What's the deal with Redneck Rampage?

[Graf Zahl]

I just finished playing through the first episode of Route 66 after finishing the original game and for me the game hasn't lost any of its appeal, my impression now mirrors the memories from 20+ years ago when I last played it, i.e. it still ranks at the very top of all the games I ever played. I have to say, I liked the first Route 66 episode even more than the original game.

My only real criticism about this game is the key sprite - it's way too unremarkable and easily overlooked, but aside from that, the levels still look great (in a very 2.5D way, of course ) and play a lot better than the entirety of Duke Nukem.

(Oh, and playing it with a port that allows defining music to play along the game helps even more - this was one deliberate change I made from RedNukem, which entirely disabled the music playing capabilities of the engine, aside from that [censored word] CD soundtrack the game was shipped with - that's something I can do without. )

And yet, the game gets a lot of negativity. I don't get it. What's supposed to be so bad here?

[Redneckerz]

Geniunely would not know why RR is hated - The times i did play it (I had the demo) i found it a lot of fun and it had a rather unique look. And ofcourse the voice samples were great. The combined package, even as a demo, elevated it for me from just a game to something i still have good memories from all this time later. I have even searched for a proper copy later on, but its a fluke to find these.

All in all, its a fine addition, mighty fine. Who does not love drinking moonshine and it actually affecting how the game behaves? Such a novel little thing back in the day and you still do not have many games that actually take this into account, let alone have you drink alcohol.

I wouldn't go as far as stating that it inspired my user name, but...

[wildweasel]

My problem with the game primarily lies in how easy it is to get lost; the keys are very difficult to find or distinguish, but so are half of the switches and interactive objects.

I haven't even managed to clear the second level, because I have no idea where I'm supposed to go, with the only obvious switch saying "yet even another kind of key needed."

[Graf Zahl]

Well, you got to - gasp! - find yet another key, of course! One thing about RR is that you sometimes have to take unusual paths to clear the objective (e.g. vents and ducts are not just secrets but sometimes necessary to progress.)

@Redneckerz:

Yes, the alcohol thing is something very unique. In most games, health bonuses are just that - but in RR you got to be careful how much you consume, being unable to walk straight because being too drunk is something unique.

[mjr4077au]

I only played the game briefly when I was a kid at a mates place before I realised he wasn't a good mate. Bought it on Steam to test out the latest pull requests I've done and I think it has a unique look to it as Redneckerz says. I'll be playing it more tonight when I get home

[Redneckerz]

Well, you got to - gasp! - find yet another key, of course! One thing about RR is that you sometimes have to take unusual paths to clear the objective (e.g. vents and ducts are not just secrets but sometimes necessary to progress.)

@Redneckerz:

Yes, the alcohol thing is something very unique. In most games, health bonuses are just that - but in RR you got to be careful how much you consume, being unable to walk straight because being too drunk is something unique.

Ironically, Duke Nukem Forever ''stole'' this mechanic - Drinking a can of beer will result in the screen turning hazy and controls get changed.

RR actually is more advanced in that regard with its alcohol meter.

Postal 2 also had the ability to get drunk and it affecting the game, but again, not as extensive as RR did it.

[Phredreeke]

IMO Rides Again is a big step up over the original game when it comes to level design. My favorite levels are the Refinery and Gamblin' Boat.

As for the key sprite...

[Graf Zahl]

As for the key sprite...

It doesn't need to be that big but surely loading a mod that enlarges it and makes it a bit brighter is highly recommended.

[sinisterseed]

And yet, the game gets a lot of negativity. I don't get it. What's supposed to be so bad here?

Personally, the enemies and sense of humor in RR is something I just don't get. This game is too much of an acquired taste and I don't seem able to grasp it - hell I can't even watch let's plays of it, by the time a level is finished I've already closed the video a while ago...

The setting, the player character, etc... it just doesn't click. There's nothing I find particularly attractive or engaging about this game.

[Enjay]

I think that's my problem with RR too. I simply don't "get" the whole redneck thing. I mean, I understand it but it's not relevant to me. I don't get the various "hooks" that should draw me in and it's a culture (I guess) that leaves me cold. i.e. the basic premise of the game, its setting, character, feel, humour and central concepts just leave me cold: I nether like them nor dislike them, but there is nothing to engage me about them either.

Also, the art style, the voices etc are not particularly appealing to me either.

[Phredreeke]

I find that RR's textures show up in all kinds of mods though

[markanini]

I like the theme and art direction of RR. My issue is with the level design causing a lot of key hunting, and the combat doesn't feel as good as the big three.

[mjr4077au]

I'm embarrassed that it took me 36 minutes to do the first level . I got stuck with the end guy. You kill him, you die. Use does nothing. Had to bonk him on the head with the crow bar to end the level...

[Graf Zahl]

Ha, ha. Yes, that can happen if you do not read the manual.

[mjr4077au]

Found a manual here and it definitely makes a difference to have read it