Red Dead Online is Poised To Be Something Special

Red Dead Redemption II has been one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences in recent memory. Returning to the wild west in Rockstar's prequel was as entertaining and compelling as we expected it to be. With the announcement of Red Dead Online and the beta now being playable many wondered if Rockstar could capture lightning in a bottle and deliver an entertaining and compelling online experience as well. If what we've seen so far is any indication, the answer could very well be yes.

Red Dead Online follows in the formula of GTA Online in which you create your own protagonist(or antagonist) and set out in a vast open world filled with different activities. In free roam you and your posse can peform tasks for the locals, hunt, uphold the law(or break it), and of course sling lead at fellow desperados.  Also similar to GTA Online you can compete in several online multiplayer competitive modes. Everything you'd expect is pretty much here. Interestingly enough however, it's how these things are laid out that sets the tone for Red Dead Online and the result is something that has the potential to be truly special.

For example, RDO has it's own online story where your character is assisting a woman who is seeking out her husband's killers. While it's nowhere near as fascinating as Arthur Morgan's tale it's still an interesting take and gives your character some sense of purpose and motivation. You're not bound by this story in any way and you're free to be as honorable or dishonorable as you desire. I found myself somewhat curious as to the direction Rockstar plans to go with this. While it's only mildly interesting now, it does have potential.

But what really draws us in and has us excited is the world itself. After doing a couple of missions with the homies two of us decided to do some exploring. We spent the next couple of hours breaking a few horses and hunting some big game. It was really enjoyable being out in the open world and my mind raced with the potential here. Many of these things I had already done with Arthur, but doing them online with friends made it even better. Maybe it's because I've played so much GTA Online that I'm bored with it, but I found Red Dead Online's open world far more engrossing and compelling. There is so much to do and so much that could be done with this.

With that said, we still have concerns. With all the money Rockstar made off of shark cards in GTA Online it's almost a given that microtransactions will be all over Red Dead Online. Gold takes the place of shark cards and there are already items that can only be purchased with it. Not cool. Gold can be earned by playing but as you'd expect, it takes a lot of time an effort to earn. Also over the years we've watched Los Santos become an over the top playground filled with flying cars and motor cycles, outrageous militarized vehiciles, warplanes, jets, flying fortresses, batmobiles, etc, etc. I REALLY DON'T WANT THIS to happen to Red Dead Online. Immersion is a huge part of the RDO experience and nothing will break this faster than over the top, over powered, unrealistic weapons and items.

All in all, if Rockstar does this right Red Dead Online has potential to become something truly special. I love what's here so far and I'm excited for what's coming. Don't let me down Rockstar.

Thanks for reading.