Even if Red Dead Redemption 3 doesn’t see the return of the Van Der Linde gang, it should have an equivalent group. The Van Der Lindes were a major driving force for the first two games in the series, with both of their protagonists being prominent members. Whether Red Dead Redemption 3‘s protagonist will have any association with the game is still up in the air, as is most information about the game (or even the franchise). Whether the gang is seen again or not, the Van Der Lindes have one undeniable strength, and Red Dead Redemption 3 would be wise to remember that.
The continued success of Red Dead Redemption 2 after so many years is a testament to the game’s quality. While the quality gameplay is obviously a major contributor to this, the game’s fantastic story might be the biggest asset that put it over the top. Arthur Morgan was an outstanding protagonist, managing to show a lot of heart and depth as he did his best for the Van Der Linde gang. The story hit several emotional peaks throughout the adventure, from hilarious exchanges to outright tragedy. In the end, Red Dead Redemption 2 made Arthur one of the best video game protagonists of recent years.
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Red Dead Redemption 3 Should Build Off of RDR2’s Greatest Strength
The Van Der Lindes Raised Red Dead Redemption 2’s Drama
One can’t underplay the importance of RDR2‘s Van Der Linde gang on the game’s plot. While the gang had a presence in the first game, existing as a part of John’s past and a part of the story’s framework, in Red Dead Redemption 2, they’re there throughout the game. Players get to see Arthur interact with all of them, and see how they live and work together. All of the scenes that players get with the gang make it all the more tragic when the community eventually collapses by the story’s end. The shared struggle of the Van Der Linde gang was a powerful framework for the game.
Red Dead Redemption Was More of a Solo Story
While some Van Der Lindes make appearances during John’s quest in Red Dead Redemption, their impact is far less prevalent. Aside from the Marston family and Uncle, the former members that appear in the game exist only as bosses for the player to fight. While it’s sad to see that they’ve fallen so far and now antagonize John, players don’t get much of chance to see the brotherhood and loyalty that they once had with each other. Red Dead Redemption 2‘s setup would provide these interactions in spades, retroactively making the first game’s already bleak situation even more tragic with that knowledge.
One can’t underplay the importance of RDR2‘s Van Der Linde gang on the game’s plot.
Red Dead Redemption 3 Would Benefit From a Similar Gang Dynamic to RDR2
Considering the Van Der Lindes’ current status, there a decent chance that players won’t see Red Dead Redemption 3‘s protagonist have anything to do with them. At the same time, it would be good to give them their own similar group. Whether it’s a proper gang or just a collection of acquaintances, they would be crucial in fleshing out the protagonist and getting the player invested in the story. A story can only be as good as the characters in it, after all. Red Dead Redemption 3 can use the likability and interesting traits of the protagonist’s gang to keep the story enthralling throughout its runtime.
Red Dead Redemption 3 may not be complete without a gang for the protagonist to call their own. In fact, one of Red Dead Redemption 3‘s most obvious decisions may well be ensuring that that same level of camaraderie can be reestablished again. Of course, whether it will end tragically will be up to the writers to decide. Overall, Red Dead Redemption 2‘s use of the Van Der Lindes was a major boon for the game. Red Dead Redemption 3 can definitely take notes with its protagonist’s relationships.
- Released
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October 26, 2018
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol