SO MUCH RAGE!: Rage HD Review

Seller:

id Software

Genre:

3D on the rails shooter

Updated:

Aug 03, 2011Release Date:



When a free game comes your way, you don't really expect a great deal. Perhaps a bit of entertainment, maybe a novel concept or some good looking visual effects. As long as it helps kill some time then you're probably going to be content. If this is what you think when you download Rage HD however you're going to be pleasantly surprised.







Rage doesn't get you off to a good start though. The opening video is a trailer for the full game and the menu option to pre order isn't subtle and only serves to cheapen the experience. Then you get to spend about 10 minutes trying to work out which control type suits you best, finally settling on the default tilt to look method.



As you plunge into your first game you're introduced to the core mechanics. Tap the shoot button to kill or pick up items, tap another button to dodge, tap the button in the top corner to reload, here's a shotgun, a pistol and an assault rifle. Here's your ammo count, here are some mutants, go kill them, try not to get hit too much and don't forget to have fun as you go. It's all simple and well implemented, but you can't help but notice you're effectively playing an on the rails shooter. You can overlook that for now though as there's plenty going off on screen to distract you.



Touring the post apocalyptic setting numerous mutants appear at different intervals that will try their best to ruin your fun. Some will throw things at you, while others prefer to get up close and personal with which ever pointy or heavy implement they have found. Some will only take a single shot before falling on their faces while other ones have had their mutant Weetabix and require a few more hits to take down. Eventually though you get to learn the pattern of monsters as well as the location of those crucial ammo crates and targets that give you bonus points. So while the game might seem repetitive in that respect, survival isn't the sole objective in Rage, it's all about the high scores.









To help you on your way to the top of the leader board Rage provides you with a score multiplier system. Your multiplier increases as you shoot monsters, pick up cash and hit targets, it's all quite straight forward but keep in mind your multiplier is reset as soon as you take a hit. It's harsh and will probably lead to your iPhone hurtling through the air much like the rock that you failed to dodge, but it makes the game very addictive.



Visually the game is very slick from the well animated and detailed monsters to the dreary but realistic looking settings everything looks impressive. Thankfully though the aesthetics don't come at a price as the game maintains a decent frame rate throughout.



You will find yourself going back to Rage HD, the simple on the rails shooter coupled with the addictive multiplier system and competitive leader boards make it a worth while game. If you can forgive it for being an interactive trailer for the upcoming big title then you're rewarded with a great looking and fun game.