Major spoilers ahead for Red Dead Redemption

On May 18, 2010, was introduced to the world, and with it, a story that highlighted the harshness of the Wild West and the moral gray areas it enabled. Red Dead Redemption could have easily been a straightforward shoot-em-up Western adventure, but Rockstar gave gamers a lot more than that.

Ahead of Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar had made its name mostly through the success of Grand Theft Auto. Of course, Rockstar had a variety of hits leading up to the release of Red Dead Redemption, but GTA was clearly the developer's star. GTA, Manhunt, and Bully had built a controversial reputation for Rockstar, marking the developer as a studio that was mostly known for bold and risky subject matter. However, Red Dead Redemption presented Rockstar's more emotional side, and the game continues to be hailed as one of the industry's best stories.

It's important to note that Rockstar wasn't void of emotion before Red Dead Redemption. GTA 4's protagonist Niko Bellic led a more serious and mature story, while Bully was far from the shallow game that much of the controversy surrounding it claimed at the time. However, what set Red Dead Redemption apart is that it brought an exciting cinematic touch to the Rockstar roster that elevated its emotional moments that much more.

Red Dead Redemption's story centers around ex-outlaw John Marston's family being kidnapped by the Bureau of Investigation. Agent Edgar Ross sets up a deal for John: If he can hunt down his former gang members, then he can get his family back. This sends John down a road of betrayal that ultimately leads to tragedy, as Ross breaks his promise. At the end of the story, John reunites with his family and hopes to live the rest of his life peacefully on his ranch, but Ross ambushes him. In one last fight, John sends his family away to safety, but he dies at the hands of Ross.

It's a shocking and gut-wrenching finale that shows players that John was doomed from the start. Despite being part of the law, Edgar Ross uses the ruthlessness and shaky morality of the Wild West to his advantage, resulting in the deaths of John and all of his old friends. Red Dead Redemption was more than a showcase of how much Rockstar had evolved since Red Dead Revolver. It was a demonstration of how video games can be just as layered and emotional as movies or television.

Although titled Red Dead Redemption 2, the story served as a prequel to John Marston's story. With the backstory that RDR2 brings players, Red Dead Redemption hits even harder. Getting to see a younger version of John bond with the gang members who he will eventually have to betray elevates its first chapter.

Between Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, Rockstar has brought an emotional one-two punch to gamers. RDR2 may have achieved more success overall, but Red Dead Redemption sets a strong example of the highs video games can reach with their storytelling.