Open-world novelties rarely dare to challenge Red Dead Redemption 2. But fresh materials about Crimson Desert show: Pywel may be the first world in years to evoke similar emotions.
Instead of revolvers – swords, instead of the Wild West – grim fantasy. But the structure is familiar. Cliff's path is not a list of tasks, but a slow journey where memories are more important than the goal.
The similarities are not limited to horseback riding. The Graymaines mercenary base serves as the Van der Linde gang's camp – a haven, a place to strengthen ties and plan.
Exploration of Pywel is based on the organic discovery of the world, rather than clearing markers. The player chooses a direction and goes forward, hoping to find a secret, not a formal activity.
Common with RDR2:
- Connections between gangs: Cliff has to rebuild the Graymaines after an attack by a rival, which echoes Dutch's desperate attempts to maintain loyalty within his group.
- Living world: Pywel is divided into five unique regions (including some with advanced technology), where overheard NPC conversations can lead to great discoveries.
- Interactivity: hunting, fishing, and a complex economy turn the mercenary's job into a full-fledged profession that doesn't seem boring.
- Managing people: a new feature compared to RDR2 – the ability to send members of your gang on independent missions, which further enhances the feeling of leadership.
The developers from Pearl Abyss emphasize: the world of Pywel should live independently of the player.
