I got to check out the game for about two hours yesterday. While I had some friends playing online, I wanted to check out the single player mode first to get a handle on the game. I did not like GTA III and IV, so I never really got used to their controls, and Red Dead Redemption has similar controls. After playing in single player for a bit, I must say that the game is enjoyable, and I feel comfortable trading in an uncontrollable car for a solid steed.
RDR is a third-person shooter that takes place in the Ol’ West. Basically, your character is an ex-criminal who turns over a new leaf and settles down with a family. However, the government comes by, kidnaps his family, and orders him to rustle up some outlaws (his ex-partners) in order to free the ones he loves. The single player has missions that move this story along, but there’s plenty more to do. You can take on side missions from strangers, hunt animals and sell their hides and meat for a profit, pick wild plants, which can be used to make items or can be sold, play mini games (like poker at a saloon), tame wild horses, and other things as well. There are towns scattered across the world map where you can go to buy and sell supplies, weapons, outfits, or get a room of your own (which allows you to save and restock your ammo.)
