You ever played a game where you chose to take a break? Just because you don't want the journey to end? Taking it slow, wandering around, doing silly activities, appreciating the graphics and surroundings, "wasting" as much time as possible.
Focusing less on the main storyline, and instead scouring the map for side quests. Because a part of you knows, that when the main story progresses and when the game ends, you just won't be the same anymore, it wont' feel the same anymore; not for a few weeks at least.
Sometimes open world games like GTA, RDR, The Witcher do give you the option to access the map, even after the game has been completed. We sometimes choose to keep these games around, just to log in every now and then, just to get a feel of how it felt when we first stepped into the world of a certain game. But, it doesn't quite really feel the same anymore, because there is no motive and it's just an open world full of NPCs now. A world that is already well known to you, all too predictable.
RDR2 is probably the lengthiest game in all my years of gaming, I'm not talking about the storyline being lengthy, but it's actually me who's taking a lot of time to complete it.
Because the game is old, and I already know about the story quite a bit, the main parts at least. If I had not known about the outcome, then maybe I would've finished it by now, because the story isn't as pretty and as jolly when we're mid-way. And I guess that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, that tragic and inescapable scene, which is Chapter 6, just before the intermission.
That is why I'm no no rush to finish, and why I'm taking my time enjoying the little things this game has to offer. Because for now the missions are full of life, the gang is all here, not a lot of drama or conflict is present either.
This is probably the only game where I don't prefer using fast travel. Every other open world game I've played I always abused fast travel. Yes, I like the scenic views, also the chance to interact with "smarter" and more lively NPCs, which also helps in gaining more honor. My character here has fairly high honor, but my goal is to max it out.
But, I avoid fast travel mainly because I like the abrupt hold ups by local gangs, it just gives me a chance to resort to some violence, and I end up losing honor points haha. Some of these gangs are really quite annoying too, so why not use this chance to show them who's boss?
I guess it's a common scene, one where protagonist has to go through in every open world game; dumb NPCs thinking they can talk shit and take on the mysterious tough guy, but instead they end up getting their heads blown off or knocked THE FUCK out lol.
For now I'm hovering around the end stages of Chapter 4, focusing more on petting dogs, fishing helping random NPCs and upgrading my guns and gear. I only focus on main missions when there's absolutely nothing else to do.
I've also went on a few "gold hunts", scouring YT and Google for tips to increase the amount of money I have. Hunting gold bars and selling them gives you a better chance to earn a hefty amount, I've probably collected 3 gold bars so far and a few gold nuggets too.
Hanging around the camp and doing chores is quite fun too, especially when there's a lot of banter going on between the gang, if you time it right, then with a bit of luck you'll be able to witness these scenes. The game is so well detailed and thoughtful, some of these conversations between the gang members mimics real life quite well.
This game is almost 5 years old, and I don't think any game still can come close in terms of detail, character depth and development.
At this point, I think only RDR3 might be the only game that'll be able to dethrone RDR2 in terms of detail, character development and graphics. And that's still a long wait I guess, at least 5 more years till we get to hear about RDR3 I'd say.
So for now I wont rush it, I'll take my time and slowly finish of RDR2, step by step, chapter after chapter.
That's about it for my RDR journey so far. Be seeing you guys on my next post where I share my future RDR adventures.
Cheers guys. 🥃☮️
