So this is probably going to be an unpopular opinion but it's something I need to get of my chest.
I remember playing Red Dead Revolver and loving that game.
Then Red Dead Redemption came out but for some reason I never had interest or desire to play it.
Then RDR2 got announced and it looked absolutely insane. I bought the game really cheap after a few months, played for 20 minutes and never touched it again.
So I will explain my issue with the game.
I understand why its so loved and I will agree that it is a very impressive game from the visual standpoint and realism from the videos I've seen. However, the first hour or so was so extremely slow for me and the awkward controls really turned me off.
So dear gaf tell me, and flame me if you wish but am I really missing out here? Should I give this game another chance? It's just a pet peeve of mine when games present you with many mechanics and controls that are just strange to get adjusted too. Also, the build up of the game in the snowy area for me just was not fun.
Does anyone else feel same way or share same sentiment? Is it really one of the best games ever? Do tell Gaf.
It would be helpful to understand your issues. I'm playing through again and I think you have to change your mindset a little bit with this game, to get the most out of it. And I don't mean you need to mosey round marvelling at the environment.
The game is a slow burn. It's slow to get places, the exposition is slow, the animations are slow. The controls aren't that bad, I struggled more with getting the right thing selected for the contextual actions. Definitely give this another chance and I'll try and give you some tips to get the most out the game. I'd at least get to Horsehoe Overlook and spend a few hours there. I was one of those who 'struggled through' and absolutely love the game now. I had to go through the whole process of adapting, so the below points helped me.
1. Don't try and play this like a third person shooter, it's not meant to be played like that. It's more like an old timey shooting gallery. Keep the auto-aim and assists on. When you lock onto an enemy, just flick the right stick up and it should give you a headshot (this will improve as your weapon proficiency improves the more you use it - with that weapon only though).
2. Take the game in two parts. There are the missions and the open world. The missions are like TV episodes. Very rigid and they are basically interactive tv shows where you control the shootout parts. If you want to just have a ride round the world, then you will come across random events, strangers, trains and coaches to rob etc. or you can just go fishing, hunting or treasure hunting.
3. I'd liken the loop of this more to something like Stardew Valley where you get the most out of the game by having a 'loop' or routine that you plan on doing each day. So for example, if in camp, wake up, do a couple of chores. Then pick a main mission, supplies for Pearson, hunting, exploring or a companion activity and head back to camp when complete (or camp, see below). I think most frustrations are that most people want to do more in the confines of a day, than is actually possible.
4. Always use detective vision in the wild, you'll pick up enough wild carrots to never have to buy supplies for your horse. Hunt as well as even a non perfect carcass gives you lots of food/meat.
5. Save a cold, hot and general outfit on your horse. Makes it so much easier to switch between them and protect your cores when you suddenly go from Valentine up into the mountains for example.
6. This isn't the type of game like others where you set your way point, gallop to it and blitz through the story mission. By all means select a waypoint or mission and then just start riding there. You can choose to use the cinematic camera but tbh, you might miss stuff or if O'Driscolls ride out the thickets then you need to get control again which is clumsy - so save that for later. The point is, that you're meant to be distracted on your way there. That's why there are so many requests, strangers, random events and points of interest. It can feel frustrating if you go over to one then get hooked and then try to ride back to camp so....
7. ....You don't need to return to camp all the time. Camp in the wild if you get distracted by events and continue riding to the mission the next day. It's not a big deal.