ports of Red Dead Redemption onto the Switch and PS4, as fans were hoping for a remaster or remake instead.

Fans didn't show a high demand for a remake of The Last of Us Part 1, however, players appreciated the gameplay changes and enhanced immersion in the updated version.

While Red Dead Redemption fans eagerly anticipated a remake with the same graphical quality as its sequel, it appears unlikely that a remake or remaster will happen anytime soon.

Now that the rumors of a potential resurgence of Red Dead Redemption have surfaced, the actual release has proven to be much less thrilling than anticipated. While a remaster or remake would have elevated the game to new heights, it is instead being made available on the Switch and PS4. It is disappointing that it is not receiving the same level of attention as The Last of Us Part 1, especially considering the contrasting reception these two titles have received.

Red Dead Redemption is already accessible on current-gen Xbox consoles through backward compatibility, and the new PS4 port essentially serves the same purpose on PS5. However, it is safe to assume that the Switch port will not deliver exceptional technical performance. While increasing accessibility to Rockstar's iconic Western epic is commendable, the update is underwhelming as fans were hoping for a dedicated remaster or remake, unlike The Last of Us Part 1.

Nobody Needed a Remake of The Last of Us

The remake of The Last of Us Part 1 faced divided opinions among fans, as there wasn't a strong demand for it. Despite its outdated graphics, the gameplay of The Last of Us still holds up well. Fans were hesitant to spend more money on a game they may have already purchased multiple times. Although there were subtle gameplay changes, it helped cater to the desire of PS5 players and created a cohesive experience with the sequel. Adding "Part 1" in the title helped differentiate it and allowed for a seamless playthrough when combined with The Last of Us Part 2. Surprisingly, fans of Red Dead Redemption don't seem to have the same aversion to remakes, despite the additional cost.

Everyone Wanted a Red Dead Redemption Remake

While Red Dead Redemption doesn't necessarily require a remaster or remake due to its condition, it would be amazing if both games were available with the same stunning graphics as its sequel. Some fans hoped for a Red Dead Redemption remaster in conjunction with a current-gen update for Red Dead Redemption 2, but it seems that the original game won't receive the attention fans believe it deserves. The upcoming release of Red Dead Redemption on PS4 alongside its sequel will only highlight the significant differences in gameplay and visuals on the same console.

Although remaking Red Dead Redemption to match the graphical standard of its sequel would pose a significant challenge and require a considerable amount of development time, fans would have been willing to wait if it meant the final product met their expectations. The Last of Us showcased the feasibility of re-rendering an original game to achieve the same hyperrealism as its visually superior sequel, making it unfortunate that Rockstarr chose not to do the same.

Red Dead Redemption is available now for PS3 and Xbox 360 with PS4 and Switch versions coming August 17.