The whole theme of death via beheading is a focal point of the whole game, which is thickened out somewhat by a surprisingly well-written plot that challenges players to think about their own lives and moral choices.
Annoying Suprises
Rage in Peace switches from 2D to a pseudo-isometric view dependant on the tasks needed of players at a certain level. Furthermore, Rage in Peace pushes players into a puzzle/memory mechanic that can simply change its mind the moment a player dies (Which will be a lot, get used to that readers!)
In fact, Rage in Peace is more or less trolling it’s players, forcing punters to memorise not only the initial trap but every variant of it. The control system has players back with a precision that has come to be expected in most 2D platformer titles, complete with both standard and double jump options.
The level design in Rage in Peace has already been touched on with it’s endlessly changing traps, but for it rage quitting tendencies, the levels are well designed.
Grim in Disguise
As far as presentation goes, the cartoon aesthetic brings this title away from the gore and grit of other ‘Git Gud’ titles and sets it apart from the latter. The framerate compliments its queer art style brilliantly and works hand in hand with the brilliant precision controls.
However, I felt more like I was bringing a hand made Swiss Army Knife to a Bastard Sword convention. Rage in Peace just doesn’t give players a chance to sport their muscle memory due to a random spike or reach around moment that was randomly added, thus blowing one’s memory banks.
Rage Quit Ahoy!
For the aforementioned rage quitting players, there is something called the ‘GoldFish Mode’ which allows for more forgiving gameplay experiences. Whilst difficulty levels stay mostly the same, players will find more checkpoints including boss battles (Normally these are none existent)
The sound effects are well recorded and are not to be ‘snuffed’ at for a budget Switch title, whilst the OST goes from Heavy Metal chunk to celebratory Disco at a moments notice. The main gameplay is mostly dependant on in-game sound effects, which is a pretty cool way to add tension. Not that Rage in Peace needs it.
Verdict:
Graphics: 8
Presentation: 8
Gameplay: 6
Sound: 7
Overall Score: 7.3 / 10
Rage in Peace isn’t a bad game as such, but it trolls players hard. Whilst one can understand the need for a title having a certain gimmick to set it apart from the crowd, Rage in Peace just seems to raise the stakes whenever it damn well feels like it. It makes for hilarious playthrough videos, but in this reviewers case, not so much a great or memorable gameplay experience.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (Reviewed) and Steam
Release Date: 08/11/2018
Price: £10.79 (eShop)
Publisher: Toge Productions
Developer: Rolling Glory Jam
Pegi Rating: 12+
Review copy provided by publisher
Reggie Reviews 