Rage Runner
Gameplay 8
Graphics 8
Sound 8

Rage Runner is quite a challenging title and, as the name implies, it can be frustrating at times. Having to weave your way through obstacles at high speeds while changing the orientation of your craft takes some practice and completing all nine of the levels is quite an achievement. If you are looking for a 3D runner that will really test your skills you should try Rage Runner.

Gameplay: Quick reflexes and some trial-and-error is required, but overall this is an addictive and challenging title.

Graphics: Good, but not too distracting.

Sound: Depends on whether you like dubstep or not

Summary 8.0 Great
Gameplay 0
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

Rage Runner

Developer: Hypercane Studios | Publisher: Plug In Digital | Release Date: 2014 | Genre: Action / Indie / Racing | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

Rage Runner challenges you to strap yourself into the cockpit of a spaceship (called the H-C-S Penetrator apparently) before hurling yourself down a space trench at breakneck speed. The goal is to reach the exit before the timer reaches zero, but the obstacles en route does not make this an easy task.

Whenever the words “space” and” trench” is mentioned in the same sentence, the first thing that springs to mind is usually the Star Wars Death Star trench run. Rage Runner might not require you to shoot proton torpedoes at thermal exhaust ports the size of womp rats, but it is every bit as nerve wracking. Rage Runner is a 3D runner, but unlike many games in the genre which only allows you to move left, right and perhaps jump, here you have to maneuver in all directions. You constantly have to make split second decisions, and due to the speed of the game there is some trial-and-error involved. Memorizing the layouts is usually the only way you will complete the later levels unless you have the reflexes of a praying mantis. Although this may sound frustrating, and as you probably have guessed from the name of the game, it often is, it is also addictive enough that you will constantly find yourself retrying. The fact that each level can be completed in about a minute also ensures that it feels manageable, which is good as there are no checkpoints.

As if the job of weaving your spaceship through obstacles wasn’t tricky enough, you will often encounter sections that are too narrow for your craft to fly through horizontally. Fortunately, you can hold down a button to flip your spaceship vertically, which not only looks cool, but is absolutely required if you want to have any hope of reaching the exit. Constantly having to judge and adjust the correct height, direction and orientation of your spaceship to make it through the obstacles is challenging for sure, but makes you feel pretty accomplished when you complete a level.

Your spaceship only has three speeds, fast, faster and dead stop so don’t think that you will be able to leisurely pick your way through the obstacles. Unless you take the risk of using your afterburners for the more straightforward sections of the trench you had better get used to the feeling of running out of time just as the exit looms in sight. Power modules are scattered at certain points in the trench and it is up to you to decide which power-ups you want to activate with these. Using them as a weapon allows you to destroy an obstacle in your path which is usually easier than avoiding it or if you are feeling particularly lucky you can use a power module to engage a super thrust which propels you forward even faster.

Shields are also an option, but these will only protect you from one minor bump or scrape and not a full on collision. Finally there is the superbrakes which brings you to a dead stop for a few seconds, which might sound counter-productive, but they are absolutely essential for some of the traps that the latter levels love to throw at you. Giving you the power to decide what power-ups you want to use the modules for is a nice touch as it allows each player to develop their own strategy. If you are really good you can use the speed boost to make it to the exit with time to spare which increases your score, while the more aggressive players might opt to blast their way through obstacles. Power modules are scarce though, so don’t think you will be able to rely on them all the time.

Rage Runner was originally an OUYA title, but the developers have clearly put some effort into the PC version of the game. Apart from new models and textures for the majority of the visuals in the game you can also expect to see some real-time lighting to spruce things up. Levels have also been tweaked to play better and you can look forward to an additional level which brings the total to nine. Then of course there are the usual Steam features such as achievements, trading cards and leaderboards to sweeten the deal. Despite all these enhancements the developers have kept the price very low so you will certainly get plenty of value for your money.

While the game is perfectly playable with a keyboard I would strongly suggest using a decent controller if you really want to get the most out of it. Controlling your spaceship with an analogue stick just feels much more natural, but of course that is a personal preference. The soundtrack consists of some Dubstep music which is obviously a very divisive genre. Personally I quite liked it and it suited the flow of the game, but it is a bit annoying that the song restarts each time you retry the level. Speaking of retrying, the game contains a whole database of quotes related to trying which it bombards you with each time you crash so expect to see some words of wisdom from the likes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

Considering that Rage Runner was created by a two man team the game is quite impressive. The gameplay is rock solid, and while extremely challenging it is addictive enough that you will find yourself attempting just one more go. There might be just nine levels, but don’t expect that you are just going to breeze through them. The developers seem like a dedicated bunch and they are actively encouraging feedback, which bodes well for the future of the game. Not everyone is going to enjoy the fast paced gameplay, especially those with poor reflexes or memorization skills, but action junkies that want to experience the thrill of a high speed trench run should definitely give it a shot.

*Review originally published May 2014.

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
  • Processor: 1.5 GHz or faster
  • Memory: 1 GB RAM
  • Graphics: 7600 GT / HD 2600
  • DirectX: Version 10
  • Hard Drive: 300 MB available space
  • OS: Windows 7/8
  • Processor: 1.5 GHz or faster
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: 8800 GTS / HD 2900
  • DirectX: Version 10
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Hard Drive: 300 MB available space
  • Additional Notes: Xbox 360 Gamepad Recommended
  • OS: OS X 10.5 or later
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster
  • Memory: 1 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia 8800
  • Hard Drive: 300 MB available space
  • OS: OS X 10.5 or later
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GT 750
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Hard Drive: 300 MB available space

Related posts

Submerged

Submerged

Submerged provides a relaxing and compelling experience without requiring quick reflexes or lateral thinking. Some players will find this boring and repetitive, while others will revel in the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful environments. Despite the climbing and exploration Submerged is closer to titles such as Dear Esther instead of Assassins Creed, but it is definitely something fans of the genre will enjoy. Gameplay: Submerged offers a stress-free and tranquil experience that is devoid of combat or puzzles. Graphics: The water and lighting effects are great, and the environments look downright beautiful at times. Sound: The haunting soundtrack is a great match for the atmosphere of the game.

Perception

Perception

Perception is a unique horror title with a charming protagonist who just happens to be blind. This puts a whole new spin on exploring a haunted location as you have to make use of echolocation to find your way around. Although creepy, some of the horror elements, such as being chased by an evil presence if you make too much noise, doesn’t quite live up to expectations. However, the story is very interesting, despite a couple of cliches and discovering what happened in the house throughout the years is fascinating. While the game won’t win any awards for its monochromatic visuals, it does feature some stellar voice acting. Players in search of an atmospheric ghost story that isn’t too demanding should definitely try out Perception. Gameplay: A little short and easy, but very interesting while it lasts. Graphics: The visuals are purposely kept simple, which means it doesn’t look as good as some other horror titles. Sound: Great ambient sound effects and brilliant voice acting, especially for the protagonist.

Warhammer: Chaosbane

Warhammer: Chaosbane

Warhammer: Chaosbane is an isometric action role playing game that is set in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles Universe. It offers four diverse characters to play with and also allows players to join up three other friends either locally or online. The game is really enjoyable, but a bit rough in places, especially in terms of variety and loot. It is fun while it lasts, but currently the amount of end-game content that is available is not as good as it could have been. Hopefully future updates to the game will continue to build on its solid base, but until then it is bound to disappoint some players who expected more depth as well as variety. Gameplay: Great selection of characters and plenty of skills to use on hordes of enemies. Graphics: Very detailed, but it doesn't take long to see everything the game has to offer. Sound: Decent music, but some of the voices could have been much better.

Revolution Ace

Revolution Ace

I can't deny that I had a lot of fun with Revolution Ace but it is definitely not a game that will appeal to everyone. The lengthy single player campaign is good, but it is the innovative multi-player modes that really steal the show. Whether in Versus or Battle Chains mode, challenging a human opponent is quite addictive. If you can overlook the rather generic visuals and soundtrack you'll find a good, old school shooter lurking underneath. Gameplay: Feels just like an old school arcade shooter. Graphics: The graphics look a little bland despite using the Unreal Engine. Sound: Fitting but not particularly memorable.

Pinball FX2 – Super League

Pinball FX2 - Super League

Zen Studios have been on a roll with great pinball table and Super League is no exception. Even if you are not a fan of football you'll appreciate the flow of the table and the multitude of scoring opportunities. The football theme has been expertly interwoven with the gameplay in a way that not only makes sense but is very addictive as well. Gameplay: A great table with nice ramps and an abundance of multi-ball opportunities. Graphics: The different designs for each football club looks excellent. Sound: Catchy music and nice sound effects recreate the atmosphere of a real football match.

LEGO® Builder’s Journey

LEGO® Builder's Journey

Lego Builder's Journey features some of the most realistic-looking Lego blocks seen in games to date. However, it is a casual puzzle experience aimed at more mature audiences, so don't expect the freedom to design and build your own wacky creations. Instead, the game features single-screen dioramas with limited selections of blocks to overcome simple challenges. It's still a lot of fun and looks incredible, but it can be completed very quickly and lacks any type of replay value. Gameplay: Not very taxing, but casual audiences will find it entertaining. Graphics: With all the ray tracing elements enabled, the game looks incredible. Sound: The soundtrack is soothing, and the sound effects are very realistic.

Leave a comment

one × three =