the reason RDR 2 works is because it was made by Rockstar.

A Ubisoft RDR 2 would look like a far, far, far different game. https://twitter.com/avsavan/status/1360949410872532992

Few other developers are allowed 5 years to make nothing but a single game with some of the most talented devs in the world, with a stupidly big budget and a writing team that created one of the best narratives and characters in gaming.

not trying to be a fanboy here but Ubisoft, while I enjoy some of their games, gets distracted in loading up their world with meaningless content rather than making the world be something you want to experience organically.

They’re very focused on delivering an experience that justifies your $60 in terms of quantity. There’s nothing wrong with that but that’s where the difference lies.

RDR 2 has lots to do but it all weaves into telling Arthur’s story and informing his character.