I’ve been playing Red Dead Redemption on my PS4 disc, popped into my PS5 thanks to backward compatibility. It’s the 2023 re-release of the 2010 game, and I figured I’d give it a go.
I played it years ago on PS3, so this was a chance to see how it holds up. The game’s still got its charm, even if it’s showing some age.
Here’s how it went for me.
The Story
I start as John Marston, a guy who’s seen better days. He’s a bounty hunter, kind of forced into it, riding into New Austin to track down Bill Williamson. Right off the bat, I get shot and left for dead. Bonnie McFarlane finds me and takes me to her ranch to heal up. It’s a slow start, but I like how it sets the mood—quiet, dusty, like an old Western movie. The story’s simple: the law’s got my family, and I’ve got to bring in my old gang mates or else. Bill’s first on the list.
The Flow
The world opens up quick after that. I’m riding my horse across plains and hills, and it’s big—bigger than I remembered. There’s not a ton going on everywhere, but that fits. The Wild West is supposed to feel empty, like it’s fading away. I see a guy getting robbed by outlaws near a road, so I shoot them down and get a treasure map as thanks. Later, I help Bonnie stop some punks from messing with her ranch. Stuff like that happens on its own, and it keeps things interesting without being too much.
The Characters
John’s a solid guy to play as. He’s gruff, doesn’t say much at first, but you can tell he’s got layers. I talk to Bill later—well, yell at him through a door—and he laughs, says I only ever saved myself. It stings because I know the backstory from Red Dead Redemption II. That game’s a prequel, and playing it makes this one sadder, heavier. John’s trying to fix things, but you feel the weight of what’s coming. Bonnie’s nice too—practical, cuts through the nonsense. Then there’s Marshal Leigh Johnson in Armadillo, trying to keep the town safe while doing right. Even small characters stick with you. The voice acting’s good—John sounds rough but real.
The Controls
Controls are where it feels old. I aim with Dead Eye, which slows time so I can pick my shots. It’s handy, especially in big fights, but the regular aiming leans hard on auto-lock. I pop out of cover, point at someone, and shoot. Works fine, but it’s basic. Moving from cover to cover is stiff too—John doesn’t slide around smooth like in newer games. Still, it’s not a dealbreaker. Shooting feels good enough, with enemies flopping around when I hit them. The PS5 controller vibrates, which adds a little something.
The World
The world’s got plenty to do. I hunt rabbits and deer to unlock new outfits for John. The poncho one’s my favorite—it looks cool when I’m riding. I stop at shops to buy ammo or play cards with strangers. There’s a knife game too, where I stab between my fingers fast. Messed up once and lost some cash, but it’s fun. Sometimes I just ride around, listening to the wind or the creepy music that kicks in at night. It’s empty in spots, but that’s the point—times are changing, and the Wild West is slipping away.
The Graphics
Graphics are okay. The PS5 makes it sharper with some tech stuff—FSR 2, they call it—but it’s still locked at 30 frames per second. I notice it dip when a lot’s happening, like a big gunfight with explosions. Trees and rocks pop in sometimes as I ride, and John’s face doesn’t move much when he talks. It’s not ugly, though—the plains and sunsets still look nice. The art’s strong, even if the details aren’t modern.
The Sound
Sound’s a big plus. The music shifts from calm guitar when I’m camping to fast strings when I’m in a fight. It’s like a movie score, and it fits perfect. Voices are clear, and little things—like horse hooves or a train whistle—make it feel alive. I turn off motion blur in the options because it bugs me, but that’s about all I can tweak.
I wish I could set more map markers or get a smoother 60 frames per second. Fifty bucks feels steep for what it is, especially since it skips the old multiplayer stuff. But the game itself? Still good. It’s not new—but it’s solid. The quiet, the weight, the way it feels like a fading world—it’s all there.
I’ll keep playing, maybe finish Undead Nightmare too. It’s not the flashiest thing on PS5, but it doesn’t need to be. John Marston’s story, the open land, the little moments—it’s enough. If you’ve never tried it, or if Red Dead II left you curious, it’s worth a ride. You can Buy Red Dead Redemption on PlayStation 5 for the cheapest prices
