Highlights
Red Dead Redemption 2 received widespread praise for its richly detailed open world, which includes a mix of original locations and areas from the first game.
The game's meticulous attention to the small elements, such as the advancement of building and the destruction of forests, profoundly influences players, resulting in a rich and realistic game world.
Within the game, the Abandoned Town of Pleasance stands out as a chilling and enigmatic place. It is brimming with tombstones and graffiti that allude to a massacre and an epidemic-like scenario. The town's history remains unsettled, enhancing the game's captivating narrative.
Red Dead Redemption 2 received universal acclaim upon its 2018 release, praised by both gamers and critics. One major highlight was its vast open world, featuring a plethora of new locations as well as a significant portion of the first game's map. Far from being empty, the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 was brimming with mysteries.
The game is meticulously crafted, immersing players in a dense and lifelike world. However, it is often the subtle details that leave the most profound impact on certain players. For instance, the world evolves as buildings are constructed and logging camps progressively deforest the landscape. Another intriguing example is the Abandoned Town of Pleasance.
The Mystery of the Abandoned Town of Pleasance
The Abandoned Town of Pleasance is a haunting location within the game, evoking a sense of horror. Situated in the swampy region of Lemoyne, alongside the bustling city of Saint Denis, Pleasance is easily overlooked amidst the intricate details present in Red Dead Redemption 2. According to a sign outside the town, it was founded in August 1883 but mysteriously abandoned just a month later. The eerie discoveries within Pleasance intensify the intrigue.
Exploring the town, players will stumble upon a church with a graveyard containing 10 graves. These resting places belong to individuals of various ages, tragically killed in September 1883, a mere month after the town's establishment. Their deaths were caused by gunshot wounds and stab injuries, leaving a distressing puzzle behind. However, not everyone perished in this massacre. One survivor remained to bury the deceased and mark their graves. The fate of the survivor, whether they eventually departed or met a similar tragic end, remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Further inspection of the town also reveals derogatory messages scrawled on the walls of a house, stating "ILL WITH SIN" and "UNCLEAN SINNERS". Additionally, the graffiti handwriting and format seen on the house are replicated on a nearby barn, which warns others to "STAY OUT PLAGUE". Disappointingly, players are unable to enter the barn and can only catch a glimpse of its empty interior by triggering a visual glitch.
The Many Details of Red Dead Redemption 2
Due to the immense scale of the game, it is quite possible for enthusiasts to overlook various aspects in Rockstar's most recent Western installment. The map of Red Dead Redemption 2 has been likened to that of Skyrim's, and its extensive data size was among the largest ever witnessed during its launch. Nevertheless, this substantial magnitude ensured that the game was replete with intricate particulars.
Red Dead Redemption 2 featured a multitude of easily overlooked side quests, ranging from mundane and forgettable to bizarre and unforgettable. These quests often entailed multiple tasks for various characters, altering their lives for better or for worse. Interestingly, some of the game's most memorable moments were not directly tied to the main narrative. The Abandoned Town of Pleasance serves as a prime example.
Regrettably, it seems highly unlikely that the enigma of Pleasance will ever be fully unraveled. The town itself lacks any additional contextual clues, leaving players wondering about the events that transpired and the meaning behind the words etched on the buildings. However, this intricately designed detail adds an immersive element to the game world that cannot be replicated by a traditional side quest. While it may be years until the release of Red Dead Redemption 3, if it is indeed planned, it is hoped that the future installment will introduce similar puzzling mysteries that captivate players for years to come.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.