Red Dead Redemption - boxed - PS3

Red Dead Redemption is a free-roaming western game and the spiritual successor to Red Dead Revolver. The game is set in 1911, where players take control of John Marston, an outlaw who is forced to turn against his own kind when federal agents threaten his family. He is sent to the American frontier to capture his former gang members, most notably the notorious leader Bill Williamson.

In the open world, the player can follow the storyline or take part in the various events that occur while exploring the West; similar to Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series. Horses are the main means of transport, and the player can whistle for their mount at any time. The player can also visit towns, talk to other characters, and take part in or intervene in events such as public executions, ambushes and robberies. Many of these events are random, including dangerous animal attacks and bandit raids. Other activities include hunting, gambling, duels and standoffs, with firearms being the main weapon.

Based on the player's choices, two morality systems (Honour and Fame) influence how the environment and other characters react to Marston. Marston can shoot while riding a horse and lasso people, combined with a cover system with specific targeting or wild fire. In the chargeable "Dead Eye" aiming mode, time is slowed down to target various enemies in specific locations before firing the shots in rapid succession. The player can also set up camps anywhere in the world to fast-travel to known locations or save their game.

Multiplayer is supported through free-for-all, team and capture-the-flag modes, with crates containing weapons and power-ups introduced. Matches begin with a Mexican standoff, where the survivor gets a bit more time to collect items while the others respawn. Similar to Grand Theft Auto IV, there is a continuous free-roaming mode in which players can team up in groups and fight computer-controlled gangs. Posses consist of a maximum of eight players, and all multiplayer matches support a maximum of sixteen players. During multiplayer, characters can level up and gain access to new mount breeds, character models and weapon skins.