Rockstar Games, of Grand Theft Auto fame, has uploaded the first official gameplay trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2, featuring fist fights, dynamic interactions with the local people, a sprawling ecosystem, and more.
Rockstar aims to make a world that’s more interactive and dynamic than ever with Red Dead Redemption 2. The game combines action, storytelling, and gameplay to evoke the feeling of living and surviving as an outlaw of the wild west.
Players control Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of Dutch Van der Linde’s gang, which you may know from the first game. The gang represents a significant historical backbone in the series, as the 1899 prequel to the first game’s 1911 setting.
The trailer introduces us to the world, explaining it to be set across the vast untamed lands of America. The settings we see are diverse, ranging from rocky mountains and dense forests, to damp swamps and scorching deserts. Towns can be found throughout the land, all populated with unique historical characters.
As Arthur travels with his gang, they’ll set camps up along the road. Here, players can perform chores, partake in games, and share stories with the other members in the gang. These moments will be important in setting the mood for the game, as Arthur’s relationship with his gang plays a pivotal role in the story.
Aside from that, the trailer provides a look at how we can interact with regular NPCs. Players can choose to make friendly gestures, spur trouble, or even intimidate the local folk. The footage shows how dynamic this can be, with some confrontations being defused peacefully, while others escalating into brawls.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this trailer is Arthur’s bond with his horse. How players treat their horse will change its behaviour. The horse will also be a place for Arthur to access extra resources, through the many saddles on its back. Furthermore, strengthening their bond makes controlling the horse much easier, which will be valuable in tense gunfights.
A vast world is not without a vast ecosystem, however. Indeed, you’ll encounter plenty of wildlife in your adventures, including small prey as well as deadly predators. Animal pelts and other items found off of them can be traded at stores for guns, ammo, and other items.
The trailer ends with a teaser of its next gameplay trailer. When that comes out, we’ll get a closer look at missions, side activities, enemy gangs, robberies, and a newly-improved Dead Eye system.
Red Dead Redemption 2 launches on 26th October 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.