What began as an online retail mishap has turned into a full-on marketing blitz with the debut of the first trailer for Rage 2. The trailer is shot as a live-action smorgasbord of bright colors and apocalyptic imagery set to Andrew W.K.’s “Ready to Die.”
Check out the announcement trailer below.
It looks like Rage 2’s apocalypse might feature a few more fashion models than we’re used to, but it’s likely just establishing a more nonsensical style similar to Gearbox’s Borderlands franchise. There’s a fair blend of pink and yellow smoke with some darker landscapes, CG mutant creatures, and at least one large dude showering himself.
The trailer ends by announcing that a “worldwide gameplay reveal” will debut tomorrow. It’s a little hard to estimate what we’ll see in terms of gameplay after watching this trailer, especially considering gaming’s history with misleading trailers. (Dead Island, anyone?) The original Rage was a pretty typically desolate landscape, but still had a goofy charm to it, so perhaps they really are pursuing a more accessible, colorful vibe this go-around. Just please ditch the Suicide Squad aesthetic before it’s too late, OK, Rage 2?
Fans will remember that it was a little less than a week ago that Walmart’s Canadian site spilled the beans on a number of unannounced game sequels, including the (now confirmed) existence of Rage 2 and the (still unconfirmed) possibility of Gears of War 5, Just Cause 4, and a new Splinter Cell installment. While it’s common practice for retail stores to make placeholder listings ahead of large events like E3 to capitalize on pre-orders, this leak seemed to mistakenly reveal unannounced titles. Rage 2‘s presence among less surprising fare suggested the leak could be legit.
Also adding to the leak’s credibility was the assortment of tweets that Rage publisher Bethesda posted jokingly criticizing Walmart’s generic placeholder boxart and title font and the lack of an age rating.
Hey @WalmartCanada here are a few notes. pic.twitter.com/R1od2aTEMC
— RAGE 2 (@rage) May 9, 2018
It’s unclear if Bethesda intended to roll out promotion for Rage 2 this week or if it’s responding to the premature reveal. Either way, we have the full gameplay trailer to look forward to tomorrow.