Red Dead Revolver Review – A call back to the days of Wild West stories on the PlayStation 2

Released in 2004, Red Dead Revolver stands as a testament to Rockstar Games’ ability to transcend genres and immerse players in captivating narratives. While it may not share the sprawling open-world characteristics of its successor, “Red Dead Redemption,” this PlayStation 2 title holds a unique place in gaming history. The game originally started as a concept made by Capcom before being picked up by Rockstar Games. 

Story

Red Dead Revolver weaves a tale of revenge, redemption, and the untamed spirit of the Wild West at some point in the late 19^th century. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected missions, each contributing to the overarching story. Red Harlow’s quest for vengeance after witnessing his family’s murder provides a poignant backdrop, and the game introduces a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motives and allegiances.

The narrative depth is enhanced by the game’s commitment to embracing Western tropes. From corrupt lawmen to ruthless outlaws, Red Dead Revolver creates a rich tapestry of characters and scenarios that pay homage to classic Western films.

You start the game as a young Red, living on his familys land with his mother who was Native American and his father who was away for work. The first mission of the game has Reds father return talking of how they have made their fortune and shows off his new revolver which is one of only two in the world before bequeathing his old revolver to Red. While having some target practice the homestead is attacked with Reds father calling to him for help, by the time Red fights his way there his parents are dead and his house is on fire. After being confronted by the attackers his only chance is to reach is hand into the flames to pick up his fathers gun and shoot. He manages to shoot the arm off the leader of the group before making his escape.

The primary part of the story is Red Harlows journey through the world trying to unravel the mysteries of his past and why his family were killed in-front of him. Now traveling the land as a hardened bounty hunter you meet a whole host of unique characters typical of a Rockstar game. Red himself is obviously based on Clint Eastwoods character in ‘Man With No Name’ an absolute main stay of the Spaghetti Western genre. 

As Red works through his bounties he eventually uncovers the sinister plot against his father that caused his death and begins the journey of tracking the people involved down with help from some friends he meets along the way. Like some later Rockstar games Red Dead Revolver gives you the opportunity to play as other characters in certain levels. These characters are a rancher called Annie Stoakes, a soldier known as “Buffalo Soldier”, a Mexican General called Javier Diego, an eccentric English trick-shooter called Jack Swift and Red Harlows cousin a Native American called Shadow Wolf. 

In true Western fashion at the end of the game Red Harlow turns down a huge reward after finishing his quest and walks off into the sunset leaving his fate up in the air. There are however numerous theories out there as to what happened next, one of the biggest theories is that Red is everybodies favourite lumbago sufferer Uncle is infact an older Red Harlow after telling Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2 that he used to be known as “The One-Shot Kid”. There is however inconsistencies in this theory as alot of Uncles backstory is known and means he couldn’t be Red…unless he is hiding his identity.

Another theory is that Red now goes by Landon Ricketts the retired gunslinger living out in Chuparosa, again however there is enough known about his backstory that it is unlikely that he is truly Red Harlow. And neither Landon or Uncle have Red’s scared hand.

The final theory is that Red is merely a legend, told around campfires to scare off bounty targets and inspire gunslingers and entertain children.

Mission Variety

Red Dead Revolver offers a diverse range of missions that keep players engaged throughout the game. From classic duels under the scorching sun to intense gunfights in claustrophobic spaces, each mission introduces new challenges and scenarios. The variety prevents the gameplay from becoming monotonous, and the pacing keeps players invested in Red Harlow’s journey.

The boss battles, in particular, stand out as memorable encounters. Each antagonist presents a unique challenge, requiring strategic thinking and precise shooting to overcome. The sense of accomplishment after defeating a formidable foe contributes to the overall satisfaction of the gameplay.

While Red Dead Revolver primarily focuses on the single-player experience, it introduced a local multiplayer mode that allowed players to engage in shootouts and duels. While limited compared to modern multiplayer experiences, it provided an entertaining diversion and showcased the game’s potential for social gameplay.

Gameplay

Red Dead Revolver immerses players in the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, blending third-person shooter elements with action-packed gameplay. The player steps into the boots of Red Harlow, a bounty hunter on a quest for justice. The game features a diverse range of missions, from intense shootouts in dusty saloons to high-speed horseback chases through arid canyons.

The missions are split up with “rest breaks” for lack of a better term in some towns and areas where you can find shops, side missions and characters to speak to before heading off to your next main mission.  

The combat system, while nowhere near as refined as modern titles, still manages to deliver a visceral and satisfying experience. Players can slow down time (a precursor to the Dead Eye system in “Red Dead Redemption”) to target multiple enemies with precision. The variety of weapons, each with its distinct feel and impact, adds depth to the gameplay.

This title also some very challenging boss battles and duels. The final boss Governor Griffon is a great benchmark for how difficult an end game boss should be in this type of game, along with other challenging bosses like Grizzly or the Dark Souls level difficult “Pig” Josh, or the bane of my childhood as I call him. 

Graphics and Sound

For its time, the visual design of Red Dead Revolver is noteworthy. The character models are well-crafted, each displaying a unique personality that adds to the authenticity of the Wild West setting. The environments, ranging from desolate prairies to bustling frontier towns, capture the rugged beauty and danger of the landscape.

The use of colour and lighting is particularly effective in conveying the game’s atmosphere. The warm hues of sunset over the plains and the stark shadows of a moonlit night contribute to the cinematic quality of the experience. The attention to detail in recreating iconic Western imagery, such as tumbleweeds and dilapidated saloons, further enhances the game’s immersive visual design.

Red Dead Revolver boasts a memorable soundtrack that complements the game’s Western theme. The evocative score, composed by Michael Reagan, captures the essence of the era, featuring twangy guitars and harmonicas that transport players to the dusty trails of the Old West. The sound effects, from the thundering gallop of horses to the crack of gunfire, enhance the immersion and contribute to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Voice acting in “Red Dead Revolver” plays a crucial role in bringing the characters to life. The diverse accents and personalities of the cast contribute to the authenticity of the Western experience. The performances, while not as nuanced as contemporary titles, effectively convey the grit and determination of the characters.

Conclusion

“Red Dead Revolver” laid the foundation for the more expansive and critically acclaimed “Red Dead Redemption” series. Despite being a more linear and focused experience, it introduced players to the narrative and aesthetic elements that would become synonymous with the franchise. The game’s success contributed to the resurgence of the Western genre in gaming, inspiring subsequent titles that explored the complexities of the American frontier.

Red Dead Revolver succeeds not only as a standalone title but as a precursor to the more expansive and ambitious entries in the Red Dead series. Its impact on the gaming industry, particularly in revitalising interest in Western-themed games, cannot be overstated. Whether revisiting it for a dose of nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, Red Dead Revolver remains proof of the enduring appeal of the American Wild West and the timeless storytelling capabilities of video games.