A Red Dead Redemption 2 fan has created a halcyon image that reunites series protagonists Arthur Morgan and John Marston. Since hitting the dusty trail in 2010, Red Dead Redemption has been the go-to western video game experience, with its 2018 follow-up garnering immense critical and commercial fame. With all its accolades and commercial success, it’s a wonder why Red Dead didn’t inspire more western video games.
If the engaging gameplay of the Red Dead series wasn't what drove many to brave Rockstar’s Western Frontier, it was its compelling story and characters. Centered around the exploits of the Van der Linde gang, the Red Dead Redemption series often hurled players into morally questionable scenarios as they controlled fellow gang members John Marston and Arthur Morgan in Red Dead 1 and 2, respectively. Though protagonists may differ, both titles contain themes of the cycle of violence, moral consequence, freedom, and, of course, redemption. Because of Red Dead Redemption’s complex cast and theming, many fans believe its world can go toe-to-toe with some of the best Hollywood blockbusters. One former Rockstar dev even fan-cast Red Dead Redemption 2 with superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio to prove this.
Reddit user CzechAdmik recently shared a self-made image honoring the central protagonists of Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2 in an epilogue-style moment. Amidst a beautiful sunlit vista, Arthur Morgan and John Marston share a long-awaited reunion. The heartwarming sight of Arthur strumming his guitar while John enjoys nature's serenity depicts a wholesome calm rarely afforded to outlaws of the period. However, for those who have seen both Arthur and John's adventures to their respective ends, this charming 'epilogue' of reunited friends may carry a strong note of poignancy. While Red Dead Redemption 2 can produce equally stunning visuals, CzechAdmik stated that the image used a combination of PC mods, Adobe Lightroom, and the in-game photo mode to achieve the desired atmosphere.
Fan Reunites Arthur and John in Red Dead Redemption 2
CzechAdmik’s image is heart-wrenchingly bittersweet, and this is a feeling that, unfortunately, many Red Dead fans have gotten used to. Rockstar’s controversial mishandling of Red Dead Online updates has left a noticeable stain on its reputation among Red Dead fans. Despite a reasonable explanation that resources were needed for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6, it remains a baffling notion that a title like Red Dead Redemption 2, which earned over $700 million from its opening weekend alone, would not see the same love and support for its online component as GTA Online.
CzechAdmik's work is a fine example of how much fans have grown to love and cherish what Red Dead's world and populace had to offer. Given such attachment, it's little wonder why there is so much concern for a future Red Dead Redemption 3 release amidst RDO's turmoil. At this point, fans can only hope that after GTA 6, Rockstar will endeavor to redeem itself in the eyes of fans with a triumphant return and a proper follow up to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Sources: CzechAdmik/Reddit