I got it for Christmas and I'm really enjoying it as well. I'm up to Chapter 5, not sure how far through the whole game that is though!
The graphics are fantastic, as is the size/detail of the map they've built. Each region/town has their own type of climate as well, as we saw in GTAV, which helps in remembering where you've been.
The gun realism is nice but frustrating at the same time! Especially when you're stuck in the open with the guy in your sights and he's happily shooting you!
I think this game is designed to be much more 'real' than GTAV ever was, it doesn't have that same humour level with the characters you mention. It's still there from time to time, but tends to be in conversations you overhear as you're wandering about.
There's a few things which have bugged me so far, not major issues, but a bit annoying:
- The first is if you manage to get your horse killed, then he's dead, full stop. You have to get a new one and start again with the bonding. You keep all of the stuff that was on your saddle though.
- Second, the time it takes to travel across the map. It's made a lot nicer with the scenery and random events that pop up along the way, but sometimes you just want to get there and crack on with the next mission/job. I've heard rumour of a 'time jump' type feature, where you can jump straight to a location, but I've not found it yet.
- Finally, the Wanted aspect can be a pain when you're inadvertantly dragged into something. If you get attacked at the side of a road and fight back, you can end up being 'Wanted' without actually doing anything. You then have to go and pay a bounty or keep fighting off the bounty hunters when they come for you.
All in all though, an outstanding game that'll be keeping me entertained for some time to come I expect!