Red Dead Redemption (Switch and PS4) – Analysis – Worth It – Review

 

Red Dead Redemption is without a doubt one of the best games ever released by Rockstar! No wonder we keep talking about it even though it's been 13 years since its original release date.

Until recently, the best way to play Red Dead Redemption was through the optimized backward-compatible version available on the Xbox Series. However, to everyone's surprise, Rockstar finally decided to release an improved version of the original game for PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

It is worth mentioning initially that, despite being an improved version of the original game, we are not talking about a remake or remaster as some may be thinking. It's just the original version, made available after some visual and performance treatments, all to bring the classic back to current generations. But after all, is this improved version of Red Dead Redemption worth it?

Well, as much as I don't like the infamous and cretinous answer: “it depends”, in this case, the game can be more or less worth it depending on the expectation that you, a noble reader, created about it.

I explain: despite being really more beautiful and with improved performance, the version released by Rockstar for Nintendo Switch and PS4 deserved more. A lot more. Something that reflects this very well is the revolt of fans with such a modest announcement, especially when we talk about the price charged for both the Switch version and the PS4 version.

In terms of performance, the Switch version manages to surprise with its quality – at least at first. What impressed me the most was realizing how the Switch manages to smoothly run an original PS3 and Xbox 360 game, with some visual improvements over both consoles, which is natural, since even in portable mode, the Switch is more powerful than both.

In terms of resolution, the Switch is running the game at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode, and the game and PS4 visuals are quite similar, with the Switch only having lower resolution shadows than the Xbox console. Sony, otherwise they are pretty equivalent.

It's important to note that Red Dead Redemption runs at 30 frames per second on both Switch and PS4. On PS4 Pro, the game runs at native 4K and 30 frames per second, without a performance mode option, which is a shame, and something Rockstar is certainly saving to release in the PS5 and Xbox Series versions of the game. in the future.

Even though Red Dead Redemption was one of the best games I've played on the PS3, I've always wondered if the game stands the test of time. Also considering the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2 – which raises the bar to absurd levels, it is to be expected that the first game ends up being overshadowed by the quality of the second.

However, to my surprise, John Marton's saga remains as interesting as ever. There's a certain charm to the way the original Red Dead Redemption plays out. It's like comparing movies produced at different times: just because a movie was released last month doesn't necessarily mean it's better than a classic ten years ago.

The feeling that Red Dead Redemption passes is exactly that. Dialogues are more succinct and direct, almost like a play. The PS3-era visuals also end up helping to convey the feel of a timeless classic, which, personally, made the experience much more interesting than I imagined.

Both the story of John Marston and the extra activities that the game offers are still very interesting today, providing about 25 hours of content that will certainly be very well enjoyed by those who are playing this game for the first time or decided to buy it again. to have this experience.

It also needs to be mentioned that even though it's a Western game, Red Dead Redemption is also one of the best zombie games of all time. That's because the “Undead Nightmare” DLC, which is also available for the updated version of the game, brings an incredible story and adds unforgettable hours of gameplay.

Another point to emphasize is that Rockstar added subtitles in Portuguese for Red Dead Redemption, something very cool, after all, our language had not been contemplated in the original PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, thus giving the opportunity for more people to follow this game.

But what up, is Red Dead Redemption for PS4 and Switch worth it?

Therefore, I come to the conclusion that although Red Dead Redemption remains a great experience, what saves the current version released for Switch and PS4 and the very quality of the original game, which keeps it attractive, fun, and timeless.

However, the dissatisfaction of players who complain about the excessive price charged by Rockstar, for a modest update mainly in the PS4 Pro version, which deserved a performance mode, which doubt would even run on the PS4, as we could see in videos by That's when Red Dead Redemption runs at 60 FPS on unlocked versions of the overclocked Nintendo Switch, so if the Switch can do it, the PS4 can do it just fine.

Even with this version, I still hope that one day we can have access to a completely redone version of Red Dead Redemption, which preferably runs on the engine of Red Dead Redemption 2 and delivers everything that fans of this franchise deserve.

Summary for the lazy

Red Dead Redemption, released 13 years ago by Rockstar, remains a timeless classic. Recently, Rockstar released an enhanced version for PS4 and Nintendo Switch, which is not a remake, but an optimization of the original game. The narrative, centered on the John Marton saga, retains its charm, and the “Undead Nightmare” DLC adds a zombie dimension to the game. However, while the Switch version impresses with its performance, the PS4 version has been criticized for visual inconsistencies and mixed textures.

Final grade

85

Learn more about our review methods by reading our Reviews Guide.

pros

• Engaging and timeless narrative centered on John Marton.
• “Undead Nightmare” DLC adds hours of gameplay and a new dimension to the story.
• Satisfactory improved visuals and performance in the Nintendo Switch version.
• Nostalgic feel with PS3-era visuals.

cons

• It's not a complete remake or remaster, just an optimization.
• The PS4 version could have received a little more care, and unfortunately, the PS4 Pro version does not have a 60 FPS mode
• The high price for an upgrade is considered modest by many.
• Expectations are not fully met, especially for PS4 players.