Review round-up: Red Dead Redemption

Being compared to Grand Theft Auto isn't a bad thing considering that GTA IV is still regarded by many as one of the greatest games of this generation, but Rockstar will be hoping that Red Dead Redemption proves to be more than just "GTA with cowboys". We've lassoed a couple of the first reviews to see how the gaming press feels about this wild west epic...

Eurogamer: "... an exceptional Rockstar game, one that successfully re-clothes the Grand Theft Auto framework in an exciting, distinct and expertly realised scenario. But just how satisfying the formula remains after the exuberant destructiveness of Red Faction: Guerrilla, or the joyful, ad-hoc player stories born in the freedom of Just Cause 2's playpen, is increasingly under scrutiny." - 8.0
Edge Online: "... an impeccable example of world building begging to be interrupted with a bullet." - 9.0
1Up: "Red Dead is a great game to climb into and just live for a while, and that's everything I wanted. There are herds to save, outlaws to kneecap, frontier ladies to rescue, random strangers to tie up and drop off a cliff for no reason, and sunsets that need riding off into." - A
GameTrailers: "By rendering an expert treatment of its Wild West source material, Red Dead Redemption provides an excellent and original open world experience. The atmosphere and gameplay fit together almost perfectly." - 9.5
IGN: "Red Dead Redemption is a must-play game. Rockstar has taken the Western to new heights and created one of the deepest, most fun, and most gorgeous games around." - 9.7
Metacritic score: 95