RAGE 2 reviews have dropped – but they're a mixed bag
RAGE 2 reviews are live but early impressions of this open-world shooter are pretty mixed.

Early reviews have dropped for Bethesda's upcoming RAGE 2, one of early 2019's most anticipated shooters. This neon-draped fusion of action and open-world adventure departs the original's uninspired tones, doubling down on unhinged action and punk attire. Hopes are high for the crazed successor, riding on its chaotic gameplay and a quirky persona.
With RAGE 2 slated for May 14, 2019, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, final impressions have dropped for outlets with pre-release copies. It appears Bethesda has distributed code to a select pool of outlets, resulting in a subset of under two-dozen critics with reviews for launch. Windows Central has just secured RAGE 2, with our early impressions in the works for coming days.
Related: Save $10 when you pre-order Rage 2 today!
Current RAGE 2 reviews praise its underlying gameplay, detailing exhilarating combat backed by robust gunplay. Following the success of the DOOM 2016 reboot, id Software's "heritage as FPS royalty" transpires in a wild post-apocalyptic sandbox. However, RAGE 2 also appears to suffer from its shift into the open world, reportedly failing to convey a compelling narrative, missions, and overall world building.
As of publication, RAGE 2 reviews are seemingly a pretty mixed bag. The game currently sits at a 73/100 score on Metacritic and a similar 72 "Fair" rating on OpenCritic; two of the industry's leading review aggregators. Impressions top out in the mid-80s, weighed down by a sizeable number of 50-60 scores. Below is a wrap-up of scores from some of the early reviews:
- JeuxVideo – 85/100
- IGN – 80/100
- USgamer – 80/100
- Destructoid – 80/100
- Attack of the Fanboy – 70/100
- PCGamesN – 70/100
- Game Informer – 70/100
- GamesRadar+ – 60/100
- GameSpot – 60/100
- Shacknews – 60/100
RAGE 2 isn't poised to be 2019's redefining shooter, however, still appears to feature some interesting underlying traits. In the meantime, preorders remain live at Amazon (opens in new tab) to secure your copy for launch.
RAGE 2 early 2019 preview: This shooter sequel looks downright WILD
RAGE hits the open world.
id Software's shooter expertise hits the open world, sculpting what might be a fresh face for the franchise. It's one to watch as May 14 approaches, shaping up as a fresh addition to Bethesda's top shooters.
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Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.
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That right there is why I've definitely dialed back pre-ordering games. Seemed like its a good decent game, but does read like its a must have day one type situation.
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Might rent it to give it a try, since I played the first one. But the first Rage left a bad impression because the game was so short.