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Red Dead Redemption 2 - posse of four on horseback silhouetted under a full moon Rockstar Studios/Rockstar Games

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Red Dead Redemption 2 looks incredible in new screenshots

Take a long look — many long looks

By Samit Sarkar
Samit Sarkar (he/him) is Polygon’s deputy managing editor. He has more than 15 years of experience covering video games, movies, television, and technology.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has sadly been pushed back from fall 2017 to spring 2018. But in making the delay announcement today, publisher Rockstar Games did toss a bone to fans who are surely crushed to hear the news: a glimpse at the game in the form of seven new images. (These are technically the first proper screenshots of Red Dead Redemption 2 — the only thing Rockstar had released until now was the game’s debut trailer back in October.)

“We are very sorry for any disappointment this delay causes, but we are firm believers in delivering a game only when it is ready,” Rockstar said in a statement.

Obviously, it’s a bummer for all of us that we’ll have to wait an extra four to six months to play the follow-up to Red Dead Redemption, a game that was released all the way back in May 2010. But Rockstar also noted today that it will provide the first real details about Red Dead Redemption 2 “this summer.” That gives us plenty of time to gawk at the screenshots!

Red Dead Redemption 2 - stagecoach riding across the plains
We can’t make out the full name of the firm that maintains this carriage, although it may be the Brown Overland Stagecoach Co. Whatever the company, the wagon must be carrying some valuable cargo, considering the four armed guards accompanying it across the plains.
Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 - on horseback in the forest
This shot reminds us of the Tall Trees region of the original Red Dead Redemption, although the vegetation on the forest floor appears to be more lush. In our article theorizing that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be a prequel to that game, we pointed out a leaked world map that suggested that part of Red Dead Redemption’s world will appear in its follow-up.
Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 - steam train going across railroad bridge
The original Red Dead Redemption took place in 1911, right at the closing of the American frontier. The railroad — with steam locomotives, of course — was still the dominant mode of transportation in the American West at the time, and trains played a major role in the game. Will we finally be able to control them in Red Dead Redemption 2?
Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 - on horseback in town
This screenshot may look like an unremarkable shot of a town in Red Dead Redemption 2, but the details don’t fail to impress. Aside from the texture of the rider’s clothing and the ornamental engraving on his rifle’s grip, note the marks that objects leave — footprints, horse tracks and wagon wheel ruts — and the yellow glow cast by streetlights and lanterns.
Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 - dual-wielding revolvers
Speaking of ornamental engraving, check out these revolvers and rings! These are the kinds of showpiece guns you’d display inside a glass case in your home.
Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 - masked gunman
A great train robbery in progress, perhaps? Note that the masked gunman in this screenshot — as well as the person in the previous one — is holding two pistols, which suggests that we’ll be able to dual-wield weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Rockstar Games
Red Dead Redemption 2 - posse of four on horseback silhouetted under a full moon
Four horsemen silhouetted against a moonlit sky — perhaps the same men who appeared in the first screenshot, guarding the stagecoach. A peaceful nighttime scene, or the last thing we’ll ever see?
Image: Rockstar Games