Back in 1991, EA unleashed a motorcycle-themed racing and vehicular combat game called Road Rash. This brilliant concoction of speed, fist cuffs, and blunt weapons excited both the player and critics. The popularity of the franchise led to the development of multiple sequels for various platforms.
Furthermore, The last entry to the series, Road Rash: Jailbreak, made its way to the original PlayStation console in 2003. Unfortunately, we are not going to talk about the iconic series. But, instead, we are going to take a quick review of the spiritual successor Road Redemption, and its competition Road Rage both launched 15 years later after the last entry to the Road Rash franchise.
What is Road Redemption and Road Rage?
For starters, both Road Redemption and Road Rage follow the same principle used in the epic Road Rash series. What makes the most difference is that Road Redemption is a spiritual successor. This thing means that Road Redemption employs the same essential elements, styles, and source materials. In other words, its an indirect entry to the series.
Road Rage, on the other hand, is inspired by the series, which means that it integrates the idea seen in the Road Rash series. It does not in any way related to Road Rash; however, it employs the same principles and mechanics borrowed from the series. Thus, the term inspired.
With that, let’s take a quick overview of some of the differences between the two titles. After all, both claims titles launched in the same year to revive or shall we say, re-hype the motorcycle-themed vehicle combat gaming scene. That said, what we are going to do is provide a short breakdown of the basic features and attributes to make a brief comparison between titles.
The Story
When it comes to the narrative, players should know that both Road Redemption and Road Rage feature a less intricate one. With Road Redemption allowing you to play as an assassin with a huge bounty and Road Rage enabling you to play as a rebel biker. What makes the most difference between the two titles is the setting. Road Redemption takes place in a long stretch of highways like the ones seen in Mad Max, while Road Rage takes place in an urban location or cityscape.
This one is the flaws of Road Rage. You see, for motorcycle-themed vehicular combat to work, you need a proper setting. Although the urban environment of Road Rage is not that bad, the placement of obstacles along with the semi-open world settings defies one of the elements that makes these games fun; speed. Something that Road Redemption delivered brilliantly.
Road Redemption Graphics, Sound, and Gameplay
In terms of graphics and sound, both games come with a decent presentation that is not bad and not great either. Nevertheless, the main difference comes from the implementation and the execution of the resources available that result in an exciting gameplay experience. Road Redemption is the winner on this round compared to the studio produced Road Rage.
One of the reasons that make Road Redemption stand out is the animation. Compared to Road Rage, Road Redemption features a much smoother character animation. Also, compared to the almost robotic characters of Road Rage. Another is visual effects, which are much lacking or poorly executed in Road Rage. On top of that is the nearly maze-like setting in Road Rage. That matter makes acceleration almost impossible (it’s not like the game has one of the best controls out there).
That said, playing Road Rage, as the name suggests, often results in a real-world rage. This thing is due to the various glitches, poor presentation, awful controls, and annoying setting. Road Redemption, on the other hand, is a fun game to play. The word “redemption” in the title did not only redeemed or somehow revived the fun gameplay mechanics found in the Road Rash series but delivered a great product to its backers and fans as well.
To that end, if you are looking for an excellent old motorcycle-themed vehicular combat action, then go for the redemption. It’s better to have rather than the rage.
