Red Dead Redemption 2 has arrived – and, don't worry, reviewers are agreed that it is precisely as good as you'd expect. Critics didn't say it was a great game. In fact it has been hailed as one of the best game's of this generation, a masterpiece of both narrative and worldbuilding, and perhaps the best title of its kind ever. That the game is universally loved is perhaps not surprising, given the critical acclaim of both its predecessor and Rockstar's most recent GTA 5 – as well as the reports of the intense work that was put into it by its team. But the sheer enthusiasm and commitment of critical responses suggest that it has become an instant classic, and a landmark in the history of gaming already. Red Dead Redemption II images Show all 12 1 /12 Red Dead Redemption II images Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption II images Rockstar Games The game is about to start arriving in the hands of those who bought it. But here are the opinions of those lucky enough to play it ahead of the release. The Independent, Christopher Hooton "I could spend hours detailing all the tiny details that make RDR2 sing, from the well-thumbed catalogues in the gun stores that replace the wheels of weapon choices nonsensically hovering in mid-air, to the way Morgan loops a dead snake like a length of rope before stowing it on the saddle of his horse, from which it swings all the way home. But it’s the overall sense of escapism to the game that has most impacted me. "Maybe I’m atypical/peculiar/incredibly sad for getting immense satisfaction from simply chopping wood back at camp, picking up a cup of joe and reflecting on the past week’s misadventures with other gang members around the campfire. But if you value this kind of minutiae, some really absorbing moments await you. RDR2can still be played as a shooter, and not wishing to obsessively braid your horse or source leather upholstery for your camp’s table won’t hold you back, but the game rewards patience and the appreciation of the little things. "Fraught and frenetic, video games can often stress you out and leave you wired and edgy. But Red Dead Redemption II has had a calming effect, and been a place to unwind rather than get wound up. It’s a window from our complex and often dysfunctional world into a more pastoral and simple one. Early death from gangrene or shotgun slug shrapnel aside, it really starts to look quite appealing." Digital Spy, Laurence Mozafari "Red Dead Redemption 2 is great. Don't worry, don't even sweat. It's really great. We'll save you scrolling down. It's a solid five stars. Relax. Now we've got that out of the way, take a ride with Digital Spy, partner, as we recount why exactly RDR2is one of the best games of this generation." Kotaku, Kirk Hamilton "From tip to tail, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a profound, glorious downer. It is the rare blockbuster video game that seeks to move players not through empowering gameplay and jubilant heroics, but by relentlessly forcing them to confront decay and despair. It has no heroes, only flawed men and women fighting viciously to survive in a world that seems destined to destroy them. "It is both an exhilarating glimpse into the future of entertainment and a stubborn torch bearer for an old-fashioned kind of video game design. It is a remarkable work of game development and, possibly, a turning point in how we remark upon the work of game development. It is amazing; it is overwhelming. It is a lot, and also, it is a whole, whole lot." IGN, Luke Reilly "Red Dead Redemption 2 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Grand Theft Auto V as one of the greatest games of the modern age. It’s a gorgeous depiction of an ugly period that’s patient, polished, and a huge amount of fun to play, and it’s combined with Rockstar’s best storytelling to date. Even after finishing the lengthy story I can’t wait to go back and play more. This is a game of rare quality; a meticulously polished open world ode to the outlaw era. Looking for one of this generation’s very best single-player action experiences? Here’s your huckleberry." Destructoid, Chris Carter "Red Dead Redemption 2 is the epitome of ambition and like most things Rockstar, will meet the expectations associated with it. With all of the advancements since the last Red Dead and everything they've learned from Grand Theft Auto V under their belt, the series is in a better place, able to provide a more natural and less gamey world to explore."<doc-sep>Only the best deals on Verge-approved gadgets get the Verge Deals stamp of approval, so if you're looking for a deal on your next gadget or gift from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more, this is the place to be. The Xbox One S and Xbox One X are heavily discounted for those who purchase Red Dead Redemption 2 online at GameStop, Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, or the Microsoft Store. Buying Rockstar’s open-world title for Xbox One will activate $100 of savings on either console at the time of checkout, bringing pre-tax prices as low as $259 for the Xbox One S or $459 for the more powerful Xbox One X. If you’d rather shop at your local store, the savings won’t begin until 9PM ET on Thursday, October 25th. Many of the participating retailers haven’t yet shared which console bundles will be offered once the deal goes live, though you’ll likely have more options if you buy online rather than at a brick-and-mortar store where your selection will be limited to what’s on the shelves. This promotion is set to end on Saturday, November 3rd, so even if you can’t make it out on launch day, you have a week to reap the savings. Walmart You’ll find some particularly good deals on Xbox One bundles online at Walmart, including a wired controller and $5 Xbox gift card with every purchase. If you want to have a chance at these savings at your local Walmart, you can do that starting at 9PM ET on Thursday, October 25th. Xbox One X console bundles with Red Dead Redemption 2 start at $459 (usually $583.96) The Xbox One S bundles available at Walmart include the 1TB console, Red Dead Redemption 2, a wired controller, and a $5 Xbox gift card. For the more affordable console, you’ll be able to pick from bundles that include games like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 4, PUBG, or NBA 2K19. Xbox One S bundle with Red Dead Redemption 2 is $259 (usually $383.96) eBay Other retailers offer a wider array of bundle options, but eBay’s bundle with Red Dead Redemption 2, NBA 2K19, and an extra wireless controller is a good deal. GameStop GameStop offers the largest amount of choices for Xbox One X bundles. Pretty much every bundle is available, so if you’re looking to pair Red Dead Redemption 2 with PUBG or even pick up the new white Xbox One X with Fallout 76, you can do so at GameStop. Keep in mind that some bundles may sell out, and the base model at the bottom of the list is most likely to remain in stock throughout the sale period. If you’re looking to spend less on the Xbox One S, GameStop is selling several bundles starting at $259. None are as exciting as the Fallout 76 bundle you can buy with the Xbox One X, but you’re still saving a good amount of money here. If you’re interested in the ultimate edition of Red Dead Redemption 2, check out GameStop’s landing page for more bundles. Amazon Not to be left out of this promo, Amazon is also discounting a few of its Xbox One bundles with the purchase of Red Dead Redemption 2. (Two things to remember: the discount won’t apply if the console isn’t sold directly by Amazon, and you’ll need to add both the console and game to your cart to see the discount reflected at checkout.) Best Buy Best Buy has launched its landing page where you can customize your bundle with Red Dead Redemption 2 included. In addition to its online offering, you can head to your local Best Buy to take advantage of the $100 savings as well. Newegg Newegg is jumping into this promotion with a handful of bundles that are all discounted by $100 with Red Dead Redemption 2 included. With the exception of two options, you’ll be treated to NBA 2K19 or PUBG for free with purchase, depending on which bundle you choose. Microsoft Store The Xbox maker is taking part in the Red Dead Redemption 2 release frenzy by taking $100 off its own bundles. The Microsoft Store has a fairly impressive selection of bundles currently available, including options that throw in an extra controller or subscriptions to Game Pass. Sony’s PS4 Pro bundle with Red Dead Redemption 2 included for free has been one of the best deals around for the past few weeks, providing a persuasive excuse to pick up the $399 console. It’s still the best option for PlayStation fans, if you’re able to find one in stock. But if you have friends on Xbox Live, the Xbox One is the obvious choice. Starting on Thursday night, you’ll be treated to one of the best console deals we are likely to see ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.<doc-sep>
Rockstar Games Buying a physical or digital copy of a game is usually pretty cut and dry, but Red Dead Redemption 2 might give you a couple of obstacles depending on how you want to get it. The official release is Friday, Oct. 26, with some opportunities to snag it earlier on Thursday. But depending on how you order it, you could either be playing the much-anticipated sequel as soon as possible, or stuck waiting long past midnight. Here's how to make the most of your purchase, whether you're weighing preordering or waiting for the day of release to make a decision. Getting Red Dead Redemption 2 early at Target If you want a physical copy of the game to add to your library, Target has set up a way to buy Red Dead Redemption 2 before the game officially goes live. According to Target's weekly ad, starting at 9 p.m. local time Thursday, Target will make both the regular ($60) and deluxe ($80) versions of the game available for in-store pick up. You still won't be able to play the game until 12 a.m. Friday, but with this method, you could have it loaded and ready to go on your console while people waiting in line at other retailers will just be entering the store. Target Starting Friday, Target is also offering a deal on the PS4 pro with RDR2 included for free at the standard price of $400 for the console. Xbox One, Playstation 4 bundle deals If you're looking for an Xbox One to play Red Dead Redemption 2 on in the first place, one of your best bets is to head to GameStop. They're offering $100 off of either the Xbox One S or Xbox One X when you purchase the game, and the discount can also include upcoming titles like Fallout 76. The Red Dead Redemption 2 bundle with Fallout 76, for example, brings the $560 regular price down to $460. Those deals run until Saturday, Nov. 3, so your time ahead of peak holiday gift-buying season is limited Other retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy and Microsoft will also participate in the bundle discounts, though the exact details of those bundles are not yet known. Those discounts begin Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT. If you're looking to join the Playstation 4 community instead, Walmart, GameStop and Best Buy are all offering a $399 PS4 Pro bundle including Red Dead Redemption 2 while supplies last. Watch out: The download is huge If you opt to download the game digitally instead of getting a physical copy, don't think you're going to be playing right away. Red Dead Redemption 2 requires roughly 100GB to download (99GB for PS4 (plus 50GB for the installation process) and 107GB for Xbox One) regardless if you get it on a disc or digitally. Not only will people have to scramble to make space on smaller console hard drives, but the download itself is going to take a while. Even even if you wait for reviews, which come out Thursday morning at 7 a.m. ET, 4 a.m. PT, to make a call on your preordering via PSN or Xbox Live, you're going to want to start pre-installing your digital copy right away. What about the Amazon Prime discount? Following this year's changes to its 20 percent discount on game preorders, Amazon Prime members now only receive 10 percent off of preorders, and that is only eligible for select games. Red Dead Redemption 2, unfortunately for fans, is not one of those games. Did you forget to preorder? After all, not everybody is staring at gaming news sites all day. If Red Dead Redemption 2's hype is only just reaching you, there are still some options for preorder. Gamespot has built a guide for the places you can still preorder the game, with the many retailer-specific bonuses. If you're impressed by the early reviews, you can still get things like additional costumes, horses and other in-game bonuses just for preordering. Red Dead Redemption 2: The CNET review From Gamespot: Red Dead Redemption 2's New Features: Gun Durability, Swimming, Fishing, Horse Bonding, And More