My experience with Road Redemption started off rather casually. I wasn't expecting a game that blended motorcycle racing with Mad Max-style combat, but here we are. After spending a few hours with this title, I can say it's a simple, straightforward game that delivers on its promises without trying to be anything bigger than it is.
Getting Started: Menus and Settings
The first thing I did was go into the options to change the language to Spanish and adjust the graphics. Nothing fancy, just functional and straightforward menus. Road Redemption presents you with several options from the start: Campaign, Endless mode, Classic Quick Play, and the usual options. I decided to start with a Quick Play to familiarize myself with the controls before diving into the campaign. The character and bike selection is pretty basic. I chose Dutch as the driver and a standard bike to start. The starting map was "Raging Plateaus," a post-apocalyptic desert setting that sets the perfect tone for what's to come. The controls are briefly shown before you start, just enough to let you know which button does what.
Gameplay: Speed, Violence, and Chaos
Once the race starts, you realize this isn't a traditional racing game. Yes, you're speeding around on a motorcycle, but the goal isn't just to finish first. Here you must survive while punching, kicking, and eliminating everyone in your path. It's as if someone mixed Road Rash with a touch of modern brutality. The combat is simple but satisfying. You can strike with melee weapons, kick enemies to knock them off their bikes, and dodge civilian and military vehicles that appear along the way. Each successful hit grants you money, which is essential for upgrading your arsenal later. You also have nitro for those moments when you need an extra boost of speed.
My first races were a disaster, finishing seventh in the first and eighth in the second. The game isn't incredibly difficult, but it definitely requires getting used to the combat dynamics while maintaining control of the bike at high speeds.
Campaign Mode: A Simple But Functional Story
After warming up with the quick races, I launched into Campaign mode. The introduction is brief but effective: the country is in an uneasy truce, a masked assassin has eliminated the leader of the Ironsight arms cartel, and there's a $15 million bounty on his capture. Your job is to fight your way through enemy gangs to reach him. The first mission was a raid against the "Reaper" gang. The objective was simple: take down a specific number of enemies while advancing across the map. The HUD clearly shows how many enemies you have left to eliminate, which helps keep you focused. However, I failed on my first attempt when I was shot down after several consecutive engagements.
Customization and Progression
After each mission, you can access the shop to spend the money you've earned. Here you can buy weapon upgrades, increase your health, acquire new motorcycles, and more. The progression is clear: the more money you earn, the more powerful you become. It's not a revolutionary system, but it works well to maintain the feeling of constant progress. What's interesting is that each race allows you to customize your character and upgrade your equipment, making each attempt feel a little different from the last. You can choose from different melee weapons, firearms, and modifications for your motorcycle that directly affect your playstyle.
Uncomplicated Fun
Road Redemption isn't a game that's going to revolutionize the genre, nor does it aim to be. It's a simple, straightforward title that delivers what it promises: motorcycle racing with brutal combat in a post-apocalyptic setting. The graphics aren't cutting-edge, but they're functional and serve their purpose. The combat is satisfying without being too deep, and the progression keeps you engaged enough to want to keep playing. If you're looking for something complicated or with a deep narrative, this isn't the game for you. But if you're looking to spend some time de-stressing while hitting enemies on a speeding motorcycle, Road Redemption might be a good option. It's not great, but it's not bad either. It's simply an honest game that knows what it is and does it well. So, gamers, these are my first impressions of Road Redemption. If you like direct action, speed, and don't mind a little brutality, give it a try. See you in a future post when I've played more and can tell you how the experience evolves. See you next time!