Top 5 Red Dead Redemption Moments

Reach For The Sky

With its sequel now raking in an unimaginable amount of praise from critics and fans alike, the Red Dead Redemption series has cemented itself as the definitive old west video game experience. While we’re sure that Arthur Morgan’s gun-totting epic will be compared to John Marston’s previous adventure in every conceivable way, it’s hard to forget just how iconic some of the original game’s moments were. No matter how brilliant Red Dead Redemption II is, these examples will live on in gaming history.

#5: The Outlaw’s Return

After making it through hell and back again, Marston is finally able to reunite with his family. Since this is the moment John’s entire journey has been working towards, you’re overcome with anticipation just riding to the ranch. Even though the player didn’t really get to interact with Marston’s family up until this point, it still feels like a reunion with loved ones you’ve been eagerly awaiting. Of course, Abigail isn’t too pleased with her husband at first, seeing how he’s been absent for so long. Following the initial rough patch, though, the family does reconcile in a satisfying manner. While this would’ve made for a happy conclusion, Marston’s story isn’t over yet.

#4: Entering Mexico

Rockstar has developed a reputation for creating detailed open worlds that only become more immersive with each new location the player encounters. In “Red Dead Redemption,” few moments prove more awe-inspiring than John Marston’s first ride into Mexico. What already seemed like a vast sandbox suddenly becomes infinitely grander. The moment is only made more cinematic and atmosphere with the accompaniment of the song “Far Away” by José González. As Marston heads to his next adventure, part of you may wish that this horseback ride would last forever. It’s instances like this that demonstrate why video games are much more than mindless escapism. They’re works of art capable of conjuring emotions we never anticipated.

#3: And the Truth Will Set You Free

Before Marston can reunite with his family, he has to face off with his old gang leader, Dutch van der Linde. Since the game largely revolves around Marston atoning for the sins of the past, this showdown was always inevitable on his road to redemption. Dutch won’t go down without a fight, however, forcing Marston and his allies to battle through an army of gang members as all hell breaks loose. Following an exhausting pursuit, Marston eventually manages to back Dutch up against the edge of a steep cliff. Realizing that he’s met his end, Dutch leaves Marston with a few poignant final words before plunging himself to a snowy resting place.

#2: The Assault on Fort Mercer

Of all the missions in the game, the Assault on Fort Mercer is perhaps the most epic in scale. Calling “The Magnificent Seven” to mind, Marston and a ragtime group of men plan to attack the enormous fortress and capture Bill Williamson. In Trojan Horse fashion, the theatrical Nigel West Dickens sneaks you in with his stagecoach. Upon receiving the signal, Marston breaks out his machine gun and a rousing shootout commences. Fort Mercer becomes an explosive combat zone that only grows more chaotic once reinforcements arrive. While the mission is a blast from start to finish, John’s journey is just getting started. Williamson has already escaped, setting the stage for your trip to Mexico.

#1: The Last Enemy That Shall Be Destroyed

Just as John starts to settle back into his old life, he’s paid a visit from some old friends looking to tie up all loose ends. John puts up one hell of a fight, but Uncle sadly loses his life in the process. After getting his wife and son to safety, it becomes clear that there’s no way to kill every enemy and John is about to open the door to his last stand. Having been through so much with Marston, watching him die a bloody death makes the player feel as if they’ve lost an arm or a leg. This makes it all the more gratifying when Jack Marston settles the score years later.

Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Video Game Characters That Didn’t Deserve To Die.