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It turns out that the critically acclaimed author, Brandon Sanderson, has some pretty great opinions when it comes to video games. He frequently shares his top 10 games, which usually contain a plethora of amazing titles alongside some seriously underappreciated gems that deserve more recognition. It is thanks to his extremely disciplined writing routine that he has the time and space to properly embrace and enjoy playing video games. Naturally, this is great for fans who are interested in getting to know him better through his hobbies and general taste in media.
However, as much as we all enjoy hearing about the amazing games Sanderson loves, it can sometimes be surprising to learn about those he doesn’t. He has shared some slightly negative opinions about extremely popular games in the past, including how he dislikes the best Fallout game. Still, it is the ones he missed out on completely that are fascinating. Crucially, Sanderson skipped out on one of the very best games of all time for a particular reason, and it’s a huge shame, as he is undoubtedly missing out on a masterpiece.
Brandon Sanderson Thinks RDR Is Too Dark For Him
He Doesn’t Like It, Despite Enjoying DOOM And Dark Souls
Back in 2020, Brandon Sanderson uploaded a video to his personal YouTube channel discussing his top ten games at the time. The list, which is pretty great by any standards, includes some obvious choices – although that’s not to say they aren’t deserving of the praise. He loves Breath of the Wild, Bloodborne, Halo 2, Final Fantasy X, and DOOM, just to name a few, and even throws in a few more obscure yet incredible games like Katamari Damacy. However, there are a few fan-favorites he misses out, including the legendary Red Dead Redemption 2.
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Naturally, one would expect someone like Brandon Sanderson to love Red Dead Redemption 2, not just because it’s an incredible game, but because of how immersive RDR2’s world is. However, it is precisely for that reason that Sanderson isn’t a huge fan of it or its predecessor. In the video, Sanderson explains how some games’ mechanics, tone, or ideas just don’t click with him. He goes on to state that while many may assume he enjoys darker games as he likes DOOM and Dark Souls, he actually doesn’t.
Sanderson makes it clear that he will enjoy “a game that can be cartoonish and fun about [being dark], or a game that is careful about it, but many games are just too dark” for him. He goes on to explain that this is the reason why he’s missed out on playing God of War, Grand Theft Auto, The Last of Us, and, of course, Red Dead Redemption. He accepts that many will regard it as a “tragedy“, but he also mentions that “for now, that’s a call [he’s] made.” Sanderson explained in the video:
“Some games just have the wrong mechanics for me to love […] Because I have DOOM and Dark Souls on this list, you might think I like a darker, violent aesthetic, but I really don’t. I really enjoy a game that can be cartoonish and fun about it, or a game that is careful about it, but many games are just too dark for me […] I’ve chosen, for example, not to play God of War, Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, or The Last of Us for these reasons. It’s possible I’ll change my mind, but for now, that’s a call I’ve made. I recognize that some of you will think this is a tragedy. But, we all have our own lines, and they aren’t always clear.”
There are examples of more cartoonishly dark games that Sanderson enjoys, such as his favorite Final Fantasy game or the aforementioned DOOM, which veers into comedy on a number of occasions. However, as much as it is an understandable stance to take, and as much as I’m not one to judge those for what they enjoy, it’s hard not to feel like, at least when it comes to Red Dead Redemption 2, Sanderson is missing out, just a little. After all, RDR2 is easily one of the best games ever made.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Is An Incredible Game
It Is Often Regarded As One Of The Best Games Ever Made
Of course, Sanderson realizes that his lack of experience with Red Dead Redemption and the other mentioned titles would upset fans, and, to a degree, it’s understandable why. While no one should play, watch, or read something just because it’s universally beloved, there is something really special about Red Dead Redemption 2, in particular, that makes it such a special game for so many. Of course, RDR2 is not without its faults, but the life-like complexity, moving narrative, and engaging roleplaying make for a truly rewarding experience unlike any other.
Interestingly, Sanderson also hasn’t played the Batman: Arkham games, or Deus Ex, alongside likely a plethora of other stealth-focused games, as he doesn’t enjoy stealth mechanics. While that will likely upset a huge portion of players, I absolutely sympathize. There’s nothing worse than a game-over screen after being caught while sneaking around.
What likely puts Sanderson off playing something like Red Dead Redemption, perhaps more so than even Grand Theft Auto, is its dogmatic commitment to realism. Unlike its other historical fiction counterparts, like the Assassin’s Creed series, there’s an inherent believability to RDR’s world that elevates it beyond virtual tourism. While it still retains some of the goofiness and hyper-realism found in Grand Theft Auto, RDR2’s impressive realistic features ground it in a way that would be unlikeable to someone who wants a reprieve from the darkness of reality.
RDR2 Incorporates Its Darker Themes Well
They Help Make Its Narrative All The More Impactful
Importantly, at least in Brandon Sanderson’s case, Red Dead Redemption 2 incorporates its darker themes expertly into its overall experience. There is an inherent darkness to its narrative, but that doesn’t mean it is bereft of any humor or lighthearted sequences. In fact, your bond with the Van der Linde gang and its gaggle of quirky characters is a key aspect of the experience and often leads to a lot of funny and eventful missions. There’s also plenty of humor to be found in its gameplay, from getting drunk and starting brawls to the many excellent random encounters.
The darkness that Sanderson isn’t particularly fond of is ever present, a somber tone permeating throughout the entire story.
Of course, the darkness that Sanderson isn’t particularly fond of is ever present, a somber tone permeating throughout the entire story. You could avoid it by just skipping the game’s story, but then, not only would you be missing out on the best part, you’d also never get to experience RDR2’s extremely heartbreaking ending. While it may be a little too grim for Sanderson, I definitely recommend he give Red Dead Redemption 2 a shot, at least once, and embrace its more jovial side.
Source: Brandon Sanderson/YouTube
Red Dead Redemption 2
Systems
9/10
- Released
- October 26, 2018
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Engine
- RAGE
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- N/A
- Cross Save
- N/A
- Franchise
- Red Dead Redemption
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
- How Long To Beat
- 50 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- Metascore
- 97
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
