Our first entrant for consideration is none other than Rockstar’s much-lauded western epic. Combining the familiar open-world gameplay of Grand Theft Auto with an expansive turn-of-the-century environment, Red Dead Redemption tells the bittersweet story of former outlaw John Marston’s pursuit of justice.

The game has received quite a bit of adoration from all sides since its release, but does it deserve our lofty praise? We’ve wrangled two CFD! editors to explain why Red Dead should be our 2010 Game of the Year.

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Sage: Westerns are grossly unrepresented in video games. When they do make an appearance, they’re often second-rate, medium-budget mediocrity fests. Red Dead Redemption bucks that trend. Delivering the top-notch production efforts we’ve come to expect from Rockstar, the feeling of immersion while exploring the countryside is a wonder to behold. You can be certain that you’ve done the western genre proud when you impress my father — a feat few games can boast.

Nate: Freedom, and the lack thereof, comes to mind when considering the merits Red Dead Redemption. As a game, it expands the old “go anywhere” trope into something actually worth doing, with a solitude and reverence not often seen in video games. As a narrative, it introduces a pathos-worthy character bereft of the choice and independence he desires, and makes his struggle to gain them heart wrenching and unforgettable. It’s the one game I’ve played this year that impacted me on a critical and emotional level, and I’d play it again without reservation.

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We’ve covered the game extensively since it came out way back in May, and I think we can unanimously agree that it’s pretty darn good. But will that be enough for it to beat out the heavyweights to come? Tell us your opinion of Red Dead Redemption in the comments, and be sure to check the site each day as we continue our Twelve Days of 2010!