For anyone not focused on Grand Theft Auto news, the other Rockstar IP with as much attention is Red Dead Redemption. While having humble beginnings with 2004's Red Dead Revolver, the 2010 title Red Dead Redemption as well as its 2018 sequel have both been regarded as some of the most polished open-world experiences around. Every aspect of the game's craft, from the narrative to gameplay, and characters to interactivity with the environment, is extremely detailed.
However, as impressive as these games are, it is natural that with each passing year and the advancement of technology, they become more dated. In some ways, 2010's Red Dead Redemption has shown its age compared to more modern open-world action titles. With recent rumors of a Grand Theft Auto trilogy remaster, some are also wishing for a remake of Red Dead Redemption. There are a myriad of ways in which Rockstar can improve upon an already fantastic game, making for an even more polished experience.
Better Graphics
The first and most obvious improvement that can be made from the PS3/Xbox 360 original would be a boost to the graphics. While the original title by no means looks bad by today's standards, it doesn't hold a candle to the gorgeous graphics in Red Dead Redemption 2. All Rockstar would need to do is re-use the same engine it created for the sequel and remake the first game within that. The core foundation in the gameplay and mechanics is all rock solid, so a visual overhaul would be like the icing on the cake.
Video game remakes are nothing new nowadays, and if anything they are an extremely appealing prospect for both those who did and did not experience the original version. The recent Resident Evil 2 Remake, for example, gives fans of the classic game a brand-new perspective on its horror, while gamers playing it for the first time get to enjoy an extremely polished remake. A Red Dead Redemption remake can offer the same level of quality and bring an already amazing title up to speed for modern platforms.
Added Connections to Red Dead 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 was a monster hit for Rockstar, earning a huge deal of revenue for the company on top of what was already accomplished with Grand Theft Auto 5. However, for those who have not played the game yet, Red Dead Redemption 2 is actually a prequel to the first game chronologically. This means that many plot threads, characters, and events that transpire in Red Dead Redemption 2 actually happen before the 2010 title.
For this reason, it would be hugely beneficial for gamers that still haven't played the sequel to have a brand-new version of the first game to experience alongside it. Rockstar would only need to go back and tweak a few passaged of dialogue or character appearances to set up more fun connections and Easter eggs to Red Dead Redemption 2, making for an even more complete adventure, especially for players planning to play the games back-to-back.
More Robust Multiplayer Modes
Multiplayer gaming has taken the industry by storm, with countless online communities active for titles like Fortnite and Rocket League. Rockstar's own Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5 have carved out a section of their own in this space, with the latter game still immensely popular seven years after its initial release. The original Red Dead Redemption did have its fair share of multiplayer options at the time, with modes such as standard Death Match battles, but a remaster should make an increased effort to stand out in such a competitive multiplayer market.
In some ways it may be hard to differentiate itself from what Red Dead Redemption 2 has perfected in this regard. What would be a cool feature, however, is the ability to crossplay with Red Dead Online regardless of which Red Dead Redemption game the player happens to own. This means that new players hopping into the universe with a remake of the original can join in on online fun with long established Red Dead Redemption 2 players, making for a united online community.
Possible Hints for Red Dead 3
While this may be the most unlikely possibility, it is still fun to speculate where the series will go next. After the juggernaut success of the second game, a third title has to at least be in consideration by Rockstar for sometime in the future. While the in-game time that separate the third and first game would likely be several years, Rockstar now has an opportunity to ever so slightly alter the plot of the original game to plant seeds for the future without frustrating dedicated fans.
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake has opted for a similar tactic, revisiting the classic in a faithful manner while also carving its own new path for a fresh perspective. Rockstar's ambition and scale have grown exponentially since the original Red Dead Redemption, so to deliver the exact same game again may feel like a missed opportunity. It may be wise to provide a remake of the original with even more substance while also taking the time to help set up an inevitable third installment in this powerhouse franchise.
Red Dead Redemption is available now on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.