I don’t want to be cliche and say Rockstar has done it again but…they have. Since the release of GTA V, the bar for open-world video games has been raised pretty high. With its dynamic storyline and top notch graphics, it was an instant hit among fans, and since then, developers are facing difficulties trying to compete with a masterpiece ahead of its time. In fact, the only game that came remotely close to it was Marvels Spider-man. And rightly so, since you could spend hours web swinging around New York and not notice the time go by. In addition to that, you get what you pay for. No unnecessary micro-transactions, and no annoying pop-ups reminding you what could’ve been if you had emptied your wallet. Might i add, that while swinging around and kicking the asses of lowlife thugs as our favourite webhead was delighful, i soon found myself losing interest. After a while you realise that’s all there is to do. Swing around and kick ass. Of course, you have a whole city to yourself but to do…what? Even taking selfies with pedestrians and taking the metro loses its charm after a while.

You must be wondering why i’m discussing the flaws of a game not related to Rdr2? It’s to show that even a wildly popular game like spider-man lacks a very important element. Side missions. Or interesting ones, at least. The whole point of them is to give the player a break from the intense campaign, and let him explore other aspects of the game. It kinda beats the purpose if you push the player towards the very thing he needs a breather from. Fortunately, where spider-man washes out, Rdr2 prevails. Not only does it keep you entertained with the massive open-world, but it also makes you forget the presence of the campaign mode.

Now that you’ve finally gotten the chance to be a cowboy in the wild west, it’s time to whip out your bucket list. And remember…Everything is fair game. Do you fancy robbing a train? Hunting a bear? Hogtieing a person and leaving him on the train tracks while you watch from the splash zone? Imagine doing all that…and more. Seems kinda dull compared to playing Spider-man and spamming square on every goon you see, doesn’t it? Whereas in Rdr2, not only are you supposed to fend for yourself against natural predators and rival gangs but you’re also left alone to figure out your source of income. Will you steal and plunder and risk losing your honour, or will you get an honest job? Probably not.

I’ve been roaming around and causing trouble around the land of New Austin for days now, and there’s so much i have yet to try out. Since i’m so obsessed with the open-world, i’ve barely scratched the surface of the campaign mode. Don’t me wrong, i’m loving the storyline, but just the idea of me getting to be whatever kind of outlaw i want without vexing AI’s and invisible barriers directing me where to go compels me to play further. Unfortunately most games like Arkham Knight or Spider-man don’t let me do that. Seriously, what other game will let you tie up your victims and throw them at a crocodile? Alright, moving on from the vast open-world, and coming to our next topic. Details.

There’s a reason Rdr2 took 9 years to produce. If you consider Assasins Creed was historically accurate, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Rockstar Gmes outdid themselves and got everthing right down to the last thread. Turns out that suit you were saving up money for wasn’t a thing until 1901? Sorry, It’s out. Okay, Let’s forget about the history for a moment, and bring our focus on the general details. For example your horses tensticles shrink in the cold. Uh-Huh, you read that right. Don’t ask me how i know this. seriously, don’t. To add to that, each NPC has a different personality too. Some might reply to your smile with a wave, while others might pull a gun on ya. It can go either way. Not to mention the love and effort you have to put into grooming your horse. But that’s for another time.

To conclude i would like to ask, which other game will give you 40-50 hours of playtime without setting foot in campaign mode? Of course, in the end it’s your opinion that matters, and not of a random interent dude with no social life. If Mario is what floats your boat, then so be it. I’ll respect your opinion even if all your gaming needs are satisfied by rescuing princess peach. Peace out.