A side by side comparison of the Xbox 360 and upcoming Nintendo Switch Red Dead Redemption release reveals that despite it not being officially described as a remaster, the game does feature some graphical enhancements.
It reveals that lighting and shading have been improved, but as previously noted, the game retains the same engine and narrower scope than its sequel. The video features normal speed comparison, still image comparison, and half speed comparison, not to mention some quirky music.
Initial concerns about the port were levelled at Rockstar Games across social media when the footage was released. These included accusatations of the game being a “lazy port” and you can see why. Given the depth and scale of the game’s successor, it was widely believed that Red Dead Redemption deserved a full remaster – along the lines of the 2023 version of System Shock.
And then, there is the price.
The game has been released with a £39.99 price tag on the Switch, and while there is no price listed on the PlayStation Store for the UK release of the game, it has a $49.99 tag on PS4 in the US. Conversely, the Xbox 360 version – available to play on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, is £29.99.
You can see why people might be concerned about paying £10 more for lighting and shading.
Take-Two Interactive own Rockstar Games. CEO Strauss Zelnick told IGN “That’s just what we believe is the commercially accurate price for it.”
Red Dead Redemption comes to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on August 17th.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.