Rage – Game Analysis & Review
By Justin Bolduc
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Composers: Will Loconto, Assaf Rinde, Rod Abernathy
Engine: id Tech 5
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: First-person shooter, action-adventure, semi-open world
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
Rating: Mature
Coming from id Software, the team responsible for games such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake, Rage has been a highly-anticipated title. id Software has always raised the bar in terms of graphics and gameplay and has once again showcased a gorgeous, well played first-person shooter.
Running on the id Tech 5 engine, Rage is one of the best looking games ever made. The style and design is backed up by highly detailed character models and landscapes. Loading the discs onto the Xbox 360 allowed the game to run optimally, without stuttering and with little pop-in.
The premise behind Rage follows the main character as he exits a vault following a worldwide apocalypse due to an asteroid striking the planet. Little time passes before you are under attack in a fiercely dangerous wasteland.
The game handles great with powerful weapons. Shooting a mutant in an arm or leg shows a brutal reaction and headshots “pop”. Reactions vary, with assault rifles riddling enemies with holes and shotguns blasting enemies into backflips.
With shotguns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, and rocket launchers, the real beauty in diversity comes from various ammo. For example, you can utilize mind control bolts with a crossbow, or something as simple as armor piercing rounds. In addition to making tactical decisions based on the type of gun you want to use, as well as the various ammunition, you are also able to deploy turrets.
The AI offers a decent challenge, as enemies will sometimes fight from a distance, while others may aggressively charge – using erratic zig-zag movements and jumping around as difficult targets to hit. Some different AI types will work together, or you will face difficult mutants on their own – such as a particularly difficult type which impairs your vision.
You can buy and sell equipment, complete side quests, and race. Yes, race. A substantial portion of gameplay involves combat car racing. Unlike most shooters with a tacked-on, half-assed, poorly implemented driving section (I’m looking at you GOW!), id Software managed to make a strong competent which could stand on it’s own. Controls are intuitive and the action flows enjoyably.
The main story ends up uninspiring, and honestly fairly lame. The characters are somewhat bland and dull. One plus to Rage was it’s lack of horror which was often found in Doom and Quake. Instead Rage was more silly and goofy in its approach.
In terms of multi-player, there are two offerings. First, there are stand-alone co-operative missions which are separate from the main, single-player campaign. Basically you rack up multipliers and go for a high score in a fun setting, but generally the co-op part will not be a mainstay for most players.
In the other multi-player option players face off in armored car combat. There are a variety of weapons to unlock and a few arcade-like modes. While a fun addition once the single-player campaign is finished, it is basically a small addition to give a little more for your money.
Rage features a bland story, uninspired side quests, a lackluster co-op mode, and a fun, but short-lived multi-player car combat experience. But, the game sounds amazing, looks amazing, and plays amazing. Rage is definitely a recommended play with stunning visuals and a fun personality. Don’t take the story too seriously, don’t look for too much from multi-player, and just sit back and enjoy a fun frag fest.
PDG’s Justin Bolduc scores RAGE (X360) 8/10
+ Beautiful graphics
+ Excellent, intuitive controls
+ Powerful weapons
– Weak story and characters
– Disappointing co-op and multi-player experience
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