One of the most progressive (and money-spinning) features in gaming now is the ability to buy-ons to titles already on the market.
Red Dead Redemption is probably the best game of 2010. Weeks on since I got my hands on a copy, I'm still enjoying the various missions, sub-missions and whatever else I find when riding through the vast American and Mexican terrain.
It is a spectacular piece of work by Rockstar San Diego and Rockstar Games.
It has been humourously described as "Grand Theft Horse" because the game does have a lot of similarities to Grand Theft Auto, but with a Western setting.
Your mission is to guide John Marston on his quest to hunt down former friend Bill Williamson and put an end to his villainous gang.
The story is quite detailed, adding to the superb gameplay, challenging missions and min-games.
There is plenty of variety in the title, it is really up to the gamer to decide on how much time they will devote to finishing it.
It would take days on the end to finish the game fully but the main story itself can be powered through pretty quickly in comparison.
The long cut-scenes, frustratingly long treks to the next mission and sometime annoying nature of the characters can get on your nerves at times.
However, I’d struggle to find many more faults with it. Red Dead is fantastic value for money and even once I’ve played it to death, I’m sure I’ll be back again….even if it just to polish up on my poker or blackjack skills!
That leads me onto the Rockstar's latest add-on for the game. Red Dead Redemption, Legends & Killers is released on 10 August for both the Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.
The pack has nine new multiplayer map locations, a brand new weapon called the Tomahawk, and more opportunities to earn achievements and trophies.
Does it entice you to pay around €10 ( PSN) or use 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live?
It is a matter of choice but I feel I've got sufficient single-player enjoyment for my original investment and that there is no need to part with any more cash.
There are also eight characters from Red Dead Revolver that will make their debut as new multiplayer characters.
Again, nothing really spectacular, but there is probably a market for these add-ons as Red Dead is one of those addictive games that you can't help but commit plenty of your time to.
Maybe the companies should spend their resources on perfecting all their original releases rather than adding minor details to what they’ve done right.
