Rage Returns to Steam at 70% Off - Is This Post-Apocalyptic Shooter Worth Reviving?

When we talk about FPS games, some franchises are often mentioned, such as Call of Duty or Battlefield. However, other games were released several years ago and were quite popular among players, such as Rage, which was developed by id Software and released on October 4, 2011.

Currently available for $2.99 instead of $9.99 until February 15, 2026, according to SteamDB, this game plunges you in a world devastated by an asteroid impact. Humanity is trying to rebuild itself, and people are selected to ensure its future. You are one of these individuals, but you are hunted by the government, bandits, and mutants. It will be necessary to survive by all means, and for this, a wide arsenal of weapons and special objects will be at your disposal. For example, you can use remote-controlled bomb cars or robots to defend yourself.

While this game is mainly an FPS, third-person vehicle fights are also available. And you can upgrade your buggy by installing special parts or weapons. It is also possible to explore several places to discover new quests and different characters.

Since its release, many players have enjoyed Rage, as can be seen on Steam, where it has 77% positive reviews based on more than 17,900 reviews. However, ratings are mixed on Metacritic, because even if it has a score of 79, the user score is only 5.4. Some people criticize the game's graphics, while others complain about the menus and certain features that are very difficult to use, especially during fights. Not to mention that the storyline is not developed and the game's universe is repetitive.

Rage represents an interesting chapter in id Software's history, coming between the legendary Doom 3 and the triumphant return of Doom in 2016. The game attempted to blend the studio's FPS expertise with open-world exploration and vehicle combat mechanics - a bold move that didn't quite land as intended.

The post-apocalyptic setting, while familiar, offered some unique elements. The asteroid impact scenario provided a fresh take on the genre's typical nuclear wasteland, and the faction-based society structure gave the world some depth. The weapon variety was impressive for its time, with creative additions like the wingstick (a triple-bladed boomerang) and various ammunition types that could be crafted.

However, the game's ambition may have been its downfall. The open-world elements felt constrained, the story was criticized for being underdeveloped, and technical issues plagued the original PC release. The sequel, Rage 2, released in 2019, attempted to address some of these issues but received mixed reviews of its own.

At $2.99, Rage represents a low-risk purchase for FPS enthusiasts curious about this piece of gaming history. The steep discount makes it an attractive option for those who missed it during its initial release or want to revisit it with modern hardware that can better handle its technical demands.

System Requirements (Minimum):

• OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics card with 256 MB VRAM
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 25 GB available space

Should You Buy It? If you're a fan of id Software's work, interested in post-apocalyptic shooters, or looking for a budget-friendly FPS experience, Rage at $2.99 is worth considering. The game's unique blend of FPS and vehicle combat, combined with its crafting system, offers something different from typical shooters. However, manage your expectations regarding the story and some dated mechanics.

Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

Source(s): Steam