Summary
Surprisingly, it’s more unclear whether Rockstar Games is currently at work onRed Dead Redemption 3than it is when the developer might finally releaseGrand Theft Auto 6— which has become a meme at this point. However, given comments that Rockstar has made in the past about its commitment to runningGrand Theft AutoandRed Dead Redemptioninto the ground,Red Dead Redemption 3could already be in development, and is, at the very least, on the developer’s docket for the near future. Nevertheless, given its current limbo state, it’s impossible to know what features the next game in theRed Dead Redemptionseries might bring to the table, although one feature seems like a no-brainer for the third game — Dead Eye.
Red Dead’s Dead Eye system has been a major part of the series' gameplay since its inception in 2004. In light of its history with the franchise, it’s an all-but-confirmed feature forRed Dead Redemption 3as well, although it could use a tune-up in some areas.
WhileRed Dead’s Dead Eye system has been around for over two decades now and has become a staple of the series' gameplay, it hasn’t always been consistent in terms of its mechanics. Specifically, the Dead Eye system has evolved significantly over the course of the series, with its introduction beginning in2004’sRed Dead Revolver. The first game in the franchise saw the debut of the system, then simply dubbed “Deadeye,” and allowed players to slow down time and target multiple enemies simultaneously. Once normal time resumed, protagonist Red Harlow would then fire those shots in quick succession.
The firstRed Dead Redemptiongame then expanded the Dead Eye system, although it still honored the foundation laid by the game’s predecessor. As it did inRed Dead Revolver, theDead Eye system inRed Dead Redemptionwould slow down time and allow players to target multiple enemies. However,Red Dead Redemptiongave the system its own progression by breaking it down into varying levels. The first level would slow down time and allow manual targeting, the second would automatically target enemies as the reticle passed over them, and the third level allowed for manual placement of markers on targets, thereby offering players more precise control over their shots.
The Dead Eye system has evolved significantly over the course of the series, with its introduction beginning in 2004’sRed Dead Revolver.
Red Dead Redemption 2expanded the Dead Eye systemeven further by adding two additional upgrade levels for it. The first two levels established by its predecessor remained the same, but its third level allowed players to stay in Dead Eye mode after firing shots without marking targets. The new fourth level would then highlight enemy weak points, which, upon being hit, would deal critical damage. Finally,Red Dead Redemption 2’s fifth Dead Eye level revealed critical organs for even more precise targeting.
The Dead Eye system can be expected to once again evolve inRed Dead Redemption 3, but it’s impossible to know how just yet. That being said, there are already some clear waysRed Dead Redemption 3could improvethe classic gameplay system, with the ability to customize it being one of them. Some players might prefer manual targeting while others prefer automatic targeting, so being able to change that option would be ideal. Furthermore, since it’s far too easy to rely on Dead Eye all the time to defeat multiple enemies, perhapsRed Dead Redemption 3could introduce dynamic difficulty scaling where players are essentially punished for using Dead Eye too much.
Apart from that,Red Dead’s Dead Eye system could probably benefit from improved visual cues, like clearer indicators for critical hit zones or environmental hazards. Its mechanics could even be expanded to allow players to target weak points in structures or trigger environmental hazards and use them against foes. It would also be nice to see Dead Eye actually formally incorporated intoRed Dead Redemption 3’s narrative, as it might then be considered a bit more realistic, and it could also add some depth to the game’s characters. In any case, whether it improves or expands, the longstanding Dead Eye system is more than likely to find its way intoRed Dead Redemption 3.
