TheRed Dead Redemptionfranchise is one of the most popular and well-received series of all time, and it is no secret why. Finding its roots in 2004, theRed Deadgames are known for consistently building upon themselves and smashing expectations set by their predecessors.
That said, there has long been debate as to what the next step forRed Dead Redemptionwill be. While there are a range of options, many fans want to see aRed Deadtitle fully embrace and explore the death of the outlaw lifestyle. There is no better character to facilitate this than Jack Marston.
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One of the most consistent themes explored in 2010’sRed Dead Redemptionwas taming the last frontier, the Wild West. Set primarily during the year 1911,fan-favorite protagonist John Marstonhas to grapple with the knowledge that the only way of life he has ever known, the way of the outlaw, is no longer feasible due to the rapid modernization of the times.
Many of John’s friends and other companions were left behind, stuck in their ways and refusing to shift alongside society. This change is tangibly represented in the kinds of technology that feature inRed Dead Redemption, with the 1911 pistol and automobile starting to replace classic cowboy six-shooters and horseback travel. Although John is killed after hunting down his former gang-mates, one begrudging cowboy still exists inhis son, Jack Marston.
Although users can play as Jack Marston forRed Dead Redemption’s post-game, the experience does not come close to fully fleshing out Jack’s experience in the final years of the frontier. Although many have suggested a prequel toRed Dead 2is thebest course of action for aRed Dead Redemption 3, seeing Jack explore these momentous years would have a lot of possibilities.
Being set after the events ofRed Dead Redemption, aRed Dead 3with this kind of overarching narrative could lead into the First World War, which would be a fittingly transformative event to end the series' storyline. The game would foster a larger stage to explore the death of the Wild West, with a focus on the urbanization of previously secluded settlements in order to feature more elaborate and densely populated areas.
Because of its setting, the game could act as a kind of middle ground between the classicRed Deadand theGrand Theft Autoformulas, with an increased severity of wanted levels amid a more technologically advanced, populated, and accountable society. Jack would have to grapple with the decline of a way of life that he tried to avoid for so long, with his desire to avenge his father ultimately sealing his own fate.
The depth and inherent sadness that this would bring to the character of Jack Marston would make him more suited to the oftenemotional and lauded role of a Rockstar protagonist. The increased accountability for his crimes could even see him eventually fight in the First World War toward the end of the game, conveying a level and scale of barbaric warfare never before seen inRed Dead Redemption,barbarity that ironically stems from a more “civilized” age.
Red Dead Redemption 2is available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
