We’ve spent enough time robbing trains, clearing bandit camps, and surviving high noon duels to confirm that Red Dead Redemption is an ambitious and impressive interpretation of the Wild West that should appeal to Grand Theft Auto and Western fans alike. To tide you over before our review appears on May 17, we present this list that break down the game’s Hollywood influences and demonstrates the breadth of gameplay Rockstar has injected into the frontier setting.  

“First getting shot, then getting married – bad habits.” –Cole Younger, The Long Riders
Protagonist John Marston used to run with the most violent gang in the Wild West. After a robbery goes awry and he gets shot during the heist, his brothers leave him for dead while fleeing. Marston escapes, but decides it’s time to put down the six shooters and find a new life. He buys a parcel of land, gets married, has a son, and plans to live out the rest of his days as a rancher.

Charlie Burns: "You want me to kill me brother."
Captain Stanley: "I want you to kill your brother." – The Proposition
Marston’s range life doesn’t last long. With technology and business interests spreading into the untamed west at an exponential rate, the federal government decides to hasten the process by creating an agency to eliminate the outlaw gangs impeding the process. Well aware of Marston’s former life as an outlaw, the feds offer him a brutal form of forgiveness – hunt down your former brothers in arms, or never see your family again.

“Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy.” – Josey Wales, The Outlaw Josey Wales
The frontier isn’t all rolling hills of grain and gorgeous vistas. Spend too much time gawking at the remarkable scenery and you may find yourself the victim of a cougar attack or a bandit raid. The prairies, deserts, and mountain rangers are home to 40 animal types, many of which would love to eat John Marston for dinner. Several renegades roam the countryside looking for victims to rob, so be vigilant when you see men approaching on horseback or calling for help on the side of the road. They may be waiting to spring an ambush, and the worst way to return to town is in a coffin.  

“I get dressed, I kill him and be right back.” –Tuco, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Like Grand Theft Auto IV protagonist Niko Bellic, John Marston isn’t stuck wearing the same clothes throughout the game. Red Dead Redemption features a wardrobe with several different outfits ranging from distinguished suits to weather-worn ponchos. Some are awarded to Marston for completing missions, some must be purchased at the tailor, and others feature mixed objectives that require you to find specific pieces of cloth hidden around the world and compete certain tasks.