Rage allows you to approach any situation the way that you want to using whatever tools and strategies you like. The game keeps things fresh with a constant supply of new weapons, ammo types and gadgets to use. It also has a diverse set of enemies that feature the best artificial intelligence I have ever see in a shooter; not only are the fire fights difficult but the enemies use their environment in completely unpredictable, smart ways. When fighting the mutants in a disgusting sewer they twirled and dodged my attacks leaping off walls and pipes rarely attacking me from the front. I was amazed when they would charge me only to turn at the last moment and quickly flank me. Another group of enemies used military tactics and cover to suppress my position and reinforce theirs; they actually cooperated in grinding my bunkerish position before rushing me with a shield-bearing specialist. The gunplay is fantastic and you will want to experiment with different strategies and styles.

Courtesy of: Bethesda Softworks

Now as for the driving (the main mode of transportation) do you like Mario kart? Mad Max films? Yea? ‘Nuff said. The driving and car combat is fantastic, its ‘arcadey’ enough for anyone familiar with Mario kart to get into it and deep enough with the car customization and weapon options that it is always fun and provides for a change of pace from the first person shooting. Travelling from towns to dungeons and vice versa you will encounter bandits out to blow you up as well as some nifty jumping challenges that serve as a nice distraction (for those 100 percenters out there, a boon), within the towns you can also participate in races to earn upgrades as well as the regular side missions (that feature a sniper challenge or return to a familiar locale). The races are well done and are very reminiscent of a hyper violent Mario kart. The multi player exits in two distinct modes; an extension of the racing and some dungeon crawling missions designed for two. The racing is pretty straight forward, but the survivalesque missions are really well designed firefights and feature many of the weapons and gadgets featured in the campaign. The missions act as side stories and further flesh out the word a bit.

Courtesy of: Bethesda Softworks

The campaign will give you a solid 12-14 hours and the multi player will throw another couple in as well. The multi player is designed as a sideshow and won’t give you as much play as a Call of Duty but it is a nice addition that will extend your play. Rage is one of the finest shooters I have ever played. Varied design and game play in a solid shooter game is fantastic and ‘arcadey’ yet solid driving elements go along with the game’s suite of features and distinct ‘Wild West of Tomorrow’ identity. I look forward to the growth of this franchise and can easily recommend Rage to anyone looking for a solid shooter experience. 

-Max Romano