Rage is a great linear shooter trapped inside an open-world game. Past the empty roads are detailed levels built around set pieces, with clear layouts that intentionally loop around to avoid backtracking. The hub cities feel alive, filled with great performances from voiced characters who react to your progress throughout the game. The gunplay is fun too, especially once later enemies push you to experiment with different weapons and ammo types. Unfortunately, the side quests, errands, and races keep interrupting everything the game does best. It starts slow and ends flat, but the middle has some of the best linear level design of its era.