The Ultimate Red Dead Redemption Remake Must Preserve This Special Advantage Over RDR2

Rockstar Games is reportedly working on a remake of Red Dead Redemption, which presents an opportunity for the developers to incorporate certain modern elements from its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2. While integrating features from the newer game could enhance the original and bring it up to date, it is important to preserve certain aspects that the original excelled at compared to its sequel. One of these crucial aspects is the way the original game handled the player's interactions with law enforcement.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, when the player engages in criminal activities, lawmen usually arrive in groups of two to four individuals, similar to how the police are portrayed in the Grand Theft Auto series. This approach remains consistent throughout the game's map, regardless of whether the protagonist, Arthur Morgan, is in a bustling city or the desolate deserts of New Austin. However, one town, specifically Armadillo, deviates from this pattern. The previous game takes a notably different approach to these encounters.

Red Dead Redemption's Lawmen Are in Limited Supply

In Red Dead Redemption, the law operated differently, with a lower probability of being pursued for crimes committed outside of towns. Furthermore, in town, larger groups of lawmen would be dispatched, and players had the option to permanently rid the town of police, rather than having to flee. Unlike Red Dead Redemption 2, where endless waves of lawmen are present in both bustling cities and smaller, isolated areas, this original system evokes a more realistic and immersive experience. While a remake of Red Dead Redemption may introduce changes, it is crucial to preserve this system, as it allowed players to experience the thrill of triumph over the law and feel like legendary outlaws.

Red Dead Redemption's Wanted Systems Have Different Goals

One possible reason for the change in the wanted system could be attributed to the tonal differences in Red Dead Redemption 2. The first game had a more intense pace, with John fighting for his family's freedom. In contrast, Arthur's story is more introspective, focusing on his pursuit of doing what is right before his time runs out. This thematic shift is manifested in various aspects of the game. Taking care of horses requires attention and precision, hunting and crafting demand patience, and the level of detail and realism greatly contrast the original game's more cinematic feel. While certain changes from the sequel will likely be implemented in a Red Dead Redemption remake, it is crucial that the remake captures the original release's tone.

Balancing the remake of Red Dead Redemption poses a challenge. Players will undoubtedly expect the same level of attention to detail seen in RDR2, especially considering that most of the original game's map exists in its successor. A successful remake will be able to discern which changes to embrace and which to discard. Even seemingly small details like the ability to clear a town of lawmen hold significance, as their inclusion in a remake would showcase the developers' understanding of what sets the two games apart. Hopefully, Rockstar Games will consider reintroducing this feature in the rumored remake of Red Dead Redemption.

Red Dead Redemption is available on PS3 and Xbox 360.