With its dystopia setting, I initially thought that Rage was a clone of Fallout 3. Luckily, I discovered that it has a lot more potential. While it offers quite a bit of freedom and customization, it utilizes a more linear approach, allowing id Software to control things like pacing and storytelling, creating a game that is far more succinct in how things play out, but not at the cost of solid gameplay and ridiculous action.

One of the first things pointed out is the diversity the game allows when tackling objectives. In one room, you’ll be able to use, say, the standard set of weapons (shotguns, pistols, etc.), to decimate the enemy with reckless abandon. Should you prefer a more stealthy or efficient route, you can equip your crossbow, which is armed with electrobolts, so if a group of enemies are standing in some water, shoot some lightning to electrocute the lot of them in one swift blow. If you’d like to stay out of the fracas altogether, you can send in an explosive R.C. car in to keep enemies at bay. And, in a pinch, you could also use your wingstick, which is basically a boomerang with razor-sharp edges, to keep your foes at a distance, or if they should close the gap, you can pummel them until they’re not a problem any more.

Enemies found in the game are no slouches either – the enemy types are fairly diverse, with each collective having different styles in their combat. One clan may be super acrobatic, dodging incoming fire, jumping and climbing around the environment until they get a decent point to attack from. Another clan may focus on brute strength, trying to run you down with a car, and if you should manage to incapacitate said car, the driver will climb out and man a turret mounted on the car, fighting with everything they’ve got and using any advantage they find to get the drop on you.

The environments and quests you’ll have to embark on are also another example of the diversity found within. You may be tossed into a sewer system, charged with the task of simply taking out every baddie in sight. You may need to navigate through a cavernous mine to complete a quest. You may even be forced to participate in Mutant Bash TV (a Running Man type television show), set in a series of carnival-themed platforms, eliminating the hordes of foes trying to kill you, all in order to get some added resource.

Another interesting element comes with the game’s engineering system. You’ll be able to build items like the aforementioned R.C. car, sentry bots (spider-like drones armed with guns), lock picking kits, safe cracking tools, or simply upgrade your set of weapons and armor. To do this, no longer will you need any sort of engineering stats on your character. Rather, all you’ll need are the parts and plans, doing away with quite a bit of the tedium found in several other games that restrict you from access to some of the cooler items, and it’s a hugely appreciated touch.

Considering the pedigree of the studio behind the game, it should come as no shock that the game looks good. Really good. And yet, I'm still surprised. With all the amazing gameplay and the smart mix of variety, linear gameplay and freedom in what you can do, Rage is shaping up to be one hell of a ride.