Insomniac Talks Favorites, Many Love Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead RedemptionIt's always cool to see what games a great development staff really appreciate, so Insomniac's Favorite Games post over at the PlayStation Blog is definitely worth a read.
Included in the praise are the likes of Super Meat Boy, Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, Bayonetta, Alan Wake and Heavy Rain. A few people even named Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Dragon Age: Origins...despite being a year late to the party. Aw, but that's okay; these guys are busy making Resistance 3, and they need to have focus. But anyway, despite the eclectic selection, there is one game that seems to stand out to the majority of the staff: Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption. Here are two separate personal reminiscences:
"It was an emotional experience. You had real empathy for the character over the course of the game…. And not just in the main storyline, but I also got very attached to my horse, and when he died, I felt real loss…had to go through almost a mourning period before getting another. And these were never ‘canned’ experiences either…they usually happened so dynamically, that it never felt like an event ‘forced’ upon me by the designer….which gave it that much more impact."
"I also remember back when the game came out, each morning people would gather in the kitchen and tell their 'RDR stories' from the night before. '…and right after that, I was wrestling this bear with only my bare hands…when all of a sudden, a cougar jumped out and mauled my horse…' It was great."
We have to agree; RDR was a memorable experience and one well worthy of any praise and attention it receives. GameSpot awarded it their Game of the Year and it's certainly nominated here at PSXE. Well, actually, the awards are already done but we won't be giving away anything early...
Tags: insomniac, insomniac's favorite games, red dead redemption
12/29/2010 10:45:30 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (40 posts)
maxpontiac
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:33:53 AM
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Looking forward to Resistance 3 though, the trailer featured at the VGA's blew me away.
3 up, 6 down
Shams
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:49:24 AM
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Personally speaking, though ME2 might not have been as much of a technological feat, or as complete of a package, I found it to be better paced and more fun. RDR's ending (excluding the very ending of course) was even more depressing than GOW3's. But since we're strictly talking PS3 and 2010, RDR definitely makes it to the top 3 along with GT5 and GOW3, IMO. Haven't played AC:B, yet, though, so that ranking might change for me.
1 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 2:01:21 PM
I'm not much for the GTA games, largely because the content is such a turn off to me. PLaying a game as a modern thug engaging in criminal activity in society just doesn't appeal to me. Granted, I played through GTA3 and it was fun because of how it seemed to have kicked off the open-world genre, but after I got my thrills from the freedom of it's design, I found other games like Infamous much more to my liking, content-wise. I think another negative factor for me is Rockstar. The majority of their games seems to attract a similar audience who like un-inhibited and menacing behavior in society.
But it seems that RDR is getting so much praise, my interest has been somewhat piqued. It would seem cool playing a game that has a quality old west presentation.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 12/29/2010 2:02:17 PM
1 up, 1 down
Shams
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:17:02 PM
Yes, as you surmised, I mention it amongst GTA entries, as much of the GTA formula is found in it (besides not having radio when driving/riding, the gameplay includes a homebase save system but with a new makeshift save\transport camp system, GPS, side missions, errands, diversions, shopping, etc) but the pacing is a bit different. And instead of mostly being in the middle of the hustle-bustle of a city, the source of immersion is more often than not the lonesomeness of the wilderness. It's important to mention it is slower paced than typical GTA's, but knowing that you do have a fondness towards open/hub-world games such as ME/ME2, this game maybe worth checking it out. I liked it, and deeply appreciated it, but personally had more fun with inFamous, ME2, GTA4, and GTA:EOLS.
But while we're on the topic, I avoided all previous GTA's, like yourself, as I was under the impression the goal of such games was to simulate and fantasize vehicular homicide, theft, and mayhem, of which I had no interest in. After reading Psxextreme's review, along with couple others', I got the gist that supposedly GTA4 was a more dramatic/serious themed game. And I found out for myself why this game was so unanimously and highly rated. Perhaps, it was because I didn't play the previous entries, and therefore was not jaded, but I was blown away, and I picked up episodes of Liberty City as soon as the PS3 version was released. Much of the crime enactment isn't even a mandatory element of the gameplay. You don't HAVE to run over people, and you have to go out of your way to pick up a street-corner girl, for example.
1 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 10:06:01 PM
And, btw, I know video games aren't reality. I had some good laughs driving down roads plowing through people and street signs etc while trying to fight off the onslaught of cop forces in GTA3. More of a grown up "Looney Toons" in that outrageous violence is, in part, made humorous because consequence is only confined within the medium. I'm not a Jack Thompson advocate who believes that video games are going to drag everyone to hell. My only real concern, is for those who choose to deny responsibility and prosperity by being lazy and idle wasting their time away playing game after game after game letting their life and family slip by to self indulgence etc.
I just find the whole criminal-thug vibe a lot less interesting than cool ninjas, fantasy, and sci-fi stuff etc =)
1 up, 0 down
Shams
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 2:16:50 PM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:57:30 AM
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LOL! This is comedy. I never felt that way. I thought it was funny when my horse got killed. Especily when I was on it trying to run away. Or when I would fall off a cliff. I don't know, the game made me laugh more than anything. I really liked RDR but it's one of those games that's hard to get back into once you've completed it.
1 up, 9 down
Ludicrous_Liam
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:20:52 PM
After a firefight, with a theif, I whistled for my horse; but nothing came. Worriedly, I went round the hill, to find the sight of my dead horse. Then I got angry and took their horse caridge & jumped out of it while approaching a cliff at high speed. I wasnt angry because of my horses death, its the fact I had just boughts the blighter for $1500! Lol
0 up, 2 down
spiderboi
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 2:08:40 PM
1 up, 0 down
booze925
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:55:02 PM
my horse was named Applecandy, and we conquered the west together.
which made her death at the hands of the mexican army all the more enraging. my thirst for revenge was only fufilled when we took escalera and killed el presidente.
2 up, 1 down
ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:08:51 PM
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Last edited by ace_boon_coon on 12/29/2010 12:11:52 PM
4 up, 2 down
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:09:04 PM
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I like that RDR has gotten this near unanimous praise from gaming outlets, and there is no doubt that it was one of the best games of the year. Sadly, it still felt too much like a GTA clone to me to really stand on its own. It definitely could have been better if R* had given it a new structure. On the other hand, the story was great, but I still don't see the point of the time John spent in Mexico. I really did enjoy the way that you engaged with him. Riding into the sunset on the lone prairie with no-one around by the wild animals; it made the ending all the more unbearable. But I've already reviewed the game, so I'll shut up.
Oh, and personal best of the year: Heavy Rain.
Peace.
3 up, 1 down
FM23
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 6:05:11 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 1:45:43 PM
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I just kind of petered out. I was impressed early on but it got really boring and I never finished it. Perhaps some day I will get the Old West itch again and I can finish it but I dunno.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 12/29/2010 1:47:44 PM
2 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 1:59:01 PM
Last edited by Jawknee on 12/29/2010 2:02:53 PM
3 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 2:37:18 PM
GTA needs a pickmeup too. But wandering around a big city as at least a lot more interesting that wandering around a freakin desert (That was a big issue in New Vegas too)
0 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:10:37 PM
It being a huge desilit desert fit the time period. To make it more replicated it had to be done this way. Civilization was prominent but it was widely spread out. How they filled the map in RDR was brilliant. Some of my best experiences in the game were riding through tall trees just as the sun was coming up. Theirs lots their you just looked past it.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 12/29/2010 3:11:40 PM
0 up, 0 down
Lotusflow3r
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:01:01 PM
It's the action packed ones i dislike ala Infamous (still good). I like immersion and character development.
Atmosphere is key.
The story in RDR was gripping, shocking, emotional and overall great. Infamous was the cheesiest comic book you have ever read with cringe worthy one liners! lol
RDR is the new king of sandbox.
Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 12/29/2010 4:02:49 PM
3 up, 1 down
bigrailer19
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:31:35 PM
Its difficult to prove that Games like infamous will take over as sand box games because well RDR did so well and they are played very differenty.
Im not going to get in to which is better because i loved both. But i will say that for both jawknee and world something couldnt keep them involved. For me RDR was such a breathe of fresh air and as the game, characters, and story progressed so did my enthusiasm for the game.
Westerns are not about large amounts of action. Especially old classic movies. They focus on te atmosphere, music, characters, and story. The gun fights and action are a huge plus. Thats why i say you missed a lot by not just enjoying what Rock star surrounded you woth in RDR. It was about the atmosphere you were put in, which ultinately made it arguably the best western to date. Everything meshed so brilliantly between the story, characters, music and atmosphere that it brought back what the western era was like. To me there is nothing like RDR and thats why its so good.
0 up, 0 down
maxpontiac
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:36:51 PM
After that wore off, I found out that I didn't like playing the game much.
The kicker is, I actually enjoyed The Call of Jaurez.
2 up, 3 down
FM23
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 6:11:17 PM
Yeah, it kind of went another direction once you went into Mexico, but I was never bored. More or less turned off by some hit/miss humor.
@Jawknee
As much as I enjoyed Infamous, I found RDR better. I will admit, the game got boring during some stretchs because they tried to make it all cinematic, but I loved it. Infamous may have more replay value than RDR, but I never once thought Infamous was better than RDR. And you didn't find Infamous repetitive. But Infamous hides it behind all the crazy crap you can do. I guess it just depends, but I definitely agree with what you said for the most part. I tried to play RDR again and it didn't have much replay value just like Assassin Creed 1-B.
0 up, 0 down
HighOnFire
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:01:34 PM
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1 up, 1 down
booze925
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:48:00 PM
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im with him on the horse mourning
2 up, 1 down
NoSmokingBandit
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:49:19 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Alienange
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 8:43:44 PM
1 up, 0 down
NoSmokingBandit
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 9:04:40 PM
0 up, 0 down
Hezzron
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:12:06 PM
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I remember the first time my horse died. I whistled for it, and it came running to me across some train tracks just as a train was passing by. Horse meat everywhere. Stupid horse put loyalty ahead of personal safety!
3 up, 1 down
FM23
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 6:12:42 PM
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0 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:12:58 PM
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As we hurtle towards 2011 and the Spring release of L.A. Noire, please enjoy these new "Light & Shadow" noir-inspired Rockstar Desktops:
http://bit.ly/i7aRIv
0 up, 0 down
Robochic
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:21:51 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Alienange
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 8:41:28 PM
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2 up, 0 down
Kevin555
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 10:23:32 PM
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1 up, 0 down
___________
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 12:15:36 AM
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its just such a long game, and to be honest is not exactly entertaining so sitting through another 10+ hours just to see the ending is not really sounding that great to me.
id rather catch up on CLOS which i was actually really enjoying.
have to finish the game before i get to the DLC though.
lucky i got a month till DS2, and ME2 come out so that should give me enough time to finish split second, BLUR, RDR, RDR DLC, enslaved DLC, CLOS and all the PSP games i downloaded.
0 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 4:36:39 AM
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Both without a doubt the finest games to be released in 2010.
Next to that, you had Heavy Rain, Starcraft 2, Gran Turismo 5, Rock Band 3, Dance Central, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Donkey Kong Country Returns!!!!
Bring on 2011, finally... the true, without doubt, year of the PS3!!
0 up, 0 down
Sir Dan
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 7:36:26 AM
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My funniest laugh out loud moment was the time I went on a bounty hunt and ambushed the target and his gang in Tall Trees. I'm picking off his gang from behind a rock and all of the sudden I see on my radar the bouty's dot going fast from right to left. I headshot his last henchman and take off after him. When I get close I see him being chased by two bears and a cougar. Before I can shoot the animals they all catch him at the same time and maul him to death. Just fantastic stuff folks. I loved my horse too! A wolf came at us under his chest and in a panic I shot him in the head trying to take out the wolf. LOL. Undead DLC in a real blast. Loved the flaming horse War. Fun to run around lighting zombies on fire with it. I'm still not done with this game. Playing the crap out of it still.
0 up, 0 down
ElJefeDiablo
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 12:00:17 PM
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I had what seemed like an instant karma event which resulted in her demise. Almost immediately after roping a corset adorned strumpet, putting her on my horse and galloping off, my first cougar ever encountered, felled my beloved and then finished me off. Thus began my raging cougar vendetta!
0 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:12:50 AM
I think most developers would feel tge same way. Thats what i love bout this industry minus activision abd microsoft. Is that as a whole developers like Sucker Punch and Insomniac for example take prise in what they do but more importanty give recognition to those games that deserve it, and not just talk bout their games. Because most of them are probably gamers themselves.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 12/29/2010 11:16:02 AM