I played this game on both the normal and hardcore mode and beat both of them. This is what I think of Red Dead Redemption. It's an open world 3rd person western game about Mr.Marston and his journey of revenge in order to protect his family from the government. There's a lot of different things throughout this game that are very interesting. The story is highly in depth. It's a game with a lesson hidden within it. That lesson is: don't trust people so easily. Everyone has their demons and that even those with said demons can be redeemed if they so choose. That being said, the ending of this game made me so sad and angry for the Marston family that I took 1 star off because I feel that the way the games initial ending happened shouldn't of been that way at all. Yes he technically does redeem himself in the end but I won't spoil it for anyone. Just know this: this game isn't for the squeamish. So if you don't like the ability to skin almost every animal you can think of (especially where you need to hunt to make the big bucks for necessary equipment), robbing, kidnapping, and murdering anyone, I wouldn't suggest this game for you. Cause with the mask on, what happens in Thieves landing stays in Thieves landing. Overall it's a very good game including controls, graphics, and the feeling of an expansive open world through multiple countries. Hardcore doesn't change much except that you make less money and that combat is a little bit more challenging. Of course with said ending, I did end up beating the hardcore mode as well *admits guilt*. But I think most people will overall enjoy this game.