Red Dead Redemption 2: The Best Story in Gaming - A Video Essay

[@RobynsonPatinio]

I am still teary eyed when Arthur said "Thank You" to his horse.

[@henry7486]

I never felt emotional during that scene bc my horses always die so I didn’t have one horse throughout the game

[@CubeLFC]

@@henry7486 I had the same horse all the way throughout the story from the first mission in valentine where you get the option to buy a new horse. RIP Bolt 😔💔

[@henry7486]

@@CubeLFC damn man

[@Dossrighton]

Yeah you only get that cut scene if you have full bond. I genuinely teared up since I treated it like it was real.

[@chrisschmitt2895]

@@CubeLFC same dude. I used the shire warhorse given to me to sell. Black and white warhorse. Kept him alive for 72 hours….

[@shermansmells]

I’m not entirely sure if anybody mentioned this, but I do firmly believe that Molly pretended to be the rat not to get attention from Dutch but because of suicidal ideology. Dutch uprooted her from her wealthy home in Ireland and groomed her into wanting the outlaw adventurous life, treated her like shit, cheated on her (heavily alluded to by secret dialogue in camp where he flirts with Mary Beth constantly) and she was absolutely deeply in love with him. Definitely check out her poem. It can be found during every chapter by Dutch’s bed minus chapter 6. She also did beg him to shoot her. She descended into the drink after Dutch rejected her over and over again in every way. Her frustration with the way he treats other women, their sex life (or lack thereof), and his (and the rest of the camp for that matter) blatant disrespect of her as a person is mentioned during their countless arguments so many times and you can tell she lost it towards the end and wanted to die. She also constantly says how she’s getting too old for him which can be displayed by his obvious attraction to Mary Beth who is rumored to be around 22 years old and Molly being 25-26. Dutch is a 45 year old man. She disappears towards the end of chapter 4 and doesn’t come back til her death and previous that she can be found anywhere but around Dutch usually on the outskirts of camp rambling about how everybody hates her and how angry and helpless she feels. She’s always crying, talking crazy and mumbling. It’s truly so very sad to be honest.

[@adawg3032]

Its a good theory, I also don't think she actually ratted because if she did I don't think she would have come back to the camp. She loved Dutch too much to rat him out also.

[@kaydens6964]

@@adawg3032you don’t need to guess or make theories, Dutch is not talking to her, she doesn’t interact with gang members, how does she know about the distraction and bank robbery? She can’t rat even if she wants to.

[@ADHDGaming-o6c]

No it was a desperate plea for attention.

[@shaeisgae8952]

I never knew the part about their ages or flirting with Mary beth, dutch is a creep dude. It's like finding out your cool history teacher in high school that taught your favorite class left his wife to date a student a few years ago and people just ignored it (that is definitely not an actual experience that I have had in real life, certainly not. Nope.)

[@shermansmells]

@@ADHDGaming-o6c okay sure ✨

[@thedeadestchannel0989]

I like how Arthur Morgan when realizing he has a fatal illness he makes the choice to do something good after I terrible life. And Walter white goes from being a loving and caring family man to greedy murderer when he finds out he’s dying

[@jimmymurphy898]

"People don't really change, they only become more who they really are"-Rains Fall. This quote I believe sums up Rdr2 and Breaking Bad quite well. Walter became more he he really is which is a narcissistic, greedy man. It revealed who he really was. By contrast in Rdr2 Arthur become a better person and more worried about the well being of fellow gang members. He also self reflects on his own mistakes and makes up for the pain he inflicted on the Downes family and helps a bunch of other people if you play high honor. It's such a brilliant narrative, both of them have amazing stories and reveal their protagonists' true selves.

[@MolinaKojima]

I never cried playing ANY video game but I did twice during my first play, I’m 26 years old and this story was amazing really a top 3 for me and I’ve played tons of games over the years

[@fergushenderson2901]

What 3 moments made you cry on your first watch?

[@TheChrisLeone]

I cried both when my horse died and when Arthur died. I went back for the money because I played the game like an animal.

[@tarxan7669]

At halfway thru your 20’s your kinda start to decide where you’re gonna go. Be that couple walking the park with their baby If only because you don’t want to be the bones on that mountain that Micah became.

[@CubeLFC]

@@tarxan7669 Deep + thought you was gonna say Arthur not Micah 😭

[@joshuadavid7957]

Same but twice that much... obviously the Arthur scenes but I cried when John proposed too

[@sovereigndeleon]

I love everything about this video BUT I'm a little disappointed that you didn't mention my favorite scene in the whole game, which is actually an alternate scene to Arthur's last conversation with the Reverend. If you choose a consistently high honor path, you talk with Sister Calderon at the train station instead, and you get a lot of insight into Arthur (including some backstory), and he opens up in a way that you don't get with the Reverend.

[@Exiled7]

Yeah indeed. I wanted to talk about it once but I didn’t get the scene. I will definitely make a video in the future about it

[@shotq8070]

Honestly I've played through it 4 tines and never got the reverend scene

[@DREADDWELLER]

​@@shotq8070 I got it on my first playthrough, I'm a good boy

[@grigoregruesome3606]

@@DREADDWELLER lol but he’s the middling to low honor option.

[@DREADDWELLER]

@@grigoregruesome3606 I misread lmao, I meant I got the meeting with the lady. It was one of my favorite scenes in the game

[@plexyglass429]

Something i NEVER see people talk about is how arthur plays a "character" when loan sharking. You see in quite a few of the loaning missions where a pot of stew is present he goes in to taste it, almost as a distraction. This is the ONLY time he ever does it, whether its to look more intimidating or its akin to shaking your leg, it only happens when he's doing work for strauss. I see this as his "tell" that hes begrudgingly doing this and its an effort to make a character to distance himself from what hes doing. He writes in just journal just how much he hates doing it

[@JudeAcosta-v4w]

The fact he moved the Gun out of Charlottes face towards the end to prevent her from accidentally shooting herself is insane too.

[@John-996]

Still find New Things after 5 playthroughs the world really feels alive and reactive. Turn in a bounty And see them hang and get buried later.

[@Exiled7]

Indeed, each time you will experience so much

[@R3TR0J4N]

omg love that, totally Rockstar has mastered environmentally controlled or scripting that they can put this much detail, and RD2 is the culmination of that.

[@Jakeyisdead]

According to my playstation time tracker I've put over 1000 hrs into RDR2 and I'm still finding new things its fkn mental

[@jaymo2113]

Ive done 4 playthroughs now and the horse ride back to Beaver Hallow gets me everytime. I cannot help but shed a few tears.

[@lewisjohnston7077]

It's definitely the music and the voices like saying you saved my life. You are a good man.

[@brentskeene1042]

That's the scene that gets me the most, even more than watching the sunset in the high honor ending.

[@noowanna]

The reason you didn't talk with your horse when it dies is because you didn't have a high enough bond with it. You need at least level 3 bond with your horse to get the cutscene. I always work to get a level 4 max bond with the horse so it gets max stats and the stamina drains a lot slower and regenerates more and faster. It's not hard. You can just pet your horse a lot while riding it, feed it, and clean it when it gets dirty and you get it in no time.

[@Exiled7]

Yeah I did it for my second play through!

[@nicholasdogostino3699]

@@Exiled7 u can also kill things and spam stowing on horse and removing it

[@ironicly__iconic]

And leading it around 👍🏻

[@HomerSimpson-eu2qf]

Don't forget your crafted saddles

[@dsimi415]

I didn't know there was a version of that scene that Arthur doesn't talk to his horse. How am I still learning new things about this game

[@bunathan2485]

I just remember when I first found out Arthur had tuberculosis. I called it when he was on the island, but I didn't want that to be the case. I completely changed how I played Arthur, I went to very low honor, to max honor, which I think was the point. That is a powerful thing for a game to make you change.

[@revanxl5612]

I love picking out all of the times where the tb started showing up lightly in my repeated play throughs. Few times within chapter 4 where it starts to show itself but you don’t notice until your second or third play through.

[@Camisimluva]

I think RDR2 does something that few, if any other game does, and that’s that it turns non-gamers into gamers. My mum, who’s only into hardcore games like the sims and animal crossing, fell in love with RDR2 and cannot stop playing. She’s watched and helped my dad play many many other story driven games over the years, but the only game she’s ever actually picked up and played for herself is Red Dead. It draws you into a world that should not be interesting, but it’s so well designed with how every action has consequence or meaning. You pick plants to create tonics which have a real impact/advantage. If you kill the wrong NPC the others will chastise you about it later. Just today I did a bounty in Rhodes (the guy who asks to say goodbye to his kid and wife before he comes willingly), and I was a bit distracted on my ride back to Rhodes & got ambushed by people coming to rescue him, which I’ve never had happen before. It’s the fact that you can play through the same game over and over again and there’s still incentive to explore. The only other game I’ve managed to play through to completion is GTA5 - obviously another rockstar game, I think I just appreciate their storytelling style - it’s cinematic and engaging.

[@needlesandsonics5819]

The thing about Dutch is he has led what up until Blackwater was a successful gang. It wasn’t everyone else questioning Dutch’s ability but rather Dutch was questioning himself. He felt he needed to redeem himself for that failing but the more he tried, the more things fell apart. He was his own worst enemy. Mica easily weaseled himself into the situation for his own gain and certainly didn’t help the situation.

[@io9671]

I hate Mica so much, but god damn Rockstar is good for making a character so hateable.

[@adawg3032]

The fact that Micah was so unlikable is a testament to R*'s incredible writing. I have never hated a videogame character as much as I hate Micah. When he starts calling Arthur "black lung" making fun of his sickness made me want to draw my pistol and blast him in the back of the head.. I knew he was going to be trouble from the start when he ran into that house after being broken out of jail and murdered that dude and his wife. The guy was ruthless, but also kept a tactical perspective keeping one eye open at all times.

[@jeancarlo3608]

Many people can actually live with tuberculosis without even knowing they have the desease. Chapter 5 exists because of Arthur's fate. The change of weather he suffered in Guarma, made his desease even worst. That's why chapter 5 exists (also to see Dutch's true colors)

[@Exiled7]

I agree but over all I think chapter 5 exists to show the player more that Dutch has changed. As you can tell for the most part but in chapter 5 you are being pushed into knowing vs subtly being shown.

[@jimmymurphy898]

Dude I had the exact same thought as you playing this game. It absolutely reminds me of Breaking Bad. It also kind of reminds me of Better Call Saul actually more so considering it's also a prequel and has many slower character moments without violence. For example, fishing with Hosea and Dutch. These slower moments which include excellent dialogue really heighten the tragedy at the heart of the games story. Truly a masterpiece.

[@Exiled7]

Yeah I get that completely. I find the game so fascinating how it was designed. This is truly a one of a kind game.

[@jimmymurphy898]

@@Exiled7 Agree completely. Game is so good and so meticulous in its design that it is hard for me to play other videogames. Another thing I love about Rdr2 is how these smaller moments that contribute to character development are part of the gameplay they are not just in cutscenes. For example, in chapter 2 when you get Sean back from the bounty hunters and are partying to celebrate his return back at camp you have the option to dance with Marybeth. This is not a cutscene or anything and completely animated into the game with a dedicated button to flourish as in spin her around and do fancy dance moves while dancing with her. She will start out by asking Arthur to dance and if you say yes Arthur will say, "Sure but I ain't much of a dancer." As you continue to dance with her she will say, "See Arthur it's OK to dance sometimes won't stop us all from thinking you're angry and sad" to which Arthur replies, "Is that what you all think of me?" Mary responds to Arthur's question with a fascinating quote saying that he is, "sad in a good way like a romantic poet". I think that captures Arthur's character perfectly, he is a really introspective and sad guy who has a lot of anger because of the trauma he went through and his life situation. It's these little moments in addition to the bigger story beats that really flesh out Arthur in such a brilliant way and to me it was even more impactful because it was included as a part of the gameplay and something you could totally miss.

[@Exiled7]

@@jimmymurphy898 100% Agree once I get round to playing the game I'll defiently be trying to pick up on even more of the smaller stuff like that!

[@jimmymurphy898]

@@Exiled7 Yes! Sorry for the long winded response but that's just a moment that really stood out to me and goes to show the game's brilliance. Also, I just want to quickly mention that I met Roger Clark and I took a couple of photos with him. He seems like such a down to earth and nice guy and I was honestly starstruck lol.

[@Exiled7]

@@jimmymurphy898 That's really cool. He does seem like that sort of guy. Cant wait to see what he does in the future as I know hes in something coming up with troy baker so that will be cool. And don't worry about it just shows you love the game and I can respect that. This video is 3 hours long so don't worry the longer responses are what I'm here for!!

[@derekevenson8694]

I think there is a very strong parallel between Arthur and Dutch as leaders. Arthur in the beginning may be just the 3rd trusted man and muscle but even then during some of those side missions, it's Arthur everyone looks to to physically help and lead. Dutch leads via his charisma and coercion. Arthur is a man of few words of sorts as conveyed by the amazing lines at the end when John sais "your my brother" and Arthur only responds with "I know" man powerful scene. Anyway, Arthur leads through actions especially when you look at one of the last missions with the oil fields. Dutch's cronies ride with him but Arthur simply said "ride with me" and the majority follows Arthur. Yeah there's a parallel there that becomes more apparent at the end in that Dutch is the leader via charisma whereas Arhtur was the leader based on action.

[@Bithe_Get]

Wdym cronies? John sticked with dutch lol but thats just rockstar cutting him off

[@sedohema]

You didn't play the game did you? And if you did, you didn't pay attention.

[@sedohema]

Behind Hossea, Arthur is the most trusted man. As far as muscle, he's the most trusted muscle.

[@derekevenson8694]

@@sedohema I've done multiple playthroughs and have dug into the story multiple times as a result.

[@jacohenn42]

​@@Bithe_Get I believe Charles, Sadie, and the rest of the Natives ride with Arthur in the mission they're talking about

[@DourFlower]

I feel like saying the epilogue isnt really that important except for the ending is missing the entire point of what Arthur gave his life for, those real moments building an honest life and cherishing the family you have are something that gives his sacrifice so much meaning in a way that just taking revenge never could

[@Exiled7]

On more reflection I wish the epilogue ending didn’t exist as then it would have just let speculation happen as to what happened between the second and first game but having Dutch get some form of redemption to then go back to the same shit in the first game felt off

[@mollywoodshots6503]

Well that's the theme of the game. The inevitable cycle of Violence. Even in the first game it can be seen. These people are born Outlaws. Only way they get out of it completely is by death itself.

[@thebruh1883]

1:26:40 everybody talks about this scene and what it says about dutch, however I find it hilarious to think about because I'm pretty sure Rob (the mo-cap artist for john) in an interview said something like: "Ben (Dutch) has this chair that he likes to sit in, and its like his personal chair and he doesnt let anyone else sit there". so I'm pretty sure that was more Ben than Dutch showing there and its funny to think about.

[@jimmymurphy898]

This is my favorite game of all time. I am on my fourth playthrough and I am still blown away by this game. Arthur Morgan is also easily my favorite videogame character ever. The character development in this game is unreal.

[@Exiled7]

Yeah I completely agree with you, the character development in this game is unreal and I can’t think of a game that comes close to it

[@luvmibratt]

Fourth! I'm on my 2nd and itjust gets better,this was some time ago you left this comment but did you discover anything new on this round?

[@dereklong2072]

The scene with Sister Calderon is infinitely better than the one with Swanson.

[@lewisjohnston7077]

We all love Sister Calderón

[@tatthagatha2657]

Absolutely.

[@ShoopityDoopity]

I’m still playing RDR 2 all these years later. It’s funny because I knew before it came out, I’d tell myself “welp, I’m gonna be playing this for the next 10+ years” and it’s 1000% true until GTA VI comes out… then I’d be playing 2 games with my free time. I have 1300+ hours on PS4/PS5 and now I’m on PC with 200+ hours. Mods are making the game a whole new experience.

[@MaureenLongoriaTheOneAndOnly]

Oh, wow! I didn’t realize you could have that station cut scene with Swanson - I had mine with Sister Calderon. I love the way mine happened; I can definitely see how Swanson’s scene concludes his character development and can be more personal to Arthur, but I love how Sister Calderon seems to give him peace. I accidentally had the ending spoiled somewhat for me - I knew he died but I didn’t know exactly how - that scene was one of the first where I actually cried

[@madisons2117]

Arthur: "what if we let O'Driscalls hit the train, then we rob the O'Driscalls?" *end credits roll*

[@waxer7842]

Never noticed when I was younger as I was quite dumb and naive but GTA has a lot of this relating aspect in the story as well, to modern American society anyways. Rockstar is great at taking what they see in life and turning it into a comedic simulation.

[@lazycalf8150]

still to this day, that moment that dutch broke the silence at the braithwaite manor.. one of the coolest moments ive ever seen. film, game, real life. the utter chill he has as he shoots one guy in the face as he pulls his second pistol... slowly walks to cover... first time i experienced that, i was PUMPED through this mission.. all i could think was "that was fucking awesome"

[@user-qc1mc2ly8j]

Dutch exploding at Arthur like that was insane

[@Exiled7]

I know, it was a great thing to experience on my first play through.

[@FilbeeGaming]

I watched the first part, and I'm enjoying it. I'm gonna pop in and out with this because of it's length. But in all honesty, you absolutely deserve more recognition for this. The time it takes to do a video of this size and detail is something that some people may not understand, so credit to you for that. Best of luck Exiled.

[@Exiled7]

Thank you! Great to here you think it’s good and indeed it does ahah 7 and a half hours worth of recording 😂. Let alone the scripting. And thank you! Love some of the content you’ve been making as well!!

[@FilbeeGaming]

@@Exiled7 Thanks man

[@sarahuher8358]

The end always makes my throat tight and eyes burn and brings tingles to my entire body. The same way some parts of Wheel of Time do for me. I have never cried so much playing a game and just begging the main character to keep going just a little longer...

[@VinylcoteYT]

i’m not sure if i just didn’t catch it, but when discussing Charles you skirt around it but never actually use the term. Charles, throughout the game, has what’s called a Flat Character Arc where he has a truth that he sticks to and see to the end. a really good example of this is with Daniel Plainview from There Will Be Blood.

[@DonDadda45]

I consider RDR2 the pinnacle of modern gaming.

[@R3TR0J4N]

true, it beats my love of FONV when it comes to openworld.

[@Zack_410]

Gaming period

[@YoureMadBozo71]

surprised it didnt win goty against GoW during the game awards for that year.

[@Smithburger]

​@@Zack_410Plenty of better games out there than Rdr2.

[@Smithburger]

Rdr2 is such a generic story.

[@creativeself7147]

Great video that does this masterpiece of a game justice! RDR 2 is the best piece of media I have ever experienced. The combination of the old west, fantastic visuals, great gameplay, near-unlimited possibilities, and the most fantastic story and acting in anything I've ever seen turns this game into an experience that I'm certain I will never forget. I have never before and I might never again experience as much emotion as this game made me feel.

[@k___1]

I loved watching the whole thing so much. Red dead is genuinely my favourite game and I loveee seeing other people point out the aspects that I adore! The structure of this video is amazing too!!!

[@Exiled7]

Thank you! Glad to see you enjoyed it. It was one of my favourite videos to make and my favourite game to play for the channel!

[@RW5583.]

I had the ending spoiled to me years before I played. When I finally reached the mountain and Arthur died, I truly got teary eyed

[@102-d7i]

It took me a while to play rdr2 but once I did I grinded it non stop, I’m currently on my 3rd play through and rockstar really outdid themselves with this, hopefully we get an rdr3 announcement at some point. Great video btw, can’t imagine the time it must have taken

[@luvmibratt]

I'm on my second play through and it's still thrills me and able to discover so many new things this game is just epic,I really hope Rockstar makes rdr 3 atleast in the next 5-10 years,or before I'm old and gray lol

[@rhino5250]

@@luvmibrattI’m on my 4th play through and still feel the same way.

[@chrishelbling3879]

Old man here, and RDR2 player. Bravo to you, and your wonderful analysis. I respect any person who includes the word "plethora" in his narration. Your insight into this game is spectacular.

[@riteskaterdude]

It’s a little subtle, but Leopoldo Strauss’s naming seems deliberate. LS is his initials, but also the initials for Loan Shark

[@logarhythmic6859]

The big battle on Guarma makes sense given that you're working with Hercule, who's supposed to be a rebel leader. In the game, the conflict is obviously fictionalized, but I believe it's supposed to be a tie-in to the Haitian revolution. Obviously there's gonna be a big battle like that when you're working with people who are in the middle of a revolutionary war.

[@Codex7]

I am currently playing through the game for the first time and I am enjoying every moment of it

[@Exiled7]

Yeah its an amazing game, So glad I chose to give it a second chance!

[@jimmymurphy898]

Glad you are having a great time! On my fourth playthrough and it is my favorite game of all time. Arthur Morgan is also easily my favorite videogame character

[@Codex7]

@@jimmymurphy898 forth time wow. Thats impressive have you platinum-ed the game

[@jimmymurphy898]

@@Codex7 Haha nope but everytime I play I discover new things and no playthrough is the same. I just really love the game, it is very much my kind of game. I love how focused it is on immersing you in its characters and world. I also cannot deny that Arthur is my favorite videogame character ever and he is one of if not the main reason I keep coming back. Also, I am an actor and I am passionate about videogames, tv shows, etc. that have good acting and writing and Rdr2 is the most well written and well acted game I have ever played.

[@nomznom5470]

about 1:17:00, if you dont kill anthony foreman, he becomes a bounty in the epilogue, john mentions tilly, and anthony says something along the lines of "wait...youre...no he was bigger", he also has another dialogue line but i hit him unconscious whoops

[@freeponyrides]

1:49:22 "Sadie's need for revenge annoyed me" dude... her husband was murdered and she was gang raped for days on end

[@johnnybensonitis7853]

What a great video! I fucking love this game, it completely blew me away. Dutch seemed to sorta break after Arthur and Hosea die in front of him, not to mention everything else that happened to the gang. Seemed like he tied up one last loose end with Micah and went on to never have any close, meaningful relationships with anyone ever again by choice.

[@Avid_CJ4_Enjoyer]

The amount of time that you put into this essay makes it as good as the game itself. Good job!

[@Codex7]

I have been watching your critique for 1h 30min now and I have to say you killed it 😎👍

[@Exiled7]

Thank you!! Really glad to her it. I love this sort of content so I'll keep making what I love watching!

[@Raincl0uds12]

I rarely cry let alone at video games and I even knew that Arthur’s death was coming I still cried

[@wenchesandmead2459]

How did you manage to escape my radar for so long, KZbin recommended me your channel today and I’m listening to them in the background of my pharmacy, you’re doing awesome work and earned a sub :)

[@SaintVivida]

Wonderful video and analysis of Rdr2, I recently just finished Arthurs arc, and I have never been more invested and more connected to a main character than I did with Arthur. How he decayed, how he was selfless at the end. Rockstar has produced some of the most amazing games ever to date, and I would love to explore Red Dead Redemption at some point soon. Wonderful video, thank you for taking the time to make this❤️

[@burninsherman1037]

I definitely recommend playing red dead 1. It's fantastic.

[@brucewang3113]

I subscribed after 5 minutes! You’re awesome dude! I did the same thing with RDR2 and waited to buy a PS5 because my PS4 pro was loud af and I didn’t wanna ruin the experience listening to that noise knowing it’s possibly the best game ever made. Thanks for the great content man.

[@Xanderrss0]

I just wore a headset and played that shit the hour it came out. Every game is better with a good headset.

[@miongskie]

Every scene that stick with me when I was playing this wondrous game still gives me the same reaction and vibe even after watching them! It's a hell of a game and I am thankful to experience such!

[@jasons.2282]

You did a great job on your take of the game. I really enjoyed watching, thanks for all that work.

[@andrewbaskett8581]

One of my favorite parts of the story is the incredible extra shit that actually adds so much to the main story. Should you decide to. I’ve played this game, so fucking much for years and only just learned the other day that if you go to Mika’s camp outside strawberry following the mission where are you get him back end of the gang, you will find a wanted poster for Dutch. Which builds the definitive answer over Micah being the one who betrayed the gang. But it’s a detail that you would never notice or find unless you go back to his camp immediately after you guys finish one of the missions after you save him from strawberry

[@thorodinsson5684]

If you got full good honor at the train station you get sister Caldara witch is such an emotional scene

[@MaureenLongoriaTheOneAndOnly]

Dude fr. I already knew what was coming but that final scene with Sister Calderon was the beginning of the end for me. First time I cried

[@jordanford9320]

1:24:20 the suit you get depends on your honor level, if low honor red, if High honor Blue

[@ericmacdonald6790]

this game is perfection and the best scene in my opinion barely beats out arthurs death which is when colm dies the way rockstar showed the fear grow on his face as he realizes his fat is sealed as his plan failed was so perfectly portrayed

[@caveresch]

I personally played it the same both times and how I feel is the most natural way. I played as a total outlaw until Arthur starts counting and speaks to Joseah about redemption. From that point I changed my ways and started giving back. Also calling Sadie, Zadie is driving me crazy like seriously.

[@Zoologic21]

I finished my second play through of this wonderful game and I’ve gotten to searching up video essays dedicated to it, and it’s beautiful to see how much everything still resonates with people enough to articulate in long form what was so well done. I was in a similar boat of having played RDR2 some years later on PS5 and it was a great experience. I was part of the people who initially dismissed the content of the game because it would be a prequel, and also not focus on John Marston, as I wanted to have everything be about him, or take place after the events of RDR1. I was thankful to give the game a chance and I’m right there with you about the story being so enriching. I don’t think there was ever really a time where there was any cheap nods or a small turn and wink to camera to be like “hey, it’s red deadin’ time” or anything like that. Just a bunch of nuance and subtlety that doesn’t talk down to the audience, but also doesn’t aim to give them no challenge whatsoever outside of gameplay. It struck a balance, and it was great to see a game where the story development was just as important as all the new advancements that were occurring in gaming at the technical level. I honestly still have my doubts about how GTA VI will turn out, but I have hope because I think I dismissed Rockstar and video game in general after GTA V didn’t feel like it was the same special new game day feeling previous installments brought. RDR2 revitalized that anticipation, and after being made to wait so damn long for the next GTA, I just hope it will be a payoff. If not, I’ll probably be clinging to what an RDR3 and Last of Us Part 3 would be like.

[@TheNotoriousMrDee]

Well done, man. I shed a few manly tears when Arthur dies. He tried as he could to stay loyal to Dutch despite Dutch becoming an evil man. Loyalty means more to me than anything else in life.

[@RipRoarin]

I have a semi-stoned theory about Tilly. When Aurthor gives her that big bag of money & says wait for Sadie & Abigail at wherever it was, I think Tilly left Jack there & ran off with the $. Because later when we see John & fam their poor & looking for a new place to live and then again later we see Tilly has been living the rich life & acts like she's kinda in a hurry to leave when John sees her & she gives a bs story about marrying a rich man to cover her ass. Sadie knew she had the $ but maybe she didn't say anything because, well there was no point as shes gone without a trace or didn't want John to feel more betrayal. Remember a couple people said Tilly isn't as sweet & innocent as we think she is.

[@CodeeXD]

Yoooopp that makes sense although they could have spent their share on the land and materials they build their home amd stable and stuff on

[@annab8317]

I want to point out that almost ALL of the side quests connect to the games' two main "themes", either A. The West Is Dying/Civilization or B. Family Is What Matters. There are almost no sidequests that don't call back to one of the two. All the sidequests with dialogue loop back to one of the two themes, such as the sideshow family Arthur reunites in Ch 6 for Theme B or the Braithwaite lovers quest chain, which starts off fairly neutral but ends up incorporating both themes by the end of Ch 6. Even the gunslinger quests, which are fun side character pieces, are about Theme A. There's really tight narrative focus even in the "bonus" stuff that speaks to how thorough and consistent this writing team was, and how they wanted to keep this game's story directed towards specific issues. Obviously BOTH of those themes meet and reach their narrative conclusion for Arthur by the end of his story. The entire game is so tightly written and careful it's absolutely phenomenal.

[@reddeaddude2187]

This game is a masterclass in story telling, immersive gameplay and to me, the best example of what an open world game can be. As a fan of history the numerous references to the Civil War made me smile. By far my favorite game of all time. I look forward to seeing what they can do in GTA 6 and the next Red Dead.

[@Blinkptx]

For me personally it is a testament to this game that I happily listened to this entire video. Not to mention the many other videos like this that I've listened to about it. I'm picky about games, but I've enjoyed quite a few good stories in gaming...none that come close to RDR2. Imo. I haven't sat and listened to videos like this about other games. I've played through it four times, and will likely do it again. This will always be my favorite game, and even more than that one of my all time favorite stories. Funny thing is when I first played the game I got bored and traded it in. Lmao Wasn't until about a year later that I found myself in the mood for an open world game with really good graphics. So I decided to give it a second chance. So glad that I did. I hope one day they remaster the first game cause I've never played it. It's a me problem, but I have a lot of trouble getting into games with outdated graphics. Immersion in games is really important to me, and bad visuals kinds kill it for me. Anyway, great vid man!

[@rileyteichman3520]

In my opinion the best way to playthrough rdr2 will always be high honor while doing non-collectoble side missions, like brother dorkin's and sister Calderon. The train station scene is so much better when you run into sister Calderon

[@Exiled7]

honestly I love that scene but I don't know if I think it's way better. I've watched both and think both are brilliant.

[@vBUMPERv]

Upon my umpteenth playthrough of this game, I find my opinion of Milton has done a 360. I always joined the mob mentality of "law bad, gang good" but when he walked into the camp in chapter 3 and offered to let everyone go as long as they rolled over on Dutch, I find he was more than reasonable. Of course, that being said, he was definitely lying to get what he wanted and would've hunted the rest down later. And so.... we've come full circle. Law bad.

[@b_thegoldendoggo8571]

This game is everything to me, it is, in my opinion a perfect piece of art. Red Dead Redemption 2 transcends video games and stands alone with few other works of fiction. My first play through I wasn't just crying during Arthur's final ride, I was balling. This is a redemption, this is how we, as people, should reflect on our lives and the effect we have on others and change, for the better.

[@H3FE]

I was more than sceptical about this game at first (never got dragged to the red dead hype or whatever...) but when I finally got myself into it, I fell in love with the story. Simply put, this is an amazing piece of work from Rockstar!

[@skelmirsdottir]

Micah has been a snitch, or at least that's how people have interpreted the evidence you can find. During chapter 1 you can find his camp just beneath Strawberry, and there among his possessions is a wanted poster for Dutch. And as you've already brought up in the video, everything he says seems to be aiming at getting the gang in trouble. After all, from the very beginning of the story it was always Micah's plan to rob the ferry. Another thing, about Javier. I haven't played the first RDR game so I don't know what happens to him after the gang falls apart, but during my playthrough I always liked him, he seemed like just a generally good guy not unlike Charles. A quiet background character, but I had the feeling that Arthur trusts him. Up until the very end where he sided with Dutch of course. But even in that moment if you pay attention to Javier, he is not aiming his gun at Arthur like Bill, Micah and the others. He is pointing it up and also walking to stand in the very last row, out of everyone's eyesight. I think in that moment Javier was more scared of Dutch and Micah than really on their side, and he never disliked or mistrusted Arthur. As I said, I haven't played nor seen RDR1, but in that moment that's what it felt like to me. I was just a little sad you didn't mention either of these things, but then again, this game is massively huge! I love these bits you made of all the different voices at the same time, and lastly Sadie is the absolute Queen of the entire game change my mind 🔥🔥🔥 (also it would really be amazing if you could talk about the side missions based on what you were talking about in this video concerning Arthur as a person, but there are 30 side missions and countless chance encounters ^^)

[@Exiled7]

I will be making one at some point this year about the side missions. During my turn playing ended up playing more of the main story first then the side content on the second and third play through. So I’ll have it’s own video about it! I’ll also have a video in the future about Micha being the rat!

[@needlesandsonics5819]

Also, Mica changes into white clothing, it’s typical so that during a shootout, you can be identified and not shot.

[@V-95K]

2:12:33 this scene made me tear up, especially when the song kicked in after “you are my brother” at 2:13:21 😅and because of that I had difficulty seeing and doing that last shoot out… asp sucks you didn’t show that scene where Arthur says that he is scared, during conversation with sister Caldareno or something

[@AivirVonTlareg]

Thanks for the video, man! Your video is great! P.S. I was listening to your video hwile drawing rdr 2 paper map. TThx for a good background!

[@AivirVonTlareg]

I play a game I call "aguessor". Are you from Dorset?

[@MyNameisVyke]

Its so weird because you know Arthur was going to die after he was diagnosed but still held on to the small bit of hope that he would get a cure or naturally heal. Even knowing he would die we still all felt upset seeing it finally happen. Despite being prepared for 2-3 chapters.

[@Scoutdeath572]

Excellent video! Keep them coming ;) Only failure with the main story I see is that sadly, there is no new game +

[@jacohenn42]

This is a masterpiece of a video my friend, so good that I stayed up to finish it lol

[@jordanford9320]

2:10:50 notice Javier doesn't point his gun at Arthur and John. This is important for the first game when he feels betrayed by John. He feels real sadness that the gang is gone (in the first game) but John is focused on his family

[@lynette50]

19th playthrough and I still cry. Thankfully not as emotion filled as the first time. I actually mourned for Arthur. 3 weeks before I could play the epilogue!

[@KNXGHT.7]

😂

[@YaroddYT]

The video talking about Arthur patting him on the arm is Gaming Wins video titled "Everything Great About Red Dead Redemption 2" in wich he talks about the arm pat being a "form of fake respect " in an almost condescending way rather than a true form of respect. Arthurs choice to not hit the guys arm shows that he is a very straightforward person who doesnt need to fake respect.

[@Exiled7]

Ehh, I think that’s a slight over analysis

[@YaroddYT]

@@Exiled7 I agree, but that was the argument presented in the gaming wins video. Just relayed what he said.

[@zzzzrvidoes365]

Great video, very detailed analysis of such a great game! But there’s a high honor and low honor ending for both choices of either helping John escape up the mountain or going back for the money

[@TheJrl420]

That's so weird. I bought this game 1 black Friday, and it sat in my dresser with the cellophane still on it for 2 or 3 years as well. Now I'm obsessed and trying to grind out 100%. I'm not sure how I slept on it so long

[@heliax9924]

my god i came from your chapter 3 vid AND LIKE 3 HOURS ARE YOU INSANE well atleast i have something to do now(:

[@Exiled7]

ahaha Yeah I know. Hope you end up enjoying the video!

[@Malevolence460]

1:34:20 man, I really respect this gentleman. Being such a stand up guy, especially in this time period. Bless him

[@Malevolence460]

1:14:41 I think Arthur nodding here, was his form of a hand on the shoulder

[@FakieGhettoBird]

1:23:02 - this moment really stuck with John, he uses this line from dutch after throwing Javier in jail...

[@duellstaples2094]

But it does have meaning before the end of the epilogue. Because you can talk to people that Arthur has helped or hurt and find out his impact on them, like Mickey in Valentine

[@darthmarr4155]

I believe that Arthur and John have a big brother - little brother dynamic. Arthur is the big brother that's made so many mistakes and has done too many bad things to lead a peaceful life. In the latter part of the game he tries to make sure John values the opportunities for a peaceful life that he squandered. TL;Dr - Arthur is an older brother trying to make sure their younger brother doesn't make the same mistakes he did.

[@JamalGoodman-cg6ex]

2:12:04 to get the line where you thank the horse you need max bonding

[@MrRobot1398]

I talked to both in my play through but my conversation with reverend was so much better. He says things along the lines of "dont be afraid, youll face your end like you should, like a warrior" I didnt focus to much on honor bar and let it flow depending on my natural choices, i had the wolf show up until the very last mission when i finally saw the deer. I honestly think its the perfect way my story could have gone. Most people dont hear "youre a good man arthur, but your wrestling with a giant" on his final ride with the song playing and that line hit so good. Loved my first play through

[@MrRobot1398]

whoops this was a reply to a different convo, im referencing the scene regarding talking to sister and reverend

[@donnathompson3960]

Without a doubt this was the best story in gaming, I don't know if its my favourite game so to say but in terms of being invested in characters and the games overall story nothing has ever came close to this masterpiece.

[@XysGynx]

Before typing my rant I have to say that the story was amazing. Almost all side quests were better than main quests in most games. That said, there were a few things that were frustrating: Me hearing Arthur saying to Dutch for the 50th time "how many times do I have to hear you say ?". I get you Arthur, but how many times do I have to hear YOU say to Dutch what we're all thinking?! Just do something about it. I was suspicious of Dutch right from the beginning: "why is this little sht taking mostly everything of what I earn and only leaving 10% for camp improvements?!". Guess it reminded me too much of real life. Also the scene where Dutch leaves Arthur behind, casually walking away...Arthur returns and immediately forgets about it. In. The. Same. Cutscene :| . "-You left me behind - No I didn't - Oh, ok, so one last score then?" Zero repercussions except for the occasional "I think he left me behind on purpose". Oh, you do Sherlock?! It's out of character for Arthur to be this dmb. Arthur keeps saying that Dutch is the best man he ever knew, but we never get to see that side of Dutch, not even a cutscene. Also the horse in chapter 6... it's time to John Wick this btch.. but you can't... not really... I didn't care much about Mitch, he was a pos from the beginning, it's who he is, it's Dutch that I wanted to see under, which you can't for some reason, and also, before even trying, first you have to ... Milk cows and build fences for half of the fkn epilogue. I get that you had to create a redemption ark for John, but enough!! He still milks cows after his wife and kid leave him ffs. I'm pretty sure that milking cows won't get your soul into Heaven. Just kl 50 ppl to stop 1 person from getting robbed like Arthur would do! Editing this wile playing the 2nd epilogue chapter: now I get cutscenes of building a fence after I built the house from the catalog that I don't get to choose. Holly f, did they change the writers, or what happened with John's story? Game of Thrones seasons 7 and 8 right here. Also, I've kld like 200 ppl then I stopped because my horse got kld and I needed to revive it, and I'm still at neutral honor. What kind of psychopath do I need to be to decrease the honor level?

[@alfiethomas9091]

"you lived your life like a man Arthur and you turned into a good man" is such a good line

[@lewisjohnston7077]

Reverend Swanson turned into a hero at Emerald Ranch train station

[@dewdplays3455]

Every time I see an Arthur that doesn’t look like my Arthur I never recognize him. I’m like “who the hell is that”

[@nerrilsquts6603]

You get the sister Calderon scene at the train station if you do the brother dorkins missions in chap 4 and have high honor.

[@Timquan.]

My first playthough of this game was otherworldly. I played it much like u, making decisions based on story and how it could effect the gang. I spent the majority of the game in the red until the closing parts of Arthur's life and got him up from all red to Neutral (I think i got the final push towards neutral for staying with John in the end). And then Micah shot my Arthur in the face and walked off laughing. I was stunned, like i couldnt move until John and Jack brought me out of it. While i liked the ending and personally like the sunset more, this one was just so gritty and raw. Even though my Arthur did his best and technically redeemed himself, he still payed for his past sins, he still died savagely, He still died a warrior. And the whole thing just fits. Arthur and Micah hated eachother and Micah would never pass up the opprotunity to personally kill Arthur, his rival and antethisis who just cost him Dutch, and possibly the Blackwater money at the final second. Arthur getting killed by Micah in the honrable ending just ties everything up so well in a way that a cliche sunset just can't. I went into the final battle believing I would get to kill Micah and watch my Arthur die heroically, only to see him so casually and brutally murdered in the same fashion I, or we, did to others in game. Plus this hyped me up even more to kill Micah with John, and makes more sense naratively. Charles is the one who found and buried Arthur. Finding Arthur with a hole in the head would give him a real reason to want to finish Micah as well as John and Saddie. And finally it adds a few layers of tragedy as Arthur deserved to be avenged but would have protested against it, yet John goes after Micah and essentially damns himself to avenge his slain brother.

[@ElMarko6994]

My first play through I got the bad ending where Micah shoots you in the fucking face and when that happened I sat there with my mouth wide open for like 5 minutes stunned at what just happened. For my second I tried for the good ending and it’s really fulfilling being able to “redeem” Arthur and I almost shed a tear when talking to the nun at the train station and now I can’t play the game any other way lol

[@nayftv]

I’ve spent 432hours in this world on steam alone I brought it completed it first on ps4 and spent 200hours back then and I’m still uncovering new interactions and things to do

[@Exiled7]

truly another breed of a game

[@nickloss]

Idk how many hours I put in but I took the time to hunt all the perfect pelts to get the legendary satchel all the way back in chapter 3

[@Terp311]

Thx for re-uploading with chapters

[@akazinnia]

this is criminally underrated holy shit.

[@Robbie_the_Rabbit]

I only finished the game for the first time last year after disliking it at first in 2018. Then, I started seeing a ton of videos about things you can do or see in this game, so I started it up again. Because of those videos i searched out every secret or side quest possible. Hell, I finished the epilogue, and I still jump into that last playthrough, trying to find things I missed. May start a second playthrough soon.

[@normsharp6497]

Wow, this is so amazing :) I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@cack_dack7922]

Amazing game! Amazing editing! Amazing video! That’s a strong looking video. I’m aint suprised it blew up and you got 1 mil subs I would

[@cack_dack7922]

Okay that joke made no sense lol

[@BoostedSTIG]

In the first hour of the video you make mention of the view that you take in coming in the proper entrance of Braithwaite manor. This place is almost certainly modeled after a place called Oak Alley Plantation which is a short drive outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, which is where Saint Denis is modeled after. The first time I ever visited New Orleans, it was very obvious to me how good of a job that the Rockstar team did recreating the city. IRL there are many places in the city where the architecture is still old and looks visually familiar to how it is in the game. Some of the buildings in the game are 1 to 1 recreations of landmark buildings in the city. Google Oak Alley Plantation, the lead up the main drive with the trees on both sides, the main design of the home are identical. It really gives you an appreciation for the level of work that Rockstar did with this game.

[@24k.elijah59]

i’ve played the game twice and watched tons of videos on the game but in this scene 2:10:46 where is charles ? had he left the gang already?

[@kimberlyh.1090]

Yes. Charles and Arthur hug goodbye after the mission "My Last Boy", and Charles officially abandons the Gang, to stay with the Wapiti Natives and help them flee to Canada.

[@shaunkolly7113]

Remember watching westerns with my grandparents when i was a kid in the 90’s

[@Deamons64]

Arthur Morgan is the entire linchpin of the story. Without him being the man we walk in the boots of, RDR2 wouldn't be half of what it was. He's such an incredibly written character. He's flawed, he's got his own hang ups on what he does, and his own beliefs. Arthur doesn't feel like a character. Arthur feels like a MAN. A man you can truly get to know over the course of the story. A man you feel a real connection with, even I the strange way that we connected to him. A man whom, by the end, you WILL grieve for. His perspective on the gang, and the life they live is amazing. The real family that he finds FEELS REAL. Hosea, Sean, Charles, Dutch, John, Sadie, Jack, Kieran, Peterson, ALL OF THEM. You really feel his connection to them, and makes their deaths so much more impactful. And that's not to say John is a bad protagonist. Quite the opposite. John is an incredible character in his own right, and I'd argue that his death and what happens because of it is far more tragic. Like, seriously. The ONE thing he wanted out of his life and legacy was for Jack to not live the same way he did.