Skip to main content

‘Rage 2’ looks to be faster, zanier, and way more exciting than the original

Bethesda Softworks wasted no time introducing Rage 2 during its E3 2018 press conference. Led by Andrew W.K. and his band, who performed the song Ready to Die, Id Software and Avalanche Studios took the stage to show off a mission from the post-apocalyptic shooter. The game looks to be far crazier than the original, and we mean that in the best possible way.

Taking place at the “Eden Spaceport” location, the Rage 2 gameplay trailer shown during the press conference gave us a taste of combat in vehicles and on the ground. We begin with protagonist Walker zipping down a road on his way to the mission objective, taking out several bandits along the way with a mix of rockets and machine guns. This combat was included in the first Rage, but it looks far smoother this time around. The trailer also promised that “if you see it, you can drive it,” so we expect to see more vehicle variety than the few we got in the first game.

Once he arrives at the spaceport, Walker goes to work on the enemies guarding it with a glorious mix of shotgun and assault rifle blasts, along with special abilities. After jumping into the air, he slams down to take out several targets at once, and he makes use of a stasis-like grenade to send multiple goons into the air at once.

Over the course of the game, it appears you will be able to upgrade these super-powered “Nanotrite” abilities, as well. Walker recalls a giant eco-pod from the sky and finds a new “shatter” ability inside, which allows him to easily send targets flying back with just his fists.

Get your game on

In place of the first game’s grays and browns are a lot of different colors, particularly purple. Rage 2 is clearly not taking itself remotely seriously, and the giant mutant boss wearing a football helmet we see at the end of the gameplay demonstration is evidence of that.

Rage 2 is out for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC in spring 2019. A $120 collector’s edition featuring a severed head — voiced by Andrew W.K. — will also be available, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan is stepping down, with successor yet to be named
Playstation CEO and president, Jim Ryan, stands in front of a blue wall with Playstation button symbols illuminated.

Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan is retiring after 30 years. The PlayStation boss will formally leave his role in March 2024 with a successor yet to be named.

Jim Ryan has been working with PlayStation since 1994 when he joined Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe. Since then, he's become the key figurehead for the PlayStation brand, similar to Phil Spencer's role within Xbox. His most recent success has come from the launch of the PlayStation 5, which has already surpassed a 40 million unit milestone. Today, Sony announced that Ryan plans to retire from the role.

Read more
Dragon’s Dogma 2 delivers exactly what you’re expecting: more Dragon’s Dogma
A dragon roars in Dragon's Dogma 2.

One year ago, I knew next to nothing about Dragon’s Dogma. If I was aware of it when it launched in 2012, I’d long since forgotten about it amid a decade’s worth of games. Who could blame me? Capcom didn’t exactly turn the fantasy-action RPG into one of its go-to IPs despite some impressive sales figures.

Dragon's Dogma 2 - 9 Minute Gameplay Deep Dive | Tokyo Game Show 2023

Read more
Best Meta Quest 3 deals: Get Asgard Wrath 2 for free and more
A product shot of the Meta Quest 3 shown in dramatic lighting over a gradient background.

The Meta Quest 3 is on its way to claim its spot among the best VR headsets when it launches on Oct. 10. However, you can already start taking advantage of Meta Quest 3 deals ahead of the device's release. We've spotted the top offers for the VR headset right now, and it's highly recommended that you take advantage of them before they get sold out.
Today's best Meta Quest 3 deals
Meta Quest 3 (128GB) -- $500 with Asgard's Wrath II

If you buy the 128GB model of the Meta Quest 3 for its sticker price of $500 from Best Buy, you'll also get a copy of Asgard's Wrath II. In this sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed VR games, you'll be battling gods and monsters in an epic action RPG using unique weapons and different combat styles. The VR headset comes with a pair of Touch Plus controllers with wrist straps.

Read more