Spoilers ahead for Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Summary
- Red Dead Redemption 3 could kickstart an all-new narrative by departing from previous storylines.
- The next game may not focus on the Van der Linde gang, opening up opportunities for fresh characters.
- The franchise may evolve with new protagonists and themes, moving away from the concept of redemption.
The Red Dead Redemption franchise may only have a few titles under its belt, but it has become one of the most beloved action adventure series in modern gaming. With hopes for Red Dead Redemption 3 to be announced in the near future, the direction of the franchise remains a mystery.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is hailed by many as the greatest chapter in the franchise, and although this puts a follow-up in a tough spot, Rockstar diverging from its predecessor entirely could be the best move. Six years later, Red Dead Redemption 2 still has plenty to offer, but another game in the series is something that has been craved since its launch. As a prequel to Red Dead Redemption, many have wondered where Red Dead Redemption 3 could go with its story, and ditching the "redemption" part of the equation entirely could be the key.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Actor Reveals the Hardest Part About Playing Arthur Morgan
Red Dead Redemption 2 actor Roger Clark talks about what he thinks is the hardest part about playing the outlaw Arthur Morgan.
Red Dead Redemption 3 Could Kickstart an All-New Narrative
Saying Goodbye to Arthur, John, and the Van der Linde Gang
John Marston and Arthur Morgan both met their unfortunate ends in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, leaving many questions about which character will get the spotlight in the next game. Many have hoped that Sadie Adler would continue the RDR franchise's story, but stepping away from the Van der Linde gang entirely may be the best way to kick off a fresh story with new characters to explore.
It wouldn't be the first time that Rockstar has done this. Red Dead Revolver, the game that began the franchise in the first place, changed in title and story with its successors, so there isn't any reason as to why it shouldn't happen again. There is the possibility that Rockstar could bring Red Dead Revolver back into the spotlight and further explore those characters, which would be exciting after so long. However, cracking opening a completely new narrative may be the best route forward. The story of the Van der Linde gang has offered one of the most compelling and emotional stories in modern gaming, but between Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, the gang's story feels told.
A new path not only gives Rockstar the opportunity to experiment and explore what a fresh Red Dead protagonist could look like, but it also gives players the chance to be excited about something brand-new all over again. Since the world of Red Dead Redemption is set in the limited time frame of the Wild West, there are only so many settings that can be chosen, but there is a wide variety of potential protagonists to further illustrate life during that era. Keeping the viewpoint of the quickly evolving Wild West focused solely on the Van der Linde gang could run the risk of growing stale.
Red Dead Redemption Evolving the Franchise Further
Red Dead Redemption is currently at a major crossroads, and all of its options lead to compelling possibilities. There is an opportunity for a new game to follow Sadie Adler in South America, where it can be presumed she ventured after departing from the Van der Linde gang. There is also the chance for Red Dead Redemption 3 to follow Charles on his journey to Canada. While this would loosely keep the next chapter connected to the Van der Linde gang while also answering lingering questions, a new start almost feels inevitable. The Red Dead Redemption series accomplished what it set out to do. It successfully showcased two incredible stories of redemption, and it is time to explore a new theme.
However, there could also be a third option. It is still highly possible for Sadie or Charles to take on the lead role, but the redemption moniker could still be dropped from the title. Whoever the next Red Dead Redemption protagonist ends up being, it will be compelling to see who takes up the mantle and what themes their story will tell.
Red Dead Redemption 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- October 26, 2018
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Engine
- RAGE
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- N/A
WHERE TO PLAY
America, 1899. The end of the wild west era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs. Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him. From the creators of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age.
