Many games claim to feature a living, breathing world, but few actually live up to that promise. On top of that, there’s only one game that comes to mind in terms of this promise that actually blows it out of the water. Because of every little detail put into Red Dead Redemption 2, it’s the definition of what a living, breathing open world should actually feel like. Sure, Red Dead Redemption 2 is more slowly paced than many of these, but this is actually to its credit.
SPOILERS AHEADIt's no secret that Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most expensive video games ever made, and so it’s no surprise that it was able to accomplish this. Not every game can devote such resources, no matter how successful the IP is. Still, it’s not necessarily about the money, but how Red Dead Redemption 2’s investment in little details shows how far they can carry a game.
For example, many players don’t really understand player customization in a first-person game. It becomes a moot point for them; after all, it’s not like they’re ever going to see their character outside maybe a few cutscenes. That’s why toggling helmets is so popular. Despite this general notion about what a player will and won’t see regularly, the investment in Arthur Morgan’s eyes are one of those small Red Dead 2 details that take it to the next level.
Red Dead 2: Arthur Morgan’s Eyes
Arthur Morgan’s entire character will react to the world around him; he’s even been seen to count bullets in the midst of combat. Yet, how his eyes react to the world around him is truly amazing too. Players won’t see it often, but they’ll know it’s there, endearing them even more to the Red Dead Redemption 2 protagonist.
Not only do his eyes redden believably as he sickens, but they’ll also dilate accordingly to the environment players place him in. They’ve experimented with all sorts of lightings and settings, and it’s true that Arthur Morgan’s eyes will dilate realistically. On top of that, they are generally reflective of their environment. Players will be able to see waves and water reflect, as well as fire crackle in Arthur Morgan’s eyes.
This, again, is not a feat that every game can achieve. It no doubt took tons of money and a huge number of man hours to get this done, but it’s small details like these that bring Red Dead Redemption 2’s Arthur Morgan to life.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
