PS’s Red Dead Redemption gets impressive upgrade

PS's Red Dead Redemption gets impressive upgrade

Red Dead Redemption: The Wild West Epic Gets a Conservative Makeover

Oh, Red Dead Redemption, it seems like just yesterday we were roaming the wild west on our trusty horses. But alas, it has been over a decade since this classic game was unleashed upon the gaming world. And while we’ve had some backwards compatibility support and a few minor improvements along the way, we’ve been left longing for a proper modern port or PC version. Well, the wait is finally over… kind of.

Enter the updated release of Red Dead Redemption on the PS4. Now, before we dive in, let’s not forget our friends at Nintendo who are also getting in on the action with a native 1080p version for the Switch. But today, our focus is on the PS4 version, tested on all the PlayStation machines, from the base model to the mighty PS5.

First things first, let’s talk about image quality. The PS4 version boasts a stable, solid image compared to its Xbox counterpart. Fine details and lush foliage appear sharp and well-defined, leaving the Xbox Series X with its 2160p resolution and 2x MSAA looking a bit… jagged. But what’s interesting is how the PS4 Pro and PS5 achieve this impressive image quality. They seem to be using AMD’s popular FSR2, which provides anti-aliasing coverage without much of a performance boost since the game is already running at native 4K resolution. It’s a bit out of the ordinary, but the results speak for themselves – the PlayStation just looks smoother and cleaner.

But wait, there’s more! The PlayStation version also offers the option to toggle to FXAA, a post-process AA method. However, be warned, this mode brings with it lots of image breakup and shimmering. Prepare yourself for rough edges and a not-so-stellar visual experience. It’s puzzling that the developer chose to exclude the original 2x MSAA, especially when it could have been offered as an alternative.

Now, let’s move on to the rest of the enhancements… or lack thereof. The improvements on PS5 are rather meager, considering it’s a whole new generation of console. Shadow quality is one area where the PS5 shines, with higher resolution shadow maps that add a level of detail absent from the Series X. However, some may argue that the PS5’s harsh, precise shadows can be a bit too clinical. And there’s a slight difference in the gamma presentation, with the PS5 offering a more neutral image, preserving shadow detail before any TV processing.

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But when it comes to the overall game experience, not much has changed between the PlayStation and Xbox versions. Models still maintain their signature sharp and slightly blocky appearance, reflecting the game’s seventh-gen roots. Textures remain largely untouched, and some low-resolution artwork is still present. Even the UI is a disappointment, with its muddy 720p elements that don’t scale well on a 4K screen. Only the button icons have received a facelift, with sharper edges and a more polished look.

Performance-wise, Red Dead Redemption holds up admirably across all tested PlayStation machines. The game runs at a steady 30fps, with no dropped frames to be found. However, some cutscenes suffer from animation pacing issues, giving the game a stuttering effect in certain moments. And let’s not forget the absence of sGameTopicificant motion blur, which makes the gameplay feel slightly choppy.

Overall, Red Dead Redemption’s visual appeal remains intact, with its vast landscapes and beautiful lighting still impressing players. However, the updated version feels like a missed opportunity for a more comprehensive remastering effort. The lack of texture and model upgrades, the absence of a high-frame-rate option for PS5, and the outdated UI all leave us wanting more.

But hey, it’s not all bad! The introduction of FSR2 does wonders for image quality, eliminating most aliasing and delivering a smoother, cleaner look. With a few more improvements, this could have been a stellar remastering job. Instead, it’s a serviceable update that will satisfy those eager to revisit the wild west. But deep down, we can’t help but feel that Red Dead Redemption deserved better.

So saddle up, cowboys and cowgirls, and ride into the sunset with this conservative yet still captivating rendition of Red Dead Redemption. Yeehaw!