What Year is Red Dead Revolver Set In?
Red Dead Revolver is an open-world western adventure game developed by Rockstar San Diego, and released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube consoles. The game’s setting is a significant aspect of its appeal, drawing players into the lawless world of the Wild West. But exactly what year is Red Dead Revolver set in? In this article, we’ll dive into the game’s time period and explore the implications of its setting.
Contents
Early Establishing Points
To understand the time period of Red Dead Revolver, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the game’s story. The game follows the adventures of Reverend William Herondale, a.k.a. "Red" Harlow, as he seeks to avenge his father’s death and rid the west of outlaws. During his journey, Red interacts with various historical figures, including notorious gunslingers and lawmen. At first glance, it’s unclear what specific year the game is set in. However, a closer look at the narrative and various Easter eggs provides some key clues.
Easter Eggs and Historical Figures
Several Easter eggs and references to historical figures in Red Dead Revolver hint at its time period. One such example is the appearance of Wyatt Earp, a famous lawman who played a crucial role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881. Earp is one of the non-playable characters (NPCs) in the game, indicating that Red Dead Revolver is set during or near the late 1880s.
Table 1: Key Historical Figures in Red Dead Revolver
| Character | Significance |
|---|---|
| Wyatt Earp | Notorious lawman |
| Doc Holliday | O.K. Corral Gunfight participant |
| Buck Duane | Folk legend and outlaw |
| Clay Allison | Outlaw and gunslinger |
| Buffalo Bill Cody | Scout, showman, and U.S. Army scout |
| Wild Bill Hickok | Lawman and gambler |
These historical figures, along with the appearance of other gunslingers and outlaws, help establish the time period in which Red Dead Revolver is set.
Plot Holes and Inconsistencies
Despite these Easter eggs, Red Dead Revolver has several plot holes and inconsistencies that create confusion about its time period. For example, one of the game’s bosses, "Raven," is described as having served in the Civil War (1861-1865). This is puzzling, as Red Dead Revolver’s main story doesn’t account for the massive time gap between the end of the Civil War and the game’s setting. Additionally, the game features a train, which could suggest a time period slightly later than the 1870s or 1880s, as most trains in the American West during this time period would have been slow-moving freight trains or rough, hastily constructed railcars.
Table 2: Railroads in the American West (1869-1900)
| Railroad | Established | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First transcontinental railroad | 1869 | The First Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, connecting Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California. |
| Transcontinental Railroad expansion | 1880s | During the 1880s, more tracks and branch lines were added, but high-speed passenger trains didn’t become common until the early 20th century. |
| 20th-century developments | 1900s | By the early 20th century, high-speed passenger trains and more efficient railroad operations became widespread in the United States. |
Conclusion and Inconsistencies
In conclusion, despite some inconsistencies, Red Dead Revolver’s Easter eggs and references to historical figures suggest that the game is set in the late 1880s or early 1890s. The appearance of Wyatt Earp, a significant gunslinger and lawman in the O.K. Corral Gunfight, solidifies this timeframe. However, it’s unclear whether the game’s events take place immediately before, during, or after these historical events. Unfortunately, the game’s developer, Rockstar San Diego, never provided a concrete answer to this question.
Red Dead Revolver’s setting is significant because it allows players to immerse themselves in a fictional western world inspired by real-life events and figures. By exploring the game’s storyline, Easter eggs, and historical references, players can gain a better understanding of the time period in which Red Dead Revolver is set. Ultimately, the game’s exact year is left to the player’s interpretation.
