It’s going to be a long time until Red Dead Redemption 3. Millions of players around the world have already had their fun in the Wild West and are now yearning for more. It’s understandable, Red Dead Redemption and its sequel both bring something truly special.
We know you fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 are looking to fill the void somehow; waiting for Rockstar Games to announce a new installment, or perhaps you’ll tide yourself over with GTAVI. No matter what you love about Red Dead Redemption, PlayStation Plus has you covered.
Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a very unique experience
If you love an open-world - Death Stranding
You could quibble with the overall quality of Death Stranding and its meandering story, but few games hold a candle to its open-world. It’s a place where beauty and danger run hand-in-hand; a world where you can see rolling meadows, rocky outcropping, and lazy rivers at a slow pace while delivering packages. There may be other open-world maps with more to see, but for the isolated feeling of an empty landscape, you can’t knock this one.
If you want a rich story - The Last of Us Remastered
It’s such a good story that HBO bagged the rights and produced one of 2023’s best TV shows. The story of Joel and Ellie, a horrific tale, fraught with danger is one where the drama seemingly never stops. Even when things are going well in this zombie-style action game, The Last of Us manages to create a sense of tension that pervades every moment, even those with beauty and love at their core. While on the surface it looks like ‘just another zombie game’ it’s so much more than that, building on everything that came before in the survival horror genre.
Back to the Wild West - Desperados 3
A bit of an odd one out on a list of action and adventure games. Desperados 3 is a strategy game played from an isometric perspective. Why is it on this list? Well, the game is set in a world of cowboys, bandits, and all those Wild West tropes we love. If you’re not ready to let go of that rootin’ tootin’ world, then the characters and story here, along with the art style, will keep you living that yee-haw life.
For more brilliant characters - God of War
Across the entire cast of God of War there’s not really a bad character. Each is voice acted brilliantly, wonderfully captured, and animated, they’re all fully realised in a way that drags the player further into the world they inhabit. Whether that’s Kratos’ gruff honesty, Atreus’ perhaps naive sentimentality, or the wry and sarcastic tones of Mimir. Each conversation between the cast members goes some way to heighten the tension or emphasise a rare moment of tenderness, which is a testament to the quality of the writing as well as the affecting acting.
Plenty of online hijinks - Pay Day 2
The robberies in Red Dead Redemption 2 are a simple affair. If you’re looking for something with more depth in heisting while still keeping the fun of collaboration, look no further than Pay Day 2. Essentially, Pay Day 2 is nothing but heists and robberies from several locations. Teamwork is often key here as you’ll be paired with players with each taking on a role or task during the robbery. With plenty of progression for your character, and lots of gadgets and tools to unlock, you can become a master thief in the modern day, rather than the Old West.
Unbeatable combat - Bloodborne
Okay, I was going to pick one game for stealth and the other for action, but really, when you simply think of the word combat, then Bloodborne isn’t far behind. Fair enough, there’s no stealth in Bloodborne, but the swordplay is balletic and gorgeous. It can be tight and in your face, or cautious coming from beyond arm's reach to land slower hits. Once you throw in the nimble rolling and the frenetic pacing of boss fights, you’ve got a real gem for those looking for wonderful combat.
More organised crime - Saints Row 4
Saints Row has always been the poor cousin of Grand Theft Auto, but Saints Row 4 was a genuine gem that deserves plenty of players. It took the humour which many found to be missing from GTA and sent it into overdrive, all while still focusing on committing crimes. In fact, it’s the humour that carries the game. Yes, the crime spree stuff is fun, but with so many missions featuring silliness, it’s a game to keep you laughing while you run rampage.
Something visually gorgeous - Horizon Forbidden West
For sheer beauty, while also sticking to a large open-world and deep story, it has to be Horizon Forbidden West. Whether we’re looking at closeups on the character models, or overlooking a world of rippling waters and lush greenery, this game is jaw-dropping. Sometimes you come across a game that forces you to just take a moment and appreciate the view and this is that game. If you want to show off what the PS5 can do, boot this up and spend some time just wandering from place to place.
The obvious, honourable mention - GTA V
You can’t really recommend alternatives to Red Dead Redemption 2 without at least mentioning GTA V. It’s the easy pick. Rockstar Games have managed to conjure for themselves a kind of identity for what they produce, they’re similar enough to play, while the setting and feel are polar enough opposites they can pull in a different audience.
Featured Image Credit: Sony/Rockstar GamesTopics: Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games, GTA 5, GTA 6, GTA Online, Horizon Forbidden West, Death Stranding, The Last Of Us, God Of War, Bloodborne