WithGrand Theft Auto 6on the horizon, players are now slowly building up hype for Rockstar’s next venture, which could potentially be a new entry into the belovedRed Dead Redemptionseries.RDR2is one of the best-selling games of all time, and for good reason, as it’s unique setting and immersive gameplay make for an open-world experience like no other. So, it’s only natural that fans are hoping forRed Dead Redemption 3to be the next big project to come out of Rockstar.
Warning. This article contains spoilers for the endings of both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2.With many consideringRDR better than GTA, it is no surprise that the hype train forRed Dead Redemption 3is already underway. Of course, fans are predicting sequels and prequels with all sorts of characters lined up to take on the protagonist role. However, while a sequel or prequel would certainly be an entertaining choice,not only are there good reasons to let theRed Dead Redemptionseries end but there is also a perfect choice for what could follow in its footsteps.
Arthur & John’s Story Is Over
When Rockstar announced that there would be anotherRed Dead Redemptiongame, many were likely confused as the first game ended with the protagonist, John Marston, being shot repeatedly. Rockstar couldn’t bring him back, and while there were other characters that could take his place, it felt like the story was over. Fortunately,RDR2perfectly continued the storyby serving as a meaningful prequel that not only fleshed out Marston’s character but also the entire conflict of the first game.
However, with the end ofRed Dead Redemption 2also seeing Arthur Morgan die and tied so neatly into the first game,it doesn’t really make sense to continue this story anymore. While there are absolutely directions Rockstar could take in order to flesh out various fan-favorite side characters or factions present in both games, with fans even figuring outwhoRDR3’sprotagonist should be, it is clear that the story told across the first two games is well and truly over, with any future entries only serving to complicate or potentially tarnish its legacy.
Of course, Rockstar could simply take theRed Dead Redemptionname and create spin-offs. After all, there areno games likeRDR, meaning it would have little competition. However, while that has worked with theGrand Theft Autoseries,as the previousRDRgames are so deeply connected, it would feel strange for the next numbered entry to be based around an entirely different set of characters. It feels like there’s only one logical option for Rockstar to take when it comes to followingRDR, and that’s to focus on an entirely different historical setting.
Rockstar Should Explore Different Historical Settings Again
It Should Try Making Another Game Like L.A. Noire
Rockstar should make another historical epic as its next game, rather than aRed Dead Redemptionsequel. It has a strong track record of producing impressive historical titles, including, of course,Red Dead Redemption, but also the likes ofL.A. Noire, which perfectly captured its 1940s setting and the broody tone of the films that inspired it. Even some of its lesser known titles, includingBullyandThe Warriors, do a good job of transporting players to the time periods they’re set in, with Rockstar successfully encapsulating the mood and look of each setting.
Many of these games, includingBullyandL.A. Noire, actuallyhad their sequels canceled, which, while a great shame for fans at the time, opens up Rockstar to either follow them up now or continue its legacy of magnificently recreating time periods and telling compelling stories within them.A game set during the Napoleonic era, for example, could lean on some of the gameplay mechanics and ideas established in theRDRgameswhile still offering a vastly different experience. Alternatively, Rockstar could attempt its own samurai game, as the feudal Japanese time period is particularly popular.
10 Red Dead Redemption Locations Worth Revisiting On Your Next Playthrough
Red Dead Redemption 2 has some of the most beautiful landscapes in any game, as well as some hidden secrets players might miss the first time through.
Of course, that’s not to say that Rockstar should become the next Ubisoft and create an alternative toAssassin’s Creed. However, it has proven it can easily go toe-to-toe with Ubisoft and surpass it in many ways, especially when it comes to storytelling.It would be great to see some form of meaningful competition forAssassin’s Creedas, currently, it is the only real purveyor of historical fiction within the world of video games.
How RDR’s Strengths Could Translate To A New Game
Its Immersive Features & Combat Could Serve As The Basis For Future Historical Epics
Rockstar has already perfected the historical open-world formula withRed Dead Redemption 2.Its focus on immersion and compelling worldbuilding could easily serve as a strong foundationfrom which to build other experiences. For example,RDR’sapproach to mission design and exploration could be translated wholesale, as it is applicable to most open-world formats. Additionally, its immersive gameplay mechanics, such as its emergent events or optional minigames would help make a new historical setting feel all the more believable.
WithGTA 6projected to make billionswithin its first year, it’s clear that Rockstar will be dedicated to it for quite some time. That is why it is more important than ever that whatever Rockstar creates afterward is something entirely fresh.Were it to make yet anotherRed Dead Redemptiongame, players could see no new IPs or ideas from the developerfor quite a few years. While that’s not to say thatRDR3wouldn’t be innovative, it would prevent Rockstar from trying new ideas, a strategy that helped make it a household name in the first place.
Red Dead Redemption 3 Needs To Learn From RDR2’s Biggest Town Mistakes
Red Dead Redemption 3 will likely have amazing towns, but if it doesn’t learn from the mistakes of the past, there may be many dull ones.
This may be the route Rockstar goes down, with it creating a new title within its two blockbuster series every seven years that is meant to last players until the next one. However, that would be a genuine shame, as Rockstar has managed to produce some of the most unique experiences when it’s pushed out of its comfort zone and away from its popular IPs. Of course, it’s hard to argue that gettingRed Dead Redemption 3would be a shame, but it’s perhaps harder to argue that missing out on experiments and experiences likeL.A. Noireis better.
