You must have already watched the new gameplay trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2 several times now. Rockstar Games has finally offered a detailed look into the much-awaited sequel and the released footage far exceeds every possible expectation there was.
While the accompanying narrator does well to point out the main features, there are still several things (little and large) that need to be brought up separately.
Find a saddle. Here are all the crunchy bits from the new gameplay trailer.
Interacting without killing
Despite the unfriendly reputation of the wild west period, weapons are not going to be the only way to deal with people in Red Dead Redemption 2.
There will be multiple ways to rough up non-playable characters without killing them. These nonlethal (and some nearly nonlethal) methods will leave it up to the player to decide how they feel is the best possible course of action.
The controls shown in the gameplay trailer confirm the option to either choke, dismiss, or beat targets when needed. In some encounters, the player will also have the option to openly greet or antagonize just to start a conversation. The latter may prove counterproductive against an officer of the law, at which point the player will have the option to defuse tensions.
There will be even more ways to interact with people, based on the current mission or surroundings. For example, the player may choose to help or kill a man hanging from a cliff, free someone from a bear trap or not, and such.
It is important to note that these interactions will chain together and affect how others look at you. Hence, beating up someone may force him to rally people in retaliation, or killing someone may have their loved ones blame you for murder.
Setting up camp
Even gangsters need a place to call home. Red Dead Redemption 2 will allow players to establish camps as settlements for as long as they are not forced to flee and relocate. These bases will act like social hubs where gang members meet, eat, sleep, perform chores, share stories, and look after each other.
However, camps will also come with certain responsibilities such as procuring food and keeping everyone warm during the winter season. Ignoring these errands will surely warrant displeasure but selling food to the local stores instead will help raise capital for crucial purchases.
Lastly, based on the pre-order incentives, camps will have certain customization options such as changing outfits and having a larger stable.
Structures that keep evolving
The word in Red Dead Redemption is designed to keep on evolving with time. This covers all settlements and the structures residing within. The game trailer confirms this much as several buildings can be seen under construction, and are later teased to be fully completed.
This means that the player will possibly be tasked with improving certain areas by gathering supplies and providing manual help. Certain missions might even help in that regard by clearing the pathway.
In other words, a settlement may look completely different upon returning. Players will likely visit areas after a considerable time to tally their progress.
Gambling, hunting, and fishing
There are going to be several side activities outside of the main storyline that will mostly be found through the aforementioned camps in Red Dead Redemption 2.
To begin with, the player will be able to spend time with other gang members by playing cards. The stakes will be real as far as the gambling aspect is concerned and winning will mean a few additional bucks to help with the next purchase.
In addition, the player will also be able to hunt and fish. Doing so will gather food for the camp that will in turn raise morale. Besides the meat, pelts and scales will provide another source of income when sold at different stores.
Benefits from the Euphoria engine
It has been made quite evident that the living and breathing world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is going to be simply spectacular. This is courtesy of the Euphoria engine that has previously powered other flagships from Rockstar Games such as Grand Theft Auto V, Max Payne 3, as well as the first Red Dead Redemption.
For those unaware, the Euphoria engine delves in physics simulation to create lifelike animations. This relinquishes predetermined reactions for an authentic experience. To further clarify, notice that characters in the gameplay trailer fall to their deaths in different ways. Those running toward the gunfire stumble ahead, while those stationary get blown back.
In addition, other animations look equally smooth and stellar as well. From reloading to slinging a shotgun, every activity will come with a complete animation sequence that bases upon actual physics and gravity.
Elsewhere, the Euphoria engine will also show its magic in the terrain. Whether snow or muddy roads, footprints and animal tracks will be embedded in the ground. This will include wheel tracks made by carts as well.
Fleeing the six-star wanted system
Similar to the original installment, Red Dead Redemption 2 will not allow bad behavior to go unnoticed. This time, however, there will be a brand new wanted system that has been taken straight out of the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
Instead of the traditional five-star rating, all the six letters in “WANTED” must be filled before expecting a clash with the posse. Prior to that, wanted posters will be pasted all across the towns and the player must either stay low or fight out to reset the red meter.
Choosing the right horse
Horses were always expected to return in Red Dead Redemption 2 but will now be a major cog in the design with several improvements.
It will begin by choosing the right horse for the job. Some will be better suited for hauling equipment, while others will perform better in combat. In addition, horses must be cared for to form a bond that will open up certain traits. For example, a nervous horse will likely throw the player during a fierce gun battle. However, a broken-in horse will offer much control for maneuvers.
Take note that the player will not have a large enough inventory on person. The supplies and weapons will be strapped to the animal or stuffed in saddlebags. This inventory space will also depend on the breed of the horse.
Meeting historical figures
The events taking place in Red Dead Redemption 2 are set somewhere between 1899 and 1901, almost synonymous with the 19th century. This means that the player will have the chance to come across a few historical figures from the specific period and bask in their glory.
Carleton Watkins, a famous landscape photographer, and Nikola Tesla, a genius inventor and futurist physicist, can both be seen in the gameplay trailer.
There are likely going to be other figures from history as well, and they may just have a part to play in the storyline.
