Even ifRed Dead Redemption 3doesn’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. WhetherRed 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, andRed Dead Redemption 3would be wise to remember that.
Thecontinued success ofRed Dead Redemption 2after 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 2made Arthur one of the best video game protagonists of recent years.
One can’t underplay the importance ofRDR2’s Van Der Linde gangon 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, inRed 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.
While some Van Der Lindes make appearances duringJohn’s quest inRed 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 ofRDR2’s Van Der Linde gang on the game’s plot.
Considering the Van Der Lindes' current status, there a decent chance that players won’t seeRed Dead Redemption 3’s protagonisthave 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 3can use the likability and interesting traits of the protagonist’s gang to keep the story enthralling throughout its runtime.
Red Dead Redemption 3may not be complete without a gang for the protagonist to call their own. In fact, one ofRed Dead Redemption 3’s most obvious decisionsmay 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 3can definitely take notes with its protagonist’s relationships.
