id Software were never much for the narrative component of first-person shooters, eschewing it completely for their best-known and still insanely popular Quake 3 Arena. This game focused purely on the multiplayer experience, offering fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action without the need for a storyline. Which makes it doubly strange that they’d abandon any semblance of a traditional multiplayer Deathmatch game mode for what sound a lot like concessions to the game’s narrative thread in their later title, RAGE.
New Multiplayer Modes
Combat Rally and Legends of the Wasteland are the multiplayer modes RAGE is shipping with. Combat Rally is probably the closest thing players are getting to the Quake they know and love, but with an emphasis on vehicular combat. This mode combines the high-speed thrills of racing games with the explosive action of combat, creating a unique hybrid experience. Players must not only race to the finish line but also fend off opponents using an array of weapons mounted on their vehicles. This adds a layer of strategy and excitement, as players must balance speed with combat effectiveness.
Legends of the Wasteland aims to provide a co-op experience while simultaneously filling the narrative gaps in the game. This mode allows players to become protagonists of some of the stories they hear in the main campaign. By teaming up with a friend, players can tackle various missions that expand on the game’s lore, offering a deeper understanding of the world and its characters. This cooperative mode encourages teamwork and communication, making it a refreshing change from the competitive nature of traditional multiplayer modes.
Additional Game Modes and Campaign
Add to that a SmashTV-esque mode where you get to dispatch waves of enemies, and RAGE offers a variety of gameplay experiences. This mode, reminiscent of classic arcade games, pits players against increasingly difficult waves of enemies in a confined arena. The goal is to survive as long as possible while racking up a high score. This mode is perfect for players looking for a quick, intense gaming session without the commitment of a full campaign.
The game’s 15-20 hour campaign is another highlight, which we probably wouldn’t exaggerate in any way by calling unique in this day and age. The campaign offers a rich, immersive experience, blending first-person shooting with elements of role-playing games. Players can explore a vast, post-apocalyptic world filled with diverse environments, from desolate wastelands to bustling settlements. The story is driven by a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations and backstories, adding depth to the narrative.
RAGE also features a robust crafting system, allowing players to create and customize weapons, vehicles, and other items. This adds another layer of strategy, as players must gather resources and choose which items to craft based on their playstyle and the challenges they face. The game’s open-world design encourages exploration, rewarding players with hidden secrets, side quests, and valuable loot.
The combination of these elements ensures that RAGE will probably keep us busy until the next id game rolls around in 2045. The game’s diverse modes and rich campaign offer something for every type of player, whether they prefer competitive multiplayer, cooperative missions, or solo adventures. By blending traditional first-person shooter mechanics with innovative new features, id Software has created a game that stands out in a crowded market.
In conclusion, RAGE represents a significant departure from id Software’s previous titles, embracing narrative and cooperative gameplay in addition to the fast-paced action the studio is known for. With its unique multiplayer modes, engaging campaign, and variety of gameplay experiences, RAGE is a testament to id Software’s ability to innovate and evolve within the first-person shooter genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the studio or a newcomer to their games, RAGE offers a compelling and memorable experience that is well worth your time.
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