“After a 14-year wait, we’ve finally got our hands on Purple Lifeless Redemption,” remarks modder Badass Baboon, reflecting on the highly anticipated game’s recent PC release at the end of last month.
While my excitement reached new heights, it seemed likely that a PC version would be confirmed given the data-mined information from the PS4/Switch models. Nothing could possibly mar my enjoyment now that I’ve finally had the opportunity to play and customize the game on my computer.
For this modder, the captivating narrative and character development that define the stylish Purple Lifeless collection, combined with the “remaining frontier” atmosphere shared by John Marston and Arthur Morgan’s escapades in Rockstar’s westerns, are what captivate them most; the chance to bring “Redemption” to a fresh platform with RDR1’s belated arrival was an opportunity not to be missed. Since revamping their overhaul mod in 2023 for the Xbox 360 version of Red Dead Redemption, Badass Baboon has successfully ported the project to accommodate releases on both Nintendo Switch and PC platforms.
The primary goal of this initiative is to reimagine the game in a way that aligns with contemporary standards, effectively modernizing its overall appeal and functionality. The team has been diligently refining the visual aspects of their project, addressing specific areas such as textures, fashion models, and climate cycles, while also correcting continuity errors and striving to deliver a more seamless and realistic gaming experience overall. Although still a work in progress, the modder’s significant updates have elevated the Realism Redefining (RDR) PC mod to become the most-endorsed version on Nexus Mods, surpassing all others on the platform. As of the present moment, it is just shy of 10,000 complete downloads, lagging behind only a select few popular titles.
“When discussing his motivation to start this project, Badass Baboon reveals he previously modified Want for Pace and GTA games, seeking a new challenge.” I stumbled upon the Purple Lifeless Redemption 1 modding community, finding it both fascinating and enjoyable. Modifying this sport was surprisingly familiar, given its shared foundation in the Rage engine, which I’m intimately acquainted with having previously modded Grand Theft Auto 4 and 5; however, it’s also distinctively different due to being the San Diego-based iteration rather than the Rockstar North version.
San Diego’s innovative approach to tailoring game engines for their own video games was undoubtedly an enjoyable experience, offering valuable insights into creative problem-solving.
Despite progress on other fronts, a notable challenge persists: navigating disparate platforms, with the 360 presenting the most formidable obstacle in securing a sale. The developers shared with me that deciphering the file codecs proved arduous, let alone modifying them; numerous workarounds and tips were required to create a functional mod akin to Reality Redemption on the Xbox 360 scale. While the majority of texture replacements would either break or crash the game, successfully modifying configuration files proved to be a different story altogether, with modifications yielding impressive results.
As the Swap iteration of the GTA series was released, its file formats exhibited striking similarity to those of GTA IV, benefiting from a deeper understanding and analysis that simplified modding. With one versatile tool capable of handling almost all tasks, users gained unprecedented control over textures, including character models and buildings, rendering them easily editable. The PC model ultimately emerged as an exact replica of the Switch variant, with the added benefit of allowing previously modified data files for the Switch model to be seamlessly utilized on both PC and Switch platforms.
Rockstar’s relationship with mods for its video games is marked by a complex and intriguing history, similar to that of several prominent game developers who have navigated this issue in distinct ways. Following a year marked by high-profile take-downs and lawsuits, the corporation has chosen to capitalize on its success by bringing on board the team behind the popular FiveM and RedM role-playing modifications. As news broke that Badass Baboon and other emulators faced shutdowns in response to Nintendo’s legal actions, I asked the modder if the uncertainty surrounding these projects had affected their approach or sentiment towards Reality Redemption.
They deliberately kept the project under the radar until a PC version of Red Dead Redemption was released. “I can’t help but wonder if Rockstar and Take-Two would take drastic measures, given their history of aggressively enforcing copyright claims through DMCA takedowns – so I prepared for the worst-case scenario.” Throughout each day, I sensed an unsettling aura; unsure if my actions were inappropriate, yet I continued to devote myself to the endeavor without hesitation. I ensured the integrity of the data by verifying all sports-related records with authenticity and declined to incorporate assets or properties from other Rockstar games, thus avoiding potential issues. Fortunately, the mode remains intact.
As the modder delves into their project, they focus on crafting enhancements and modifications aimed at bridging the narrative voids that arise between the enigmatic Undead, whose lack of mention for Arthur Morgan’s title is particularly striking, and its predecessor Red Dead Redemption 2.
“I’m planning to seamlessly integrate the sport’s world and audio with additional nods to Red Dead Redemption 2’s settings and events, preserving the original game’s essence and atmosphere.” Small-scale references to Red Dead Redemption 2’s West Elizabeth, Grizzlies, and Lemoyne settings within the MacFarlanes’ home, a feature newly integrated into the mod, might evolve into something more substantial with AI-powered voice acting allowing characters to directly reference events and personalities from RDR2.
Due to concerns that latter updates might utilize controversial technology to generate voice traces mimicking those of established sport voice actors, sparking opposition from many skilled VAs, I sought the modder’s perspective on this issue and their plans for alternatives. By recombining existing game assets to create fresh content, some modders have developed innovative approaches, as seen in the creation of custom dialogue options for games like Skyrim, often crafted by developers who are wary of artificial intelligence.
For those familiar, numerous content creators have leveraged AI tools to reimagine their beloved characters belting out favorite tunes or uttering memorable phrases on YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms – with surprisingly convincing results. While exploring possibilities, there might still be the potential to leverage Red Dead Redemption 2’s voice properties and blend in new trails, or reuse those from the original game, with varying degrees of success? While exploring diverse approaches as we’ve examined, it’s crucial to verify whether AI can genuinely capture the authentic tone I’m seeking. Unless a complete overhaul of the concept is necessary, I will explore reworking existing tracks.
The long-term fate of Actuality Redemption and the Purple Lifeless Redemption’s PC modding scene remains uncertain until its ultimate conclusion is revealed in entirety. Despite everything, the port has been devoid of activity for some time; likely many cowboys still wistfully ride its trails, contemplating what they might wish to try next, or else are raising their final glasses in another saloon before boarding the train to Armadillo.
