Red Dead Redemption 2
"Red Dead Redemption 2" is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of the year. YouTube/Rockstar Games

“Red Dead Redemption 2” is speculated to have two different timelines that players may jump to and from. The game is suggested to be both a prequel and sequel to the first instalment of the game.

The ending of the first instalment of “Red Dead Redemption” takes place during the latter part of the Old West. The cowboy type will no longer be part of the game as the days of the outlaws have been numbered. With this ending, it was seen reasonable that the developers of “Red Dead Redemption” settled going back in time instead of going forward in their next instalment.

Speculation that the timeline of the upcoming game will be moving backwards is due to the known voice cast list. Comparing the current voice talents with those from the first “Red Dead Redemption,” having newcomers on the current cast suggests that a prequel timeline is imminent.

It is believed, however, that game developer Rockstar could possibly put both timelines together. This means that the upcoming game could jump to and from timelines that take place before and after “Red Dead Redemption.” However, this may mean that there will be multiple protagonists so that users can switch to jump from timeline to timeline.

Removing the possibility of a prequel

While some fans speculate about the “Red Dead Redemption 2” storyline, others suggest that this game will be a sequel and not a prequel. Fans point out a small detail not seen in the earlier version of the game. This is a recently added technology including telephones and telephone lines.

Another discussion from this prequel vs sequel debate is on the possibility of a flashback play. Fans have suggested that a younger Jack Marston will be playable this time so Jack could retrace his father’s career as an outlaw. After finding enough details from that timeline, players will then go back to when “Red Dead Redemption” ended. Jack is suspected to have an older character just for the purpose of learning more about his father, according to RDR2.

Release date and availability

“Red Dead Redemption 2” is slated to be released sometime in Q4 2017. This game is playable on either a Playstation 4 or Xbox One. In the US, the game can be preordered online via the Rockstar Warehouse or Gamestop website. In Australia, the game can be preordered from EB Games, JB HiFi or The Gamesmen for $99.95.