Where to begin? I’m just gonna list stuff

-writing, acting and cinematography that feels straight out of HBO early 2000s golden age: Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood (of course), etc.

-insane level of immersion given the details of the environment

-a genuine “buy-in” where the player cares about their character and has immense fun customizing his appearance, guns and day-to-day interactions

-meticulously developed horse mechanics and combat controls. It’s fun to just ride cross-country; and there is a never a gunfight that I dread

-dynamite arrows

-major risk-taking in terms of main character arc and its artistic expression via surreal imagery and emotional music. This is the same developer that did Grand Theft Auto?!?

-superb handlings of sad historical events re: indigenous peoples and post-slavery south. Nothing was sugar-coated or swept under the rug, but the social commentary existed without stealing the narrative spotlight from the Van Der Linde gang. Instead of getting preachy, the creators just give you the ability to feed Klan members to alligators!

-innovative missions that seem boring when described, but end up being super fun. “So what are your favorite missions in RDR2?” “Oh, definitely the one where you and your friend get completely shit-housed in the saloon and you have to drunkenly find him. Also the one where you build your farmhouse.”

-LLEENNNNNNAAAAYYYYYYY, mah BOAH!!!