Red Dead Redemption 2’s single player mode is a great game. And to be fair to developer Rockstar Games, recent updates to Red Dead Redemption 2’s online mode have made it much better (although sadly my 15th suggestion remains unfulfilled).
But as a major summer update approaches, my attention has now turned to the game’s undiscovered country: Mexico.
A large area south of the game’s “San Luis River,” the fictional Mexican territory of “Nuevo Paraíso” appeared in Red Dead Redemption, and it is also present in the second game. Except that it’s not currently accessible (unless you’re one of those who spend hours trying to glitch into it). Still, even the ability to glitch into Mexico proves something: Rockstar will at some point open it up to players. If the in-game Mexico was not navigable, it would not be possible to glitch into it at all.
But here are a few distinct features I’d like to see once Mexico can be accessed. To start, the inclusion of a huntable Chupacabra.
More importantly, however, I’d like to see the territory offer a sustaining homage to Mexican culture. The original game’s juxtaposition of the Mexican army and impoverished civilians was impressive. As was the design of Nuevo Paraíso’s settlements and rugged terrain. But Rockstar should go further with the second game. For just a few examples, we should see some Mayan ruins, a healthy provision of tequila and quesadillas at Mexican taverns, missions, and holidays involving street festivals. These things would foster that which makes Red Dead Redemption 2 most impressive: its immersive quality. Another addition might be missions which reference the complex interaction of traditionalism with Mexico’s turn of the 20th century modernization reforms.
The basic point is that Red Dead Redemption 2’s Mexico should add diversity to an already diverse game. To do that successfully, the developers must ensure players find continuing reason to travel to Mexico for new gaming experiences.
