Is Red Dead Revolver Canon? Why is Red Dead Revolver Not Canon
by Harini
Updated Jul 24, 2023
Is Red Dead Revolver Canon?
"Red Dead Revolver" is not considered canon in the Red Dead Redemption series. It exists in a separate timeline and universe from the Redemption games. While "Red Dead Revolver" was the first game released in the series, it was developed by Capcom and Angel Studios (later rebranded as Rockstar San Diego) and published by Rockstar Games in 2004.
The Redemption series, on the other hand, began with "Red Dead Redemption," developed by Rockstar San Diego and released in 2010. This game introduced players to the character of John Marston and continued with "Red Dead Redemption 2," released in 2018, which explored the backstory of Dutch van der Linde and the Van der Linde gang.
The primary reason for "Red Dead Revolver" not being considered canon in the Redemption series is the significant difference in timelines and the lack of direct connections between the two sets of games. "Red Dead Revolver" is set in the 1880s, while the Redemption games take place in the early 20th century, specifically the 1890s and 1900s. The characters and events in "Red Dead Revolver" do not directly tie into the narrative of the Redemption games.
While "Red Dead Revolver" laid the foundation for certain gameplay elements, such as the Dead Eye targeting system, the Redemption series expanded upon and refined these mechanics, creating a more cohesive and immersive experience.
As a result, the Redemption series is considered a separate and distinct continuity within the Red Dead franchise, and "Red Dead Revolver" remains a standalone entry in the series' history.
Why is Red Dead Revolver Not Canon?
Red Dead Revolver" is not considered canon in the Red Dead Redemption series because it exists in a separate timeline and universe from the Redemption games. While "Red Dead Revolver" was the first game released in the series, it was developed by Capcom and Angel Studios (later rebranded as Rockstar San Diego) and published by Rockstar Games in 2004.
The Redemption series, on the other hand, began with "Red Dead Redemption," developed by Rockstar San Diego and released in 2010. This game introduced players to the character of John Marston and continued with "Red Dead Redemption 2," released in 2018, which explored the backstory of Dutch van der Linde and the Van der Linde gang.
The primary reason for "Red Dead Revolver" not being considered canon in the Redemption series is the significant difference in timelines and the lack of direct connections between the two sets of games. "Red Dead Revolver" is set in the 1880s, while the Redemption games take place in the early 20th century, specifically the 1890s and 1900s. The characters and events in "Red Dead Revolver" do not directly tie into the narrative of the Redemption games.
While "Red Dead Revolver" laid the foundation for certain gameplay elements, such as the Dead Eye targeting system, the Redemption series expanded upon and refined these mechanics, creating a more cohesive and immersive experience.
As a result, the Redemption series is considered a separate and distinct continuity within the Red Dead franchise, and "Red Dead Revolver" remains a standalone entry in the series' histor
Red Dead Revolver
Red Dead Revolver, an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games, made its debut in 2004. This game serves as the inaugural entry in the Red Dead series and was initially released for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in May 2004.
The game's storyline is set in the 1880s, depicting the American frontier, where players follow the journey of a bounty hunter named Red Harlow. Seeking revenge for the murder of his parents, Red embarks on a gripping quest throughout the single-player campaign.
In addition to the single-player mode, the game also offers a local multiplayer feature, allowing up to four players to engage in free-for-all battles against each other or AI-controlled bots.
The development of Red Dead Revolver began in 2000 under the working title "Gun Total." Initially, the project received funding from Capcom while being worked on by Rockstar San Diego (formerly known as Angel Studios). However, during the course of development, Rockstar Games acquired Angel Studios and took over the project.
Following the departure of Yoshiki Okamoto from Capcom in 2003, Red Dead Revolver's development faced uncertainty and was temporarily shelved. However, Rockstar Games ultimately acquired the rights to the game later that same year and revived its development.
Upon its release, the game received a mix of reviews from critics and achieved moderate sales success. Nevertheless, the Red Dead series continued to flourish with the release of its critically acclaimed sequel, Red Dead Redemption, in May 2010. This was followed by another highly praised installment, Red Dead Redemption 2, which hit the shelves in October 2018.
Red Dead Revolver Gameplay
Red Dead Revolver offers an engaging third-person shooter and action-adventure gameplay experience with a linear storyline. As players progress through the game, they have access to a variety of weapons, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting knives, molotov cocktails, and dynamite. After completing each level, players can purchase new weapons to enhance their arsenal. Each level concludes with a boss fight, and defeating these bosses rewards players with bounties that can be collected.
Throughout the game, players can earn ratings based on their performance, which unlocks additional content like new weapons and characters for the multiplayer mode. These ratings depend on how well players complete specific objectives, such as time taken to finish a level or weapon accuracy.
While Red Dead Revolver does not feature an open-world environment, players can freely explore the small town of Brimstone between levels, where they can interact with non-playable characters (NPCs). The main protagonist is the bounty hunter Red Harlow, but in certain levels, players get the opportunity to control other unique characters, each with their own signature weapon. For instance, Red wields his revolver, Jack Swift uses twin pistols, and Shadow Wolf relies on a bow and arrow.
A notable game mechanic introduced in Red Dead Revolver, and later carried over to other Red Dead games, is "Dead Eye." This targeting system slows down time, allowing players to make precise shots on enemies. After targeting, the player character automatically fires at the marked locations, dealing significant damage. Dead Eye is also utilized in duels, which consist of four stages: grabbing the weapon, drawing it, acquiring locks on the opponent, and finally, shooting rapidly.
The game also includes a local multiplayer mode, accommodating one or two players with the option to add AI-controlled bots. In this multiplayer component, players can engage in free-for-all battles with the goal of being the last one standing. The multiplayer mode utilizes most of the maps and character models from the single-player campaign, with a few exclusive additions.
Red Dead Revolver Plot
In the late 1860s, two prospectors, Nate Harlow and Griff, discover gold in an area known as Bear Mountain and celebrate by crafting identical revolvers for themselves. However, when Griff is captured by the Mexican Army, he strikes a deal with the corrupt army general, Javier Diego, offering to reveal the gold's location in exchange for sparing his life. Diego then orders an American mercenary named Colonel Daren to kill Nate and his family to conceal the gold's whereabouts.
Tragically, Nate and his Native American wife, Falling Star, are murdered, but their son Red manages to escape after injuring Daren. Fast forward twelve years, and Red has become a relentless bounty hunter. He takes down a gang of outlaws led by Bloody Tom and heads to the town of Widows Patch to collect the bounty. However, he is ambushed by Ugly Chris and his gang, who control the town. With the help of Sheriff O'Grady, Red eliminates the gang but takes O'Grady to Brimstone for medical treatment, foiling a train robbery on the way.
In Brimstone, Red meets Sheriff Bartlett, who offers him various bounties on dangerous outlaws terrorizing the region. During his pursuit of bounties, Red befriends English trick-shootist Jack Swift, and together they take down several enemies. Red eventually learns about the gold his parents were killed over and seeks information from local rancher Annie Stoakes, who had connections to the gold and refuses to sell her property to Governor Griffon.
As Red eliminates his targets, he discovers more about the conspiracy surrounding his parents' murder. Intent on seeking revenge, he goes after Colonel Daren, only to be captured and forced to work as a slave mining gold. With the help of his Native American cousin, Shadow Wolf, Red escapes and embarks on a mission to kill Diego and Griffon.
In a climactic showdown, Red faces Governor Griffon in a quick-draw competition, uncovering Griffon's true identity as his father's treacherous partner. After defeating Griffon, Red avenges his family and decides that the gold was never his true motive.
Throughout his journey, Red forms valuable alliances with Annie, Jack, and Bartlett, ultimately leaving with a sense of justice and closure, and choosing to keep his father's revolver as a reminder of his past.
Is Red Dead Revolver Canon: FAQs
No, "Red Dead Revolver" is not considered canon in the Red Dead Redemption series due to its separate timeline and universe.
"Red Dead Revolver" exists in the 1880s, while the Redemption games are set in the early 20th century, resulting in a significant difference in timelines and no direct connections between the two sets of games.
"Red Dead Revolver" was developed by Capcom and Angel Studios (later rebranded as Rockstar San Diego) and published by Rockstar Games in 2004.
The game follows the story of Red Harlow, a young bounty hunter seeking vengeance for his murdered family, and introduces various other characters like Jack Swift, Shadow Wolf, and Annie Stoakes.
"Red Dead Revolver" introduced gameplay features such as the Dead Eye targeting system, which were later expanded upon and refined in the Redemption series, creating a more immersive experience for players.