In the gaming world, Rockstar Games has a stellar reputation. It has developed some of the biggest games currently available in the industry, such as Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, with even more big hits in its catalog. There's always interest in the rumors that surround its titles, with many thinking its next game will be Grand Theft Auto 6, The Bully 2, or a brand new IP.
While many are always looking forward, Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are worth looking at now, and while the former is the most profitable entertainment product of all time, there are at least a few ways RDR2 is better than GTA 5.
Red Dead Redemption 2's Story
One reason that Grand Theft Auto 5 is so popular is its online mode, which RDR2 hasn't really been able to replicate (yet). However, each game has a single player story, in which the story surrounding Red Dead Redemption 2 outshines GTA 5. The former makes players feel for the plights of Arthur Morgan, who's trying to keep a frayed family together; Sadier Adler, who fully dives into the outlaw lifestyle; John Marston, as he struggles between his loyalty to his own family and to the great Dutch Van Der Linde gang; and even Dutch himself, who falls apart despite noble aspirations.
On the other hand, the driving forces of Grand Theft Auto 5 never really capture this same magic, as almost every character is reprehensible in their own way. That's sort of the gimmick of the constant heists and lifestyle, but it doesn't make for the most compelling story.
The Heartbreak of Arthur Morgan's Death
In the ending of Grand Theft Auto 5, characters have to choose between killing Trevor, Michael, or their survivable "death wish" mission. The first two seem odd, out of place, and don't really have the dramatic effect that it should, while the third mission also plays out in a way that seems to romanticize their lifestyle. None of this captures the raw consequences of leading such a life.
Prior to the epilogue of Red Dead Redemption 2 in which players return to the control of John Marston, Arthur Morgan's own death occurs. And while his death is rather predictable, its noble cause reflects upon his life and life choices, and gives the character an appropriate send off. It's not optional, and as such, more heartbreaking than Trevor or Michael's death, should players go that route.
Secrets, Aliens, and More in Red Dead Redemption 2
Both games are full of secrets, but Red Dead Redemption 2 takes it a step further. There's the missing princess RDR2 players can find, the aliens (which occur in both games) that can be spotted, the serial killer Arthur can come across, and so much more that brings the Wild West to life. Perhaps the draw of the Wild West is one reason that so many of the secrets seem much better than those found in Grand Theft Auto 5.
The Somber Tone
There's little doubt that Red Dead Redemption 2 is a defined tragedy, with Arthur Morgan being the prolific tragic hero. Something about the way Arthur sees and describes the world around him, and his overall role in it, creates a somber tone that seems befitting of the game and its events. On the other hand, Grand Theft Auto 5 is all over the place, with no real way to pin down an overarching defining tone. This could perhaps be because of the wide net it casts, including the mafia background of Michael, the psychotic tendencies of Trevor, and the protege aspect of Franklin, but the overall message seems mixed, at best.
The Setting's Immersion
When players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, whether it be the gritty details of character or horse management, riding around the world on horse back, or weighing the values of family in a lawless world, they feel like they are in the Wild West. It enraptures the entire game with this fact. On the other hand, the sheer loose cannon details of Grand Theft Auto 5 cannot capture this. The latter is perhaps better for a joyous, mindless experience, but for those who want to be engrossed in their game, Red Dead Redemption 2 is top notch.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.