Don’t get me wrong – I was very excited to hear the new Red Dead Redemption 2 details when Rockstar dropped the latest gameplay video yesterday. It sounds like the team are creating something really special, and if the title plays as good as it looks… Well, it will probably go on to be a flingin’ flangin’ smash hit y’all.

Here’s the new video for your entertainment and delight…

It all trots along very nicely until we hit the first “Whaaaaaaaa…?” moment around the 4:12 mark. Here’s how the voice-over lady puts it…

The bond with your horse is crucial and changes based on your treatment of the animal. Some breeds are better suited for certain tasks. Your saddle and saddle bags can store extra weapons, along with supplies and animal carcasses that you pick up while out roaming or hunting. Over time the bond between you and your horse will grow, making them easier to control in tense situations.

All of this was intercut with some frankly cute snippets of owners stroking and praising their mighty steeds. Presumably this was in the downtime between witness intimidation, casual murder and thievery. I just thought it was such a random selling point for an action-orientated Rockstar title, and it wasn’t one of the Red Dead Redemption 2 details I was expecting to hear. “Dang nabbit, that was a mighty fine shootin’ spree, baby. Have an oat!” *neeeeeiiggghhhhhhhmmfffffff*

Actually, it reminded me of the time Call of Duty dedicated half their stage demo to showing off the new “dog” feature. So funny.

So yes, if bonding with your horse is everything that you’re looking for in a game, then look no further! It’s Rockstar Games for the whinny.

Fortunately, the rest of the new Red Dead Redemption 2 details were a little less ‘off beat’ and sound genuinely intriguing. Here are some of them…

• A living, open world to explore and interact with. Decide which situations to engage with, and in what manner, and manage your relationships with the characters you encounter. Your actions have consequences.
• Deep and engaging combat, with each weapon having unique characteristics and realistic reloading and recoil.
• A rich and varied ecosystem allowing for hunting opportunities. Animal pelts and items can be traded for cash at various outposts. Cool!

Red Dead Redemption 2 is due for release on the PS4 and Xbox One on October 26th 2018.

Are you looking forward to the next Red Dead game? Which of the new features are you most curious about? Are you looking forward to bonding with your horse?? Let me know in the comments below.

Click here to pre-order Red Dead Redemption 2 on the PS4 and help support this site.

Click here to pre-order on the Xbox One.