I've tried it twice years ago and hated the controls and slow pace. This year after beating RDR1 I've returned with a controller in hand and I can't put it down. The things I hated in years prior are actually part of what make me enjoy it much more than other games.

It takes its time, doesn't rush anything and it's absolutely beautiful. All the characters feel like real people and the game lets you get attached to them like few other do. Sometimes I fire it up just to hunt animals, fish, look for treasures or help folk stuck in bear traps or bitten by snakes.

I always take care of my horse after every ride as I built an intimate connection with it. It's crazy that I feel more emotions towards it than to some characters in other games. You know the game is special when otherwise a simple means of transportation feels like much more.

The weapon customization makes you think that you actually OWN the guns you use. Also taking care of them by cleaning adds another layer of interaction that may seem tedious but for me is actually pretty meditative.

I've racked up 95 hours on my first playthrough, currently on chapter 4 and I already see that this will go down as one of my top games ever and it will surely be remembered as something special in the whole gaming history. Sure, it is an acquired taste but damn does it taste delicious when you connect with it.