I have not played Red Dead but GTA is definitely not an RPG. It’s an action adventure and at least from what I’ve seen from the former I’d expect it to be the same.
For an Action RPG, decision making, conversation options, and of course a skill trees are necessary. Basically you need to be able to shape your character to “play a role”.
Generally, RPGs involve character progression through stats, and RDR really doesn’t have that. It’s an action adventure game with an emphasis on storytelling.
I have not played Red Dead but GTA is definitely not an RPG. It’s an action adventure and at least from what I’ve seen from the former I’d expect it to be the same.
Red Dead is just GTA with horses and a way better story. Calling it an RPG is a massive stretch.
What elements that you consider core to the genre is it missing?
For an Action RPG, decision making, conversation options, and of course a skill trees are necessary. Basically you need to be able to shape your character to “play a role”.
Generally, RPGs involve character progression through stats, and RDR really doesn’t have that. It’s an action adventure game with an emphasis on storytelling.