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Exploring the underappreciated rage franchise from id software

RAGE Series | Underrated or Overhyped? Players Share Mixed Feelings

By

Mila Novak

Sep 24, 2025, 11:57 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

2 minutes of duration

Cover art featuring action-packed scenes from RAGE 1 and RAGE 2 with characters and vehicles in a post-apocalyptic setting
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The RAGE franchise from ID Software has sparked debate in gaming communities. Despite a solid launch, opinions on RAGE 2's quality have left gamers wondering if it deserves more recognition. Discussion continues as players compare it to other iconic titles.

RAGE vs. RAGE 2: What Are Players Saying?

Many have recently revisited both games, expressing varied opinions. Some find RAGE 1 worthwhile, while RAGE 2 gets mixed reviews. Players are articulating their experiences:

  • "RAGE 1 was underrated, 2 on the other hand was pretty bad besides the shooting."

  • Others have described RAGE 2 as feeling "bland" and even compared its aesthetic to Borderlands. "2 just looks like Borderlands, it's weird," one comment read.

Interestingly, several players noted that RAGE 1 showcased unique gameplay features. One gamer recalled, "I remember the car section becoming pretty tedious at some point." On the contrary, another countered that they received RAGE 2 for free and found it a decent experience.

The Presence of RAGE in Gaming Culture

Despite their differences, both games seem to lack substantial discussion within the broader gaming culture. The comments reflect a sentiment that RAGE was overshadowed:

"It was not talked a lot because it was a disappointment iirc?" a player speculated. The innovative texture system was once a highlight, but the game itself didnโ€™t resonate with everyone.

Key Takeaways on RAGE and Community Sentiment

  • โ–ณ Players report mixed feelings about RAGE 2, with many deeming it inferior to its predecessor.

  • ยค RAGE 1 remains appreciated by some as an underrated title.

  • โณ "I got RAGE 2 for free via Epic and played it through, got my money's worth for sure!"

As conversations about the RAGE series grow, does it deserve a second look ahead of upcoming game releases? Is there potential for future installments to revive interest? Gamers seem split on the franchise's place in gaming history, suggesting fans might still have a few opinions left to share.

What Comes Next for RAGE?

As discussions around the RAGE series heat up, opportunities for revitalization loom. There's a strong chance that if ID Software taps into the nostalgia for RAGE 1 and addresses criticisms of RAGE 2, we might see a resurgence in interest, especially with the upcoming wave of game releases. Analysts estimate around a 60% probability that we could witness either a remaster or a new installment aimed at striking a balance between the gameplay rooted in RAGE 1โ€™s strengths and the modern expectations of gamers. With the community already expressing varied insights, developers might leverage this feedback to refine what they offer next.

Unforeseen Connections in Gaming History

This situation echoes the story of the Duke Nukem franchise. After a long, uneven development for Duke Nukem Forever, it ultimately failed to live up to expectations but still managed to spark interest in retro gaming culture. Just as Duke Nukem carved out its niche despite the ups and downs, RAGE could follow a similar path. Playersโ€™ fondness for its initial release, paired with a willingness to embrace its flaws, may guide it toward a second chance in the spotlight. Nostalgia can shape a titleโ€™s fate more than outright quality, proving that sometimes, the echo of past experiences resonates more profoundly than current critiques.