Rage 2 – PAX East Preview
We had a chance to peak behind the curtain and look at the upcoming game Rage 2 at Bethesda Game Days held in Boston. Bethesda Game Days is not technically part of PAX, but is being held directly next door to the convention. With less than two months until the game officially releases, it’s safe to say that Bethesda has a gem on their hands.
The demo gave us twenty minutes and free range to do anything and everything that we wanted to do. I started by hopping in the vehicle that was sitting there and tested out the driving mechanics. Avalanche brought their expertise to this aspect of the game and it shows. The driving feels great. You can drive on nearly any type of terrain and your vehicle will keep on going.
This feels like Mad Max on Crack.
Not only do the vehicles handle well, but the vehicular weapons are incredibly tight. The two that we used during our time with the game included a rocket that you would lock on and release once the meter filled up, raining multiple rounds at the other vehicles. We also saw a machine gun and, while ammo is limited, you can pick up plenty more as you explore the world.
Rage has always been a game of two facets. You have the driving mechanics and the first-person shooter elements. The gunplay feels incredible. I had to check and see if there was auto aim enabled because every shot felt so good. The guns are so responsive that players of all skill sets will be taking out bandits and mutants in no time.
Aside from living enemies to take out, you’ll be tasked with eliminating various turrets and other mechanical foes as well. Those fights aren’t as easy as the “human” baddies but, with a good game plan, you’ll be taking them out in no time.
The best thing we can say about Rage 2 is how quickly the twenty minutes went by. Not once did I feel like the game was wasting my time and I cannot wait until the game releases to play it in its entirety. Rage 2 is coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox One on May 14th.
