Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, have cemented their status as some of the finest video games ever crafted. Developed by Rockstar, these action-adventure titles delve into the complexities of their protagonists, Arthur Morgan and John Marston. But who among these gunslingers is the more compelling protagonist? A fan named WrongPatient decided to initiate a debate on this very subject on Reddit’s r/reddeadredemption subreddit. The topic caught fire, amassing 296 comments at the time of this article’s writing. This piece delves into the specifics of this debate.

The Case for John Marston

First up is John Marston, the protagonist of the original Red Dead Redemption game. Fans who favor John point out that the game is essentially his redemption story. The character undergoes significant transformations as he tries to leave his criminal past behind. “John hands down. The story is essentially his redemption arc overall,” writes one Reddit user. Additionally, many see Arthur Morgan merely as a conduit for John’s development. “Arthur was there to act as a pseudo mentor to John, establishing his persona from RD1,” another user pointed out. John Marston’s fans also underscore that he was the main attraction in the sequel as well. One player revealed, “John was my favorite back in 2010, and the main reason I played Red Dead 2 was that everyone knew you’d play as him at some point.”

The Rising Popularity of Arthur Morgan

Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, has been winning over fans since the game’s release. Users appreciate how dynamically Arthur changes throughout the storyline. One Reddit commenter says, “Arthur meanwhile is an incredibly written and sympathetic character. He has actual redemption and changes greatly from beginning to end.” There’s also a lot of talk about how players initially resisted Arthur but ended up missing him by the end of the game. “I dreaded the fact that Arthur Morgan was the main character. I couldn’t believe it. Fast forward to the end of the game, and I hated being John! I wanted Arthur back,” stated another fan, emphasizing the effectiveness of Roger Clark’s performance as Arthur.

Comparison by Game Mechanics

It’s worth noting that the game mechanics themselves may contribute to Arthur’s favorability. Features like decision-making and a more complex morality system in Red Dead Redemption 2 allow players to connect more profoundly with Arthur Morgan. Whereas in the first game, the mechanics were comparatively simpler, giving less room for the player to experience John Marston’s depth.

Community Consensus

While the debate is far from over, the current consensus leans toward Arthur Morgan as the superior protagonist. His character complexity and the game mechanics that enable a deeper connection make him a standout. However, John Marston’s role as a pioneer in the Red Dead Redemption universe cannot be discounted.

Final Thoughts

The debate over who is the better protagonist between Arthur Morgan and John Marston is a testament to the richness of the Red Dead Redemption series. Both characters have left an indelible mark on the gaming community, and the arguments for each are strong and well-considered.

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