Rockstar Games has done it again—or rather, they haven’t. Another subpar re-release has hit the shelves, and this time it’s Red Dead Redemption on the PS5. For a studio raking in massive profits from GTA Online, you’d expect a bit more effort when revisiting their iconic titles. But here’s the kicker: this latest version feels like a bare minimum cash grab, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the lack of effort; it’s about the missed opportunity to honor a game that deserves so much more.
Let’s break it down. The PS5 re-release of Red Dead Redemption includes the single-player campaign and the Undead Nightmare expansion, just like the PS4 version from years ago. Current PS4 owners get a free upgrade, and it’s also available through PS Plus Extra and GTA+. But if you’re buying it outright, prepare to shell out £49.99 / $49.99—a steep price for what feels like a half-hearted update. There’s a 10-day PS Store offer bundling it with Red Dead Redemption 2, but even that feels like a consolation prize.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Despite being 'enhanced' for PS5, the improvements are shockingly basic. You get 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, better draw distances, HDR support, and some vague 'enhanced image quality.' But that’s it. No groundbreaking features, no innovative use of the PS5’s capabilities. And don’t get me started on the DualSense controller—despite the PS Store listing claiming support for vibration and trigger effects, our testing found zero evidence of haptic feedback or adaptive triggers. It’s a glaring oversight for a next-gen release.
Even the quality-of-life features fall short. While you can import PS4 save data, there are reports of the PS5 Trophy list failing to auto-pop, meaning your old achievements might not carry over seamlessly. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the lack of polish.
But here’s the real question: Why does a game as beloved as Red Dead Redemption keep getting treated like an afterthought? Is it laziness, or is Rockstar simply prioritizing profit over passion? Let’s spark some debate—do you think this re-release is a missed opportunity, or is it fair to expect more from a studio that’s already given us so much? Sound off in the comments below.
As for me, I’ll be over here replaying Metal Gear Solid and dreaming of what could have been. Oh, and cheering for Derby County—because even in gaming, we all have our downfalls.
